The amalgamation of the City of Hamilton and Dundas, Ancaster, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek was imposed upon the citizens of all of these communities by the former Provincial Government of Premier Mike Harris, at the urging of Hamilton politicians and businesses. Ostensibly, this was to create better efficiencies in service delivery, blending of by-laws, etc., leading to the eventual lowering of taxes for all residents. Most of the taxpayers in the surrounding municipalities were not fooled by these lofty claims and vigourously opposed amalgamation. Even our MPP, Toni Skarica, resigned because of this amalgamation, paving the way for our former Mayor, Ted McMeekin, to take the seat.

Let's look at what has transpired since amalgamation. As a resident of rural Flamborough, our City taxes, have almost doubled since amalgamation. Prior to amalgamation, we did not have sidewalks, street lights, water or sewers. We still do not have any of these amenities, and probably never will. Our road, which is "tar and chip", has been re-coated once in over 30 years.

Our wells are maintained at our own expense. The water is high in calcium and other minerals and therefore, requires treatment - again, at our expense. Those who have had their wells "going dry" have had to install cisterns, again, at their own expense, and must now pay for water delivery every month at $135 per load.

Our septic systems are maintained at our own expense. They need to be pumped out periodically, at a cost now exceeding $250. Other maintenance, over time, will add up to thousands of dollars more.

"Area Rating" was the token bone that was thrown to us in this forced marriage. It was supposed to level the playing field between the city and the country. It has addressed only a tiny fraction of the disparity, yet many councillors would take even that away. Many of you believe that we are getting a break from area rating. Aside from the items that I have mentioned, already, there are others: a fire department staffed by volunteers; the nearest bus stop is in Dundas, about 5 km away. And, despite the length of this letter, it only begins to address our issues. There are many, many more.

Our elected officials must find savings and efficiencies. They cannot continue to impose ever increasing burdens upon us. Asking the provincial and federal governments for more funding is not the answer. They must learn to do more with less. They must set aside funds for repairing infrastructure, before talking about spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a new transit system.

We all like to be involved in exciting new projects, but the time is not right. More tax revenues mean less discretionary spending, which means more recessionary pressures. Everything is connected.

Get the budget under control, WITHOUT MORE TAXES! Sound like a tough job? This is why you signed up. This is what you were elected to do.

Syd Evans, Dundas