Editor:

November 7, 2007

As members of the Carroll County General Assembly prepare for the special assembly to determine the state budget, a critical meeting which you must weigh raising taxes or reduce spending to meet the current 1.7 billion dollar shortfall; I want to bring to your attention an October 18 state budget briefing by Ted Zaleski to Commissioners Gouge, Minnich, and Zimmer.

In the video from the county website; Mr. Zaleski spoke to the Commissioners regarding the impact a shortfall or "Doomsday" budget could have on the various services and programs in the 2008 budget. He correctly pointed out if the Commissioner's do not reduce spending; there are very few alternatives left to make up a shortfall in funding from the state.

I was not surprised to watch Commissioner Minnich ramble on about "...not playing politics...". And I was not surprised that Commissioner Gouge said "We'll have to look at property taxes...". In my opinion; both Commissioners Gouge and Minnich stand ready to raise property taxes and I won't be surprised if they justify a tax increase by blaming you, the General Assembly, for not providing the budget they want.

This behavior is precisely why I did not, and will not vote for Commissioners Gouge and Minnich in past and upcoming 2010 elections. Watching their political posturing on the state budget reminded me of my own struggles as a parent to teach and help my child learn fiscal responsibility. Fortunately; my child seems to have learned that. Taking the high road; perhaps there is someone who can take on a parental role and offer their guidance and wisdom to them?

I concur and I reiterate Commissioner Zimmer's request in his letter to the editor (Oct 23 Carroll County Times) to reduce spending and not increase my financial burden with more taxes. Has Commissioners Gouge and Minnich done a real cost benefit analysis to determine if they really need to expand the Carroll County airport, or the million dollar carwash?

My vote and support is reserved for those members of the General Assembly who take on and successfully carry out this difficult task of reducing spending without increasing my taxes.

Kevin Baggott
Westminster