Letter: The people of Cannon County have spoken

To the Editor:

Last Tuesday, March 1, 2016, the citizens and taxpayers of Cannon County voted NO, by a vote of 79 percent AGAINST and 21 percent for, an increase of an additional $29 Wheel Tax. The voters also voted NO, by a vote 71 percent AGAINST and 29 percent for, an additional 1 cent sales tax increase. This was not just a vote against these two taxes, this was a vote against additional tax increases of any kind!

The taxpayers have spoken in a loud voice. County executive, Cannon County commissioners, Budget Committee and other experts TAKE NOTE! The answer to Cannon County's economic issues is not to increase the tax burden on the citizens of Cannon County. The answer is to STOP SPENDING! You cannot solve a fiscal issue by borrowing more money and continuing to tax and spend, but you can STOP SPENDING!

I understand some of you have received irate phone calls from some taxpayers in your district. That's wonderful!!! Up until now, there appears to be a disconnect between the elected officials of Cannon County and the taxpayers. Now is an opportunity for you to step up to the plate and do the job you have been elected to perform.

When you start the budget process, review EVERY line item in each department (courthouse, schools, highway department, solid waste, ambulance service, etc.) with one goal in mind, STOP SPENDING!! QUESTION EVERYTHING. Make the hard calls. Being an elected official is kinda like getting old -- it ain't for sissys.

Voters and taxpayers be alert! Taxes were increased this year by over $300,000 and there will be a renewed attempt to raise property taxes this year in order to fund new pet projects in the future. We cannot afford any more "new ambulance centers" or "new health departments" paid for by "GRANTS" which always produce an additional burden on the county to fund. We cannot afford any more "FREE MONEY."

STOP SPENDING!!! REDUCE WASTE!!! DO YOUR JOB!!! BE CREATIVE!!!

Randall Reid

resident of First District