FRANK KLEES, M.P.P.
Oak Ridges
May 27, 2004

Dear Mr. Panter:

Today, I spoke with my staff about your comments with respect to our ‘Taxpayer Protection’ petition campaign, and I want you to know that I agree fully with your position on this issue. If the referendum law for taxpayer protection should be respected, then so too should the referendum for the Kawartha Lakes de-amalgamation. If Dalton McGuinty should be pressured to keep his promise to hold a referendum on tax increases, it stands to reason that he should have respected the wishes of those who voted in Kawartha Lakes.

I do understand that implementing de-amalgamation will involve a great deal of practical difficulty for some of the municipalities concerned. No doubt, some will also argue that the margin of decision in favour of de-amalgamation was small, and so I would hope that any deamalgamation transition would be organized with foresight and efficiency when the Liberal government finally sees reason and delivers on its word.

Nevertheless, it was utterly pointless for Premier McGuinty to promise to give taxpayers a say through a referendum, and then to hold that referendum, if the intention was not to respect the result of the voters who took the time to cast their ballots.

I hope that answers your question, and please accept my best wishes in your efforts in this regard.

Yours sincerely,

Frank Klees,
MPP- Oak Ridges
cc:
Lynne Boldt, VOCO
Laurie Scott, MPP — Haliburton-Victoria-Brock