Atchison’s “goal”: Dupe voters through crafty words

On October 17, 2003, The StarPhoenix reported that Don Atchison “would freeze civic taxes in the first year.” In fact, Saskatoon’s media widely reported Atch’s no tax increase platform during the 2003 election campaign.

Of course, we all know how well that turned out:

Year / Tax Increase
2004 - 3.24%
2005 - 3.94%
2006 - 1.86%
2007 - 4.76%
2008 - 5.44%
2009 - 2.87%

That's a combined mill rate increase of 22.1% under Atchison.

More interesting is how Atchison later justified his tax increases:

“I didn’t promise that. I said it’s my goal.”
as quoted in The StarPhoenix, January 22, 2004

“A goal is something you want to aim for. A promise means I’m going to be able to fulfill that promise to you… I was careful never to use the word promise.”
as quoted in The StarPhoenix, March 12, 2005

Regardless of no tax increases being a “goal” or a “promise,” did anyone at the time hear Atchison jump up to correct this common interpretation of his election platform?

Thus, it would seem most prudent for voters to make it their “goal” to listen carefully to Atchison’s forthcoming “promises.” And to be safe, bring a dictionary.

Sources:
Nickel, Rod. (2003, October 17). Making a good city great: Mayoral hopeful Peter Zakreski promises changes. StarPhoenix, p. A3.
Nickel, Rod. (2004, January 24). Taxpayers face annual hike. StarPhoenix, p. A3.
Nickel, Rod. (2005, March 12). Property tax hike will sting: Increase could be seven per cent. StarPhoenix, p. A1.