Letter: Get off revolving tax wheel

To the Editor:

Yet again, the Cannon County commissioners have each one of us and on a revolving cycle of tax increases followed by spending sprees, and I want off the merry-go-round. On March 1st, Cannon County will vote on yet another tax increase, and I am voting NO!

As a small business owner with an accounting degree, I follow our county commission closely. I attend meetings and try to understand the "why" behind the votes. Over the past year, I have grown increasingly discouraged by a commission that seems to have only one answer to solve every problem. Pass another tax increase.

I am realistic and know that taxation is necessary. When I call 911, I want a firetruck or police car to come and that costs money. My frustration comes from our commission's lack of action on several important areas of our budget that need immediate reform.

But we as taxpayers cannot lay all of the blame for these tax increases on our elected officials. It will not be enough to just vote NO. At most county meetings, less than ten members of the general public attend. We need new blood and new ideas. I encourage you to attend county meetings, become active in a local political party, or even run for office. If we allow the same commissioners to continue with the same tired and failing policies, we will be having this debate again in a year or two about our next tax increase.

John Wilkinson

Ray Hare Lane

Cannon County