Editor:
This was proven at the final "Public Hearing" on the proposed county budget, which was a skillfully scripted farce. It was apparent that the commissioners already had determined how they were going to vote, and nothing could be said at the so-called "Public Hearing" that would influence their votes.
They sat impassively, ignoring the logical and impassioned pleas for a reduction in the highly inflated budget.
Four county commissioners, along with our highly paid "State Henchman," the property appraiser, robbed the taxpayers of a lot of their money. This is legalized, organized crime.
Only the chairperson, Nancy Bell, indicated any interest in reducing this ridiculously inflated budget.
There isn't a CEO in the country that could treat his shareholders in such a contemptuous manner and stay in power. Yes! It was robbery, and as my friend and colleague, Dr. Ken Schwiebert so aptly put it, "what you are doing by reducing the millage by only 1.1 mills may be legal, but it isn't right."
The commissioners had an opportunity to adjust the millage to an acceptable level that would have counter-balanced the huge increases in assessed property values and still provided the county with plenty of money for budgetary increases where needed.
An unintended consequence of this callous contempt for their constituents could be to so enrage the voters that they will turn out in masses to elect someone who will manage the county's money better.
Parnick G. Williams | 