ST. CATHARINES CREATED ITS OWN BUDGET WOES

Re. St. Catharines property taxes going up $400 on average, May 30:

City politicians are playing the "blame game," pointing to Niagara Region council as the reason property taxes in St. Catharines are increasing an average of $400: "This is all on them right now," said one councillor.

My oh my, are memories short.

When city council transferred transit services to the Region there was a cost savings of about $13.5 million. These costs would eventually be paid by taxpayers from the regional budget. Instead of returning these savings to city taxpayers, city council made a decision to spend the savings on new staffing, enhanced salaries and additional services.

I find it quite appalling the same councillors would turn around and blame another level of government for this tax increase.

Instead of blaming others for the increase, St. Catharines city councillors should take some responsibility and develop a plan to control spending moving forward.

When you have an upper-tier and lower-tier government this is the type of finger pointing that is going to happen.

ALLEN MCKAY ST. CATHARINES