Editorial from DS

I just want to thank the people that are beginning to read this blog. This is a project to bring non-biased reporting of some of the issues in the county. Taxes is one of the big issues now - and it's not a "cut and dry" issue by any means. The taxes in Pittsylvania County have been very low in state comparison. From what little I know on the subject, the only localities I know of that have lower taxes are those that have another source of revenue, which at this time Pittsylvania County does not. Therefore, if we want to stay current and competitive - if we want economic development, if we want nice roads and county services, then we must expect to pay for these things.

However, at this time, under the present economic stress that our county - our country - is under, it is my opinion that the county should find some strategic ways to at least leave the tax rate alone - for a year or two. It is up to our leaders - our supervisors - to consider alternative sources of funding. We need to quit putting bandaids on our problems. We need to have leaders that have more forsight than just looking to the current situations. We need visionary leaders that can set goals, and track goals - look far ahead into the future of our county and region. We need leaders who want to truly represent the citizens of this county - all the citizens, not just the ones that vote for them. I believe that Marshall Ecker is a leader of this caliber. He is not my district representative, but I see him continually thinking outside the box - I see someone that is not concerned about whether or not he'll get voted in next time around - he is simply concerned about doing his best to help his county. If he is wrong, he admits he is wrong - and if he's right, he carries his purpose, whether he has support from the other supervisors or not. Hank Davis is right there with him as well, and I thank Mr. Davis for this. I don't always agree with Hank - but it's my personal opinion that Hank is not doing the job to boost his ego - he just really cares about his contituency.

There are too many others that are just in it because it makes them feel important. They have a special ignorance all their own. Our leaders need to be in a process of continual improvement, continual education. They need to understand technology - and they need to use it. They need to at least have a basic understanding of the intense global competition that we are facing - yes, Pittsylvania County is facing global competition and, like it or not, we have to be ready.

Well, I digress. I need to get back to my opinion on the tax hike: I say, tighten your belts boys - your citizens can't afford to pay the hike right now....do you understand that we are in a serious nationwide recession? Maybe it hasn't affected you yet, but it is crippling some of our citizens. Other localities are NOT raising taxes as planned - and Pittsylvania County needs to follow suit. And we need to find alternative sources of funding...there are other ways that localities raise money. But that's subject matter for a later editorial!

Disagree with me? Than by all means - let us know. Leave your comments!