Proposal for county consolidation is only "because of a large ego trip'

Editor:

With reference to the recent Preston Sparks story that included an interview with Columbia Country Management Services Administrator Todd Glover, being incorporated/consolidated does not put a city "on the map." The reason Augusta is "on the map" is because of the Augusta National and its rich history, not being incorporated. They at least have something to offer tourists.

What does Evans have? Augusta was "on the map" way before they became incorporated. The reason Athens is "on the map" is because of the University of Georgia. The reason Savannah is "on the map" is because of the rich history there. The only other incorporated city/county is Columbus (maybe because of Phenix City, Ala.?)

As far as the analogy of the weather cities being "on the map," Columbia, S.C., Spartanburg, etc., may be on the map because our weather station is in Columbia. Why would the Weather Channel change from Augusta to Evans, or whatever cute name we are going to change to?

The only reason Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross wants these changes is because of a large ego trip. Who wants Evans and Martinez to pay city taxes for forced garbage collection, waste materials, sidewalks, walking trails, bicycle trails, storm water run-off, neighborhood street lights, more parks, more beautification, more arts? Why would they want to pay all utility companies a 3-4 percent franchise fee so they can pass this on to the county?

Is this another form of taxation? This all makes for more bureaucratic control.

Vote no! Who needs manufacturing companies here who only take from the county and pollute the air?

Linda Nobles, Appling