To the Editor:

Yesterday, April 5, 2012, my right to hold and express an opinion on local issues was challenged in the Sound Off section of the WDN.

I have been a resident and property owner in Beaufort County, N.C. since April 2005.

The day I bought my home the county began taxing my property. It seems strange to me that the executive director of the EDC is a Craven County resident spending my money, but I, as a local taxpayer,  am not entitled to question his record of accomplishment.

I also notice that yesterday’s comment was anonymous, while I have written numerous signed letters to the press, county commissioners, City Council, EDC board members, and have made several personal, televised appearances before the county commissioners.

If citizens want to participate in community discourse, then they need to publicly demonstrate the courage of their convictions or slither back into the dark.

WARREN SMITH
Beaufort County