Dear Editor,

As an ardent supporter of the re-election of Mayor George Evans, I must say I was not surprised by your endorsement of The Honorable Dario Melton, I know you have depended on his steady contributions to the editorial page over the years. Although I voted for Rep.Melton when he ran for his current office as a more conservative alternative to the then incumbent, Rep. Salaam, I was surprised that you mentioned Rep. Melton’s continuing campaign in the Legislature for a liberal increase in the minimum wage (which would be a body blow to our local employers, already struggling to compete, and therefore goes nowhere in the Legislature), but did not mention his dedication to an increase in property taxes for our city, nor an occupational tax, nor even an increase in sales tax! The former two of these additional taxes were specifically mentioned by Rep. Melton in the recent “forum” at Selma High School. The latter, a sales tax increase, was implied by Rep.Melton when he stated “Everything is on the table” meaning sources for increased revenue. Everything means everything, including sales tax. Excluding nothing. What other clever taxes can those so inclined come up with? Everything?

When making endorsements, one would hope for greater disclosure by those choosing to do so. The editorial staff has chosen not to make endorsements in previous campaigns for various offices, perhaps that would have been a better choice than this incomplete disclosure.

Conversely, we know Mayor George Evans, we have complete disclosure of his service. I know him. I trust him. We have a balanced  budget, and we do not need more taxes!

 

C.F. “Buddy” Perkins

Selma