Several Penhold residents were ready to sign up to axe their taxes – for a few weeks at least.
Force Four Entertainment, the production company that's developing a series about what people would do to reduce or get rid of taxes completely, held an open house at the Penhold Regional Multiplex Dec. 4 to see what kind of interest there is in participation by Penhold residents.
Nicole Lawson, director of development, said Penhold is on a short list of communities being considered as the location for the series. That short list includes four other communities, she said. Central Alberta managed to get two entries on that nationwide list with Lacombe and Penhold.
“It always comes down to the amount of response,” Lawson said of what it would take to get Penhold into the top spot. She said having people contact the company to say they'd be willing to participate or driving the “likes” up on their Penhold Project Facebook page would help make the decision.
The show, which has garnered interest from an undisclosed national broadcaster, is inspired by a BBC series that had a town in the United Kingdom get a chunk of money representing their tax dollars and decide how to spend it.
Sean De Vries, a director on the series, mentioned the UK show as well and noted to the crowd that the experience helped the community appreciate how many services were provided by municipalities.
Lawson said they're hoping to have financial incentives on the show, giving participants something to possibly win.
De Vries, Lawson and Tara-Lee Novak, development producer, were all on hand to field questions from the crowd that turned out to hear about the show.
In response to questions, they said filming would take three to eight weeks.
They said a demo could be shot as early as January if a decision is made.
After the talk, people were given the chance to sign up to be on the mailing list about the show.
Some reactions from residents indicate people think a lot could be learned by the experience.
“I think it would be good to bring people together,” said Helen Frank. Her husband, Ralph Frank, said it might show people why they pay taxes.
The couple said they'd consider participating though added they actually don't get many municipal services due to their home being on an acreage.
Wanda Lee said she'd be willing to tackle tasks like volunteering at the splash park for the efforts.
“I think it'd be fun and I think it'd be a challenge,” she said. She said it'd help people get to know their neighbours.
Ken McCarthy said he'd hosted the folks from Force Four and the residents of Bouteiller Close at his home the night before, as apparently most of the close is interested in participating.
“They put it much better forward tonight,” he said of the trio's presentation. “I think it was very well received.”
McCarthy, who drew attention to concerns over property taxes in Penhold this summer with a series of signs and an unofficial town meeting at his property, said he'd volunteer to be on the show “in a heartbeat.”
Phil Sandstra said he thought it'd help open residents' and council's eyes if the show goes forward in Penhold.
Mayor Dennis Cooper's comments were similar to Sandstra's, saying it could be a learning experience for citizens and councillors.
“It's a socially engaging experiment,” he said.
