🚀 go-pugleaf

"Richard K. Downer" <richard.k.downer@boeing.com> wrote:

...
>> What _DID_ surprise me, though, is that non-residents of the
>> province, despite paying taxes HIGHER than local full time
>> residents (they get grants to offset taxes - depends on age,
>> etc.) simply CANNNOT vote in  _any_ BC provincial elections
>> or referenda of any kind.  In other words, I pay full taxes
>> but cannot vote on _anything_ involving my property.
>> 
>> Hardly sounds fair - does it?
>
>I think it's quite fair to only allow people to vote in one location.

Why is that fair?  I pay taxes (more - up to three times the
"locals").  Are you suggesting then that I need only pay
taxes in one location?  Besides, keep reading - I address
your point further on.

> If
>you wish to vote in BC elections, establish BC citizenship (residency,
>whatever) and register to vote there. 

I intend to - in the future.  The problem is that decisions
made NOW impact my ability to do so.

>If you think this is unfair, sell
>your second home; most people (who can't afford two homes) would
>consider you a spoiled rich kid and tell you to enjoy your good fortune
>and quit complaining. 

I have absolutely no problem whatsoever not getting a break
on taxes on a second home.  Nor do I mind paying school
taxes - the largest part of the bill BTW - or  for services
I do not need.  I support the fair and equitable payment of
real property taxes.

What I, and any reasonably rational and fair and democratic
individual  might also think is that "taxation without
representation" is fascist.

>Choosing where you will vote is just another
>"cost" of your second home; if you can't afford every aspect of owning
>it, you should sell it.

Huh?  Due to hard work (and not handouts) I _can_ afford it.
<I only wish I was a "rich kid"...>

 But do you realize that non-local residents to an area in
BC _can_ vote (non-resident elector clause in the current
Municipal Act)?  WHat that means is that a full time BC
resident DOES have the right to vote in two places.

So basically the BC government says we'll take your
non-resident money but if as you reside SOMEWHERE in the
province you can tell your neighbour what to do.

Tom