Re: “Renters should carry some of the municipal tax burden,” commentary, Nov. 26.

After reading this, I thought to myself, “What a great idea, the lowest income people should shoulder some of the burden for multinational corporations that charge $2,257 average for a one-bedroom apartment.”

I had a few more ideas to help these poor corporate souls. Such as, if you have a trade, you are first in line for an apartment, as you can do upkeep and repairs (you pay for parts, naturally).

Why should a business based in Toronto include fridges and stoves? Have the tenants rent them from the owners as well (makes you feel more involved in a community if you are sharing a fridge with two other people on the same floor).

Plus, the best part of this idea is that it helps prevent people from saving enough to buy a place, thus encouraging more building, as no one can afford to leave or complain.

All kidding aside, this complicated jumble of ideas will not make renters “more engaged,” it will just allow corporations to squeeze more out of people who can little afford it.

The one good part in this comment the fact that it was from a “former councillor” and not one who is currently in governance. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Dean Sagan

Saanich

Re: “Island rail restoration is a visionary goal,” letters, Nov. 26.

A little test: What is wrong with the following statement? ‘The Island rail restoration is an excellent idea, so long as at least a million inhabitants of South Island give up their vehicles.”

Yes, that’s it, we don’t have the population to justify an improved rail system.

The existing system, when running, can amuse tourists, but expanding it to carry a large number of people would require straightening the line and modern, streamlined carriages.

Now there is vision!

Joe Harvey

Victoria

The political landscape in British Columbia presents a striking........

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