Scary times for the nation
I am a taxpayer who was born in American and lives in Salisbury.
I love this country, but what is going on in this land is scary.
Our state is $3.7 billion in the red, but we pay our city manager about $140,000 a year, plus a bonus. Our school board gets travel expenses reimbursed, without receipts, and the county commission members meet to talk about when to meet.
They are going to cut small jobs like teachers and assistants.
This is not what our founding fathers planned.
In New Jersey, they have cut fire personnel, EMS and police officers.
Why donít the top people roll back some? They talk about cutting Social Security and Medicare but not welfare.
We worked for these benefits to have in our retirement and ěgolden years.î
I know the federal government is a lost cause, but maybe the people can bring our nation back.
I hope the people we vote into office can do something.
I get my information from the Salisbury Post. Stay on top of our officials or they may fake us out.
Hope is doing.
I am glad to be an American. I do vote.
ó Chris Ludwig
Salisbury
Let voters decide
On Friday, Jan. 21, the county commissioners of North Carolina had a meeting. They decided unanimously to send a letter to the N.C. General Assembly seeking permission to raise taxes without voter input.
The ěback doorî on this request is a loud slam! If they are granted permission for a quarter-cent raise this time, what will it be next time? How arrogant!
Perhaps the voters of all counties involved should immediately slash the commissionersí pay and benefits. No input from them!
ó Irene Dalton
Salisbury
Editorís note: A local revenue resolution was among the slate of legislative goals approved Friday by the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. The resolution reads:
ěAuthorize local revenue options ń Seek legislation to allow all counties to enact by resolution or, at the option of the Board of Commissioners, by voter referendum any or all revenue options from among those that have been authorized for any other county.î
Bad time for bonus
This is in reference to the big bonus for Salisbury City Manager David Treme:
Here we are with people out of work and losing their homes, children having to get off the school bus in front of large mudholes, people paying through their noses for doubled taxes and getting little in return. Letís not even mention those who donít have enough money to pay their next light and water bills.
Yes, by all means, spend the taxpayersí money on a bonus for him (looks like his yearly income could use it).
Just think, you could have given that money to Rowan Helping Ministries, where it could have really done some good. Someone may have just been able to stay warm this winter with a little help.
People, we need to vote in November and put these people out of office and get someone in there who really cares about us and our needs.
Iím sure David Treme will get that bonus, but how much of it will he give to a needy family?
ó Carol Bost
Rockwell