I Just Got This . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . 



Thank you for your e-mail regarding the consultation 
on new revenue tools and taxes.  As the City of 
Toronto Budget Chief, I strongly believe in the consultation 
process, and I value your comments on this issue.   
The new revenue tools being discussed by the City of 
Toronto will allow the City to plan for growth in key areas, 
while continuing to maintain the high level of service that 
residents of this City expect.  
Modern cities around the world - cities like Chicago, New York, 
and London - offset property taxes with other more progressive 
taxes that grow with the economy. This shares the burden across 
those who can afford it, and allows cities to grow in good times so 
they are sustained in the bad times. As Budget Chief, 
I am firmly committed to a new vision of City financing. 
A vision of a system which seeks to make revenue-raising more equitable, 
transparent, and sustainable.      In my view, any new revenue tool or tax 
must have a clearly identified point of investment whereby citizens of the 
City can understand exactly what their money is being used for.  
For example, revenue from a proposed vehicle license registration 
fee would be linked to a specific transportation initiative.   However, 
new taxes are not the only solution, and they were not granted to 
Toronto to meet our fiscal gap. They were designed to support the 
long-term growth of our city. A sustainable Toronto still requires 
continuous investment from both levels of government.  For months now, 
I have been lobbying the Provincial government to follow their own 
legislation and provide the City the money it is owed for cost-shared 
Provincial social services.  It is not  acceptable that Toronto property-tax 
payers shoulder a disproportionate burden of provincially-mandated social 
services and I am committed to continuing to raise this issue with Provincial 
representatives until it is resolved.   Also, I have been actively supporting the 
Mayor's "One Cent Now" campaign to get a portion of the federal GST for all 
municipalities.     I believe cities succeed when they have reliable funding 
that grows with the economy. Both levels of government need to recognize 
the need to adequately fund Canadian municipalities, especially the City of 
Toronto. Finally, I recognize the need to continue to identify savings and 
efficiencies within the existing City budget. This year's budget includes over 
$120 million in savings. As the Budget Chief, I am committed to continuing 
to review every city division to cut costs while maintaining a high level of 
service.      Thank you again for your comments.  I will be forwarding your 
comments to Revenue Tools staff for inclusion in the community consultation 
report.    Sincerely,   Councillor Shelley Carroll City of Toronto Budget Chief 
Ward 33 - Don Valley East (416) 392-4038