Redo Your Vocabulary and Math Homework, Mr. Vadacchino!

Like the majority of LaSalle residents, I'm following the property tax situation. I'm not surprised to see Mr. Vadacchino peddle false information, and even go as far as manipulating the population by means of misinformation.

I can't pass over in silence how outraged I was to read-on the front page of the December 17 issue of Le Messager, that Mr. Vadacchino feels "like a raped woman". Going so far as the horror of saying that he "understands why a raped woman doesn't have the courage to talk, because she is ashamed." And over and above this absurdity, making a comparison, for us, with the population of LaSalle in relation to its elected representatives?

Mr. Vadacchino, I was a rape victim. And your remarks are an unspeakable insult! How can you dare claim to "understand", and above all-yes, above all-compare rape to a matter of money? This once again gives me confirmation of your total lack of respect, your ignorance and your insatiable need to attract attention (even by making a fool of yourself with your absurd statements). The only undeniable talent I can acknowledge you as having is that of manipulating the population so well. You know how to attract attention, dear sir. I see you are very good at juggling words, and even better at doing so with figures!

I'll cast aside your lack of diplomacy and judgement to invite you to go back to school and take your math courses again. Since you want so much to be the spokesman for the population, I believe that you have the duty-and even the obligation-to provide my fellow residents with the real financial data and mathematical figures related to this tax increase: This year, my tax bill will be $2,825, compared to $2,141 last year. If I were to confine myself to reacting as you do, it would be easy for me, to go up to the podium and introduce myself as a great defender of widows and orphans, with bundles of figures taken from anywhere and everywhere and in any economic and social context.

Fortunately, I'm not power hungry. I prefer to analyse and examine information before condemning the elected officials. I have been managing my property for the past 23 years and I'm happy to note the 80% increase in the value of my home. That's the first proof that I'm living in a quality, choice borough. And my banker is happy to see one of my major assets increase in value in this way... From 1990 to 1999, I paid $2,700 in taxes; however, my property was evaluated at 66% less than now! The tax rate per $100 of valuation has varied between 1.8276 and 1.7200.

You're proclaiming it's a scandal and that our elected officials are incompetent because of a tax rate of 1.2759 for 2007, with an average increase of 47% in the value of our properties? I would be pleased to lend you my calculator, Mr. Vadacchino. But sadly enough, I don't believe you would know how to use it.

Lorraine Ladouceur