To the Editor:

Do not let Commissioner Richardson fool you. Despite his grandstanding protestations to the contrary, he did vote for a tax increase. In fact, he voted for a higher increase than that proposed by Commissioner McRoy. Richardson voted for a 2-cent increase (per $100 valuation) while McRoy proposed a 1.5-cent increase. In fact, both Richardson and Commissioner Deatherage voted for the higher tax proposal presented by Deatherage, who, to his credit, has honestly said all along that there would be a tax increase; it was just a matter of how much. Republican Commissioners Klemm and McRoy voted against that higher tax proposal.

Richardson violated his promise to not vote for any tax increase by voting for an increase only 1 cent lower than the final outcome. To all those (Buzz Cayton, John LaCava and others) who have been threatening to turn any Republican who voted for a tax increase out of office, it’s been very clear that you’ve been targeting Klemm and McRoy. Remember that Richardson and Deatherage voted for tax increases that very well could have passed. Tea Party, it’s time for you to “man up” and add Richardson and Deatherage to your target list.

KATHY VASQUEZ
Chocowinity