Four candidates for mayor presented different approaches to spending and property taxes during a September 23 Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade forum.
Incumbent Mayor Kevin Ashe and challengers Doug Cornell, Janice Frampton and Lisa Robinson addressed the question of controlling municipal costs while maintaining services. They are among seven candidates seeking the mayor’s office in the October 26 election.
Candidates outline tax approaches
Ashe described affordability as a serious concern and said increasing Pickering’s commercial assessment would reduce reliance on homeowners. He said about 80 per cent of the City’s tax revenue currently comes from residential properties and 20 per cent from businesses.
Cornell pointed to costs at both the City and Region, including the Durham Regional Police capital plan. He questioned the nearly $5.3 million approved for a City Hall clock-tower retrofit and said road services should take priority.
Frampton said she would reduce discretionary spending, citing art installations and cost growth on the Walnut Lane extension. She referred to previous years with no City tax increase while arguing that spending should benefit the wider community.
Robinson promised a zero per cent increase for the City portion of the property-tax bill. She also called for an independent spending review, fewer outside consultants and clearer separation between needs and wants.
The discussion addressed only the municipal candidates’ stated positions. Pickering property-tax bills also include regional and education portions that are not set solely by City council.
