To the Editor,

The commissioners are under fire from citizens on a number of fronts — fiscal reform; earned retirement after serving one term; term limits; and the Philadelphus mining-permit fiasco.

In the recent article about the commissioners pay being fourth-highest in the state, the commissioners reveal their stance on the issue. Commissioner Noah Woods believes he is “providing reasonable services at a reasonable price.. I never look at the price I’m getting. I’m providing services to the people. We are on call 24/ 7 and when the people want us some place, we better be there.”

Commissioner Roger Oxendine said: “I don’t think you can put a price on the time we spend (on county business). I don’t think we are overcompensated for what we do, but I’m fine with what we are getting … .”

Phineaus Locklear challenged Mr. Noah Woods to answer two simple questions in a letter to the editor titled “Commissioners should be paid based on their performance.” He asked, who sets the salary and travel stipend and is there a conflict of interest?

Why have the commissioners not responded to these simple questions? Mr. Woods, why are the commissioners in a defensive position cowering behind their elected office? Will any commissioner show some leadership, report to the citizens, and demand reform? Maybe you cannot justify your fiscal irresponsibility, you are beholden to certain special interest, or you don’t believe you work for the citizens? The people want you on this issue 24/7 now, and in your own words, you “better be there”. We await your response.

Commissioner David Edge said, “I would have no problem if our salaries were cut. … I’d make a motion to do that, but I know I would never get the five votes needed to make it happen. All I would probably do is tick off some other commissioners.”

Mr. Edge, fear the citizens you work for. We know you seek re-election and are not fooled.

Citizens, send a shot over the bow: Endorse the petition for reform which can be found at www.gopetition.com/petitions/commissioners-need-to-be-held-accountable/signatures.html

We will maintain suppressive fire via the pen until you recognize the source of your strength is the constituency you represent, not self-interest.

Lynn E. Locklear

Citizens for Integrity in Government

Prospect