In response to Bryan Goulding's commentary in the Province on Aug. 12, claiming the "New Taxi Bylaw unjust and disturbing", I find the arguments made by Mr. Goulding were just that – unjust and disturbing. Mr.
In response to Bryan Goulding's commentary in the Province on Aug. 12, claiming the "New Taxi Bylaw unjust and disturbing", I find the arguments made by Mr. Goulding were just that – unjust and disturbing.
Mr. Goulding's defence of and loyalty to Ray and Hazel Plato and their Innisfail Taxi company is noteworthy, and I'm sure they appreciate it. But the arguments he makes in that defence just do not fare well.
The current taxi service is simply not enough for what this growing town needs. It has a very limited window of operations throughout the week and during those operations often lacks the resources (vehicles) to supply the needs of the Innisfail populace.
I have, on occasion, used Innisfail Taxi successfully. However on other occasions I have also been told by them, at reasonable hours, that it is not available. It makes it difficult to rely on the service.
We have hosted a few large family gatherings in the past with many guests staying in hotels in town. Yet some of them, who would have liked to have had a couple of drinks and get a taxi instead of driving, just couldn't.
Nor can patrons of Innisfail Town Theatre rely on it after a show, nor those at the Kinsmen auction, the Kinette Dinner of Diamonds, legion functions, Rotary Club gatherings, golf tournaments. Nor patrons at karaoke night at the local pub. Nor can a young girl getting off a late shift at a local restaurant rely on getting a taxi instead of walking home alone if she, or her parents, wish.
Our town is growing and services need to grow with it. With all due respect to the Platos, the current taxi service, an effective monopoly, just isn't enough. We need more.
No one has, as you say, "choked the life out of an Innisfail-based family run business". The Platos are free to adhere to this bylaw by next year if they wish. Though Mr. Plato has indicated in this paper that they will not be.
The Taxi Bylaw notwithstanding, what would happen if and when the Platos decided to retire their business? What would be in place to oversee taxi service then? What assurances would we have that whomever would fill in would provide a safe, clean and dependable service?
There is nothing "malicious" in the town's intent with this bylaw. On the contrary, it serves the citizens well, now and into the future. I welcome it.
Mr. Goulding's commentary and especially his sophomoric rant about the town dictating when all other businesses shall be open, is heavy on hyperbole and light on substance. He asks, "Are we picking up on the absurdity here?"
Well, yes. I believe we are.
Jim Carroll is a long-time Innisfail resident with a concern for the Town and its residents getting home safely.
