An Echo from the past

At  the Old Town Hall last night I had resolutions on the table  to direct legal services to review  tax status of two publicly owned properties. One  tax exempt. The other  not. 

The town is paying regional and educational taxes on the Soccer Dome. 

No taxes are payable on the soccer field at the south end of town  though there is  a club house on the property  with  a liquor license  that caters to receptions and business lunches and welcomes the public.

Both  resolutions failed.

It seemed Councillors were apprehensive  of offending  the men's soccer club by drawing  attention  to their affairs. Councillor Gallo revealed  himself  to be a member of the club. I assume paid up,  and said he did not know of any of the activities mentioned in the resolution.

I daresay I could find the ad in the Auroran ago  advertised business men's lunches at the club. 

 I'm sure  could track down the lighted sign on the road allowance at the time of the South African World Soccer Tournament . The public  were invited to come in and enjoy the brew and  amazing  television..

I could probably dig up a witness to  the  election victory party of the former Mayor. 

I could remind people of the fleet of school buses parked on the property  for years, in contravention of the lease. 

None of these things were done in secret.  

But none of it is the issue.  

Two publicly- owned properties similarly used,  one tax exempt .the other not is.the contradiction. 

The former Mayor was in the Council chamber last night.With a tape recorder. It's thought, to listen to debate on the Code of Conduct.

That's another story.

The confluence of events served to remind me of another night in the past.

 I had brought attention to the sign on the road allowance inviting the public into the  men's soccer club house to enjoy the amenities. 

Six or  eight  soccer club members  came to the Council Chambers. 
and  ranged themselves in the top row of spectator seats directly opposite myself.  

With folded arms and  grim countenances they glared at me in unison  as if daring me to  speak.

In my mind's eye  I see  great.hulking bruisers, in  black and  dark green striped jerseys, bare knees streaked with dirt, jammed together at the shoulders determined  to look fearsome.

The former Mayor  always  managed to find  people willing to do the dirty work of her bidding 

Naturally I crawled into my shell.  

Meek and mild , I told them. I said:

"It's  not right for you to take business away from people who are paying taxes and mortgages or rent and   creating jobs and struggling to stay afloat and sponsoring your junior teams while you pay  no rent or  mortgage or taxes or  meet a payroll and compete with them for town business.

It's not fair.    I should not have to tell you that "

Nothing terrible happened.

They went away, some telling others. "She's right, you know" 

Of course I was right. 

Somebody had to speak up for  people in the food business. 

They can't do it themselves.

 Business depends on good will.   

    
         

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