LETTER TO THE EDITOR: It’s time to demand that city, county governments make cuts

Was everyone else as surprised as me when they opened their 2009 Florence County Real Estate Tax Notice?

Taxes have continued to rise during the years, but to jump 35 percent in one year was more than just a surprise. This is in the category of irresponsible.

I was “downsized” when Wellman closed the Darlington plant. I have been unemployed since November 2008. Government at every level continues on its spending binge with supersized programs and payrolls. It is time for both County and City Councils to seriously downsize both programs and staffing. Determine what is essential and then start cutting the rest. The Morning News is remiss in its journalistic responsibilities if it does not use this opportunity to explain the reasons for such a staggering tax increase in the midst of a recession which is hammering many taxpayers, not just me. By the way, don’t forget to vote in the next election. This time, I “Hope” for real “Change,” as in out with the incumbents.

Wade Dickens
Florence