Disappointed in Stanly voters

Thursday, May 15, 2008 May 16, 2008 08:33 am

— I was appalled to learn that the voters of Stanly County voted down the one-quarter cent local sales tax option by a 2 to 1 margin.
There is no doubt that times are tough and nobody likes higher taxes, but would an extra 25 cents for every $100 spent in a store really hurt that bad? This money would have been put to good use in our very own towns and schools (which are struggling to fund basic requirements), not sent to Raleigh or Washington.
Now, the county is faced with budget cuts, increased debt, and/or unfairly burdening property owners with higher taxes. In addition, everyone in this county agrees we need jobs, but refusing to invest in infrastructure and education sends the wrong message to potential employers.
I am very disappointed that the people of our county have been so short sighted on this issue.
I can only hope that this issue can be brought to the table again in the near future with more support and voter education.
Tony Casey
Stanfield