Don't be fooled by 'cut taxes now' political rhetoric

Editor:

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It is time we discussed the real issues in the campaign for Columbia County Commission chairman. We hear this popular political rhetoric of "Cut Taxes Now," but Brett McGuire's big financial backers and supporters have openly challenged the quality of life we all enjoy in Columbia County.

Consider the following statements they have made:

We don't need the library. The commission fooled the voters by getting it approved.

Our emergency services (fire and ambulance) are too robust for this county.

We have too many parks and too much recreation.

Our zoning ordinances are too strict (in other words, let us do whatever we want in Evans Town Center and other restricted areas)

We favor additional apartments (they supported the 400-plus apartments requested for Marshall Square).

This is not hearsay. These are comments that have been made to me directly as I have attempted to understand the motivation for such a mean-spirited attempt to challenge Chairman Ron Cross.

This election is about the future of the quality of life in Columbia County we have all come to enjoy and expect. We are a first-class community and have been recognized many times as such nationally.

Columbia County is very sound financially. Time and time again, the voters have approved bond issues containing amenities that improve our quality of life, while also dealing with public safety, the judicial system, transportation and needed storm water improvements, all without impacting our financial condition.

Please understand what Brett McGuire's camp is really trying to do to Columbia County. Don't be fooled by the political cover of "Cut Taxes Now." Vote for maintaining the quality of life and our standing as a first-class community that we can be proud of. Please join me in voting for Ron Cross on July 20.

Ron Thigpen

District 1 Commissioner