Dear Editor
I appreciate the editor’s reference (“New Beginnings late to fundraising task") to my work at the beginning of the decision-making process that has led to the construction of the new Saskatchewan Hospital.
I also appreciate the editor’s concern and North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton’s concern that the city taxpayer has been asked to pay for the furniture to be put into this new building when construction is finished.
The mayor is right in saying that local taxpayers should not be assessed what he says will amount to a $3 million special tax levy (similar to the existing two for municipal recreation and infrastructure replacement).
There is nothing wrong with the people of Saskatchewan being asked to financially contribute on an individual or corporate basis to improving the quality of life of people living with a mental illness, but there is something wrong with the thinking this financial support should be made for desks, chairs and filing cabinets instead of operational programs that provide vocational, recreational, nutritional or housing support like that delivered by Canadian Mental Health Association branches all across this province and country.
And, heaven forbid, if the province insists that municipal governments should do fundraising for furniture in a provincial building then all municipalities (including Saskatoon, and Regina) must be asked to contribute through special tax levies as well.
I urge Mayor Hamilton, and the councils in North Battleford, Battleford and the surrounding rural municipalities to resist and reject the request for a special tax levy. People living with a mental illness need the community’s continuing financial support, but there are more urgent needs than this.
Len Taylor
North Battleford
