The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released survey results today after posing some difficult questions to those running for council in the Calgary election. Notably, the CTF received survey responses from the three frontrunners running for Mayor and from candidates running in thirteen of fourteen wards.

“If voters are concerned about their rising property tax bills, they should take a look at the survey results,” said Interim Alberta Director Colin Craig. “We asked candidates about whether they would make some tough decisions to save taxpayers money. Some candidates said they would, others said they wouldn't.”

The CTF was pleased to see 37 candidates agree to some degree of scaling back costly pension costs, 32 candidates agreed to scale back salary costs, and 34 candidates agreed to putting a cap on future property tax increases.

“We were pleased to see mayoral candidate Bill Smith commit to go beyond a property tax increase cap and find actual savings for taxpayers,” said Craig. “However, we would like to see more details from him about just how many tax dollars he is willing to contribute to a new arena.”

“We were disappointed Mayor Nenshi would not commit to capping property taxes," said Craig. “Despite supporting some taxpayer money for a new arena, Mayor Nenshi has committed to be a much tougher negotiator than the former mayor of Edmonton proved to be.”

Voters can see the survey results by visiting the CTF’s website (Taxpayer.com) – click here