As I did my federal taxes this past week, I was happy to see a modest decline in my taxes this past year.

The 'Harper hundred' given every month for each of my boys under six has helped -- even though it is taxable -- and the fitness credit was of some benefit.

Of course this little tax relief at the federal level is more than eaten at the local level, which has been the case for sometime now no matter what party is in office.

Lately, my federal taxes continue to go down, the provincial taxes stay the same and my municipal taxes keep going up. No wonder my issue is with the level of government that keeps taking more of my money.

Now let me say I'm not one of these ultra right- wing zealots who scream every time a local politician spends more of their money. I am well aware of the downloading of services that the municipality now needs to pay for. I also believe in some income redistribution to meet city goals for the greater good.

But with that also comes the expectation that I want to see my elected officials being cognizant that they have to spend within their means.

I'm not sure if that has been the case here locally, but that's the great thing about living here in Guelph. I don't need to feel guilty if I'm not doing enough for the environment or contributing enough to community-based social services. All I have to do is remind myself that I pay Guelph property taxes and reflect on how much I have given and will continue to give.

Debating the merits of where our property tax dollar goes however, is not my current focus of concern.

What bugs me is the new rationalization for the annual property tax increase -- that it has to be raised to keep up with inflation.

I heard this from the mayor of Toronto, David Miller, who wrongly indicated there would be no property tax increases in that city, only a cost of living increase.

I have heard that same argument given here, but the last time I checked, the annual cost of living has been running much lower than annual property tax increases.

What makes things worse is that every time they reassess my property it goes up in value, so I am getting hammered on both ends of this calculation.

I'm sure my situation isn't unique. In fact, I haven't heard of anyone who has had their home reassessed at a lower price.

So if the tax pie keeps getting bigger each year, why the annual tax hikes at a greater rate than inflation?

Some say it's needed to pay for all of the city's growth, but growth if managed properly should pay for itself.

So the only possible conclusions that can be drawn are that our local politicians have managed our city's rapid growth poorly or they are unable to say no when it comes to increased spending.

My guess is that it has been a combination of the two.

But before we look to criticize our local government, we do need to look in the mirror.

Voter turnout and media attention is greatest for a federal election and lowest for municipal. Yet, the issues that will affect us most in our day-to -day lives are decided at our local city hall. If we don't take our local politics more seriously and urge each other to get involved, then the branch of government that is growing in importance and taxing us more and more suffers.

Whether it is on Parliament Hill or your local city hall -- the best thing and the worst thing about democracy is that people get what they deserve.

Gregory Cawsey is a member of the Mercury's Community Editorial Board.