A few weeks ago a senior politician was speaking with this scribbler about the proposed pay increase for the elected people occupying the Provincial legislature. The justification for the pay increase was the need for more capable people running for office; presumably the current group doesn't meet the required standard.

The increase passed without too much opposition giving the lads and lassies a 31% rise in income and for some as much as $40,000 increases. So far there is no perceived improvement in the performance of the government nor a big rush by the "more intelligent" to seek office.

Translate the Queen's Park indulgence to the City of Toronto's council and we see the mayor about to introduce yet another tax, this one named the Congestion Tax.

This will penalize those who drive into the city to their places of work. Each vehicle owner will be required to cough up $20.00 per day for the privilege of entering the hallowed grounds of Toronto. The purpose of yet another tax it is said to be is in the pursuit of clean air that will then permit all to breathe in a pollution free environment.

The question is what will be the costs? Those prepared to pay up will add to their cost of the daily commute $100.00 per week plus the new parking fees, about $75.00 weekly. Add to that the cost of gasoline, maintenance and repair to one's vehicle, and if one uses the 407 the rising charges to use a roadway constructed with taxpayers' money and it soon becomes a prohibitive additional expense.

The genius at the helm here is Mayor Miller who is sending one of his friends to England to see how things work there where such a tax has been in place for some time.

A taxpayer funded holiday for a buddy. It works in London because the surrounding areas are well served by underground and surface rail systems that provide the alternates to the automobile.

Should this tax grab ever be put in place the revenue loss to the city and to businesses will be heavy. Tourist will think twice before coming to Toronto. Hotels and restaurants will lose business and industry and commerce will be forced to consider moving to outlying population centres to retain cash flow.

To clean the air the first priority is to plan a commuter transportation system, preferably a rapid transit rail system that serves all outlying communities and provides adequate parking for commuters from the surrounding areas. The plan should consider alignments of the routes ensuring the protection of the greenbelt and all sensitive environments.

The cost would be significant, but if a transcontinental rail system could be built when Canada's population was about 5,000,000 and leadership daring and innovative, then it not only should be undertaken now but must be before inflation puts it out of reach.

Ken Hayward

Mono