Chairman Cross should quit 'promoting himself' with water-bill insert

Editor:

Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross' recent discussions regarding a reduction in the added manpower request made by Sheriff Clay Whittle were made, The News-Times reported, without Whittle's presence or input. Isn't that against the generally accepted rule of public discussion?

More important than the way Cross handled the discussion is the fact that he doesn't hesitate to deny additions to Whittle's staff -- while the county's population is booming -- but that Cross continues to promote himself with that expensive, slick insert that arrives monthly with our water and "rain tax" bills. The insert is a near duplication of information available in The News-Times.

Cross is using fairly transparent psychology by sending his photograph into every home in the county on a monthly basis. It's bolder than subliminal messaging; it's downright tacky politics.

Proper stewardship of the taxpayers' hard-earned money would dictate that the slick political flyer be discontinued, and the money saved be used for increased law enforcement.

Gene Rickaby

Martinez