To the Editor,
What a sweet moment it was when I opened The Robesonian to the editorial page and there they were … more letters addressing the same issue that I feel so concerned about, county commissioners’ compensation.
Although I was somewhat dismayed a couple weeks ago that my research and intent were questioned by the good reverend, the fact remains that the issue here is fixing something that is broken, not how long it has been broken or who broke it. I realize the pay and benefits package for the commissioners has been a bone of contention for many years, but maybe “we, the people” just didn’t speak loud enough in the past. That may be why Tom Taylor’s 10-year-long disagreement with the other commissioners failed to be addressed. Regardless of the timing, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Edge have found some common ground, which is what reaching across the aisle is all about. This type of negotiation is what leads to good “common sense” decisions and we must build on that.
And, how about this? Where are all the taxpayers who think the commissioners’ pay package is appropriate and in line with other counties of this fine state? Haven’t heard from them, have we? Are they just remaining silent or do they not exist? Food for thought, huh?
Also, in Tuesday’s editorial page, there was a letter touting Mr. Harrell as being a “true conservative.” This election, to me, is no longer about party affiliation or platform because over the past 30 years or so, it has become nothing but confusion on both sides. The candidate with the most character and the highest level of desire to help their fellow Americans is the one that should be supported.
While a letter to the editor is a great forum for stating your opinion, it is not meant to be a place for a candidate for office to smear his opponent, as Mr. Harrell did a couple weeks ago. This space should be available to the taxpaying citizens of Robeson County. This fine newspaper has plenty of advertising space available.
Dan Gola
Lumberton,
If Mr. Gola thinks someone who has been part of the good ole boy club for over 10 years can fix the problems now when he hasn't been able to for this long I have a bridge in District 7 I want to sell him. Tom Taylor is a nice guy but he doesn't seem to be able to take on the corrupt commissioners that are running the show in Robeson County right now. You don't compromise with corrupt people you call them out and you keep doing it until someone makes some changes. I wish Mr. Taylor had been writing letters to the editor for the past 10 years but I haven't seen any from him calling out all this corruption.
Its time for a new voice and vision for Robeson. You say Tom has been fighting for us, if so he shouldn't be ashamed to tell us each and every occassion he has done so. If he's really proud of his record he shouldn't be afraid to DEBATE Rev. Harrell on the issues facing our county.
Mr. Donnie what do you say if Mr. Gola can talk Mr. Taylor into it will The Robesonian sponsor a DEBATE? This county is facing some pretty important issues right now and it would be a good opportunity for the citizens of Robeson to hear where the candidates stand.