The obvious solution to this problem? Move back to town, problem solved!

Of course, what they fail to mention is that while they enjoy their country lifestyle far from the maddening crowd, the taxes they save in a rural setting offsets much of what they pay in town for their business. Rural property assessments and tax rates represent a fraction of the burden placed on a comparable property in an urban setting.

Ultimately, it boils down to a personal choice based on evaluating all the pros and cons, recognizing that the right to vote municipally is surrendered by choosing to live outside the boundaries.

If we are going to decide who can vote according to who pays municipal taxes or not, doesn’t this establish a dangerous precedent? Is the corollary to this the withdrawal of voting rights to those within a municipality that don’t directly pay city taxes?

If we are going to advocate for all inclusive community participation in municipal affairs then shouldn’t we consider all citizens and not just a few malcontent business owners?

Perhaps a revision to the Municipal Act could establish something akin to townships within the Yukon.

A township is a district associated with a town or a city that does not necessarily involve expansion of boundaries or change the status quo for rural residents.

Those living within a defined area surrounding a town or city would be allowed to vote and run in municipal elections just as they do in other parts of Canada today. Residency and citizenship requirements would remain the same.

To the Chambers of Commerce advocating for absentee business owner voting privileges I would urge you to also consider the people, both in town and out, that support the businesses you represent and do try to be a little less self serving.

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Eagle has just experienced their worst flood in recorded history. Many Dawsonites remember our flood in 1979 and the devastation that it created.

So I’m calling on Dawsonites to help out in any way that you can by sending care packages to Eagle Bible Chapel, Amundson St, Eagle, AK 99738. Unfortunately, there are families that have lost everything. Items such as fleece or wool jackets/shirts, wool trousers, foul-weather gear, knit hats, gloves, socks, rubber boots , etc. Don’t forget underwear, toiletries, pain-killers, emollient hand lotions, soap, towels or anything else you can think of that could help.

Here’s a link to the American Red Cross, they have contact info regarding the Eagle disaster.

The Fairbanks News Miner has more info as well.

If there is another way for Dawsonites to help our friends in Eagle let me know and we’ll get it going. Perhaps a rebuilding bee once the water is gone. Your thoughts?

If you prefer, just bring your donations to the city office and we’ll package everything up and get it to the people in Eagle.

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