To the Editor:

Oh, (former county legislature chairperson) Sallie (Brothers), is that you? I thought you were all done with the fun and games and moved onto better things.

I intentionally left you out of the prior letter for just that reason. I realize that you could never find any fault in a Democratic candidate or office holder. Please let’s try to state facts.

Yes, you as well were staunchly against the sales tax increase originally. That was a matter of record. Then you stated you could support as long as home heating fuels were not included. Also, you were probably the main objector to the amount of fund balance.

I believe you even stated for the record that you felt socialism was a good thing. Am I stating any wrong facts yet? I believe one of your statements when you took over the legislature to Democratic was let us have a little fun for a while. Spite is a wonderful thing.

The ill-advised vote you mention (“County Fund Balance Issue Explained,” posted on NorthCountryNow.com Oct. 21) was an opinion of our board-hired attorney that was representing us in union negotiations. All I believe was it prolonged the original raise that would have been given if I had vote the other way and some legal fees for his overruled opinion. So the costing of hundreds of thousands is pretty silly, would you not agree?

Actually, the judge that said she would make her decision in a month or so and took over a year was much more silly. In all, nothing close to borrowing millions annually at a cost of upwards $100,000 just to meet payroll and pay bills for the last few years.

Most people that know me realize I like to make light of some issues, but that when it comes to people’s money, I become very serious. Two weeks ago, the county held another tax sale. As you know, this is where someone decides not to pay or cannot afford to pay their taxes and the county takes title to the property.

Now I know many corporations and groups have taken advantage of this fact to stick the county with contaminated parcels. (I was the one who suggested hiring an environmental attorney to help us with these situations).

The sad fact is that many people get behind on taxes either by mismanagement or deciding to buy fuel to heat their homes or food to fee their families. Properties that had been in families for generations are taken by the county to be regurgitated back to the taxpayers to get back on the tax rolls to fuel county mismanagement.

My point is this, there are some very well qualified candidates running for legislator this year. Yes, many are Republicans as well as conservative. I for one do not feel that is a bad thing. I am just suggesting people give them a chance.

Now you are correct. There are not other candidates in District 2 or 3 on the ballot. So, like it or not, Mr. Lightfoot as well as myself should be on the board, as well Mr. Acres. If my dream comes true and there is a Republican majority, I can guarantee you spite will not be in my conversation.

A complete review of all departments, the hiring of a well qualified new county administrator and hopefully getting rid of a $60,000 a year lobbying group will be my main priorities. How about a property tax decrease to the over-taxed property owners, and also a county government living within its means?

David Forsythe

County Legislative Candidate District 2