Reject sales tax proposals

Regarding the proposed increase of sales tax, I urge all Manatee County voters to vote “no!” Any increase would only result in more reckless spending of taxpayers’ money.

A study, line by line, of the present budget will find many expenditures uncalled for. It is time for those elected officials to act in the interests of the average citizen and not be influenced by political interests and those of the many builders in the county. The roads are a complete mess because of overbuilding without considering the effects before granting permits for expansion. State Road 70 and University Parkway are prime examples of the traffic delays, due to overdevelopment.

Also, the reckless spending within the school budget is another example of poor judgment. The salaries of those in higher positions should be cut, and monies should be given in the form of raises to the teachers. The teachers are the backbone of any school system and not the higher paid administrators.

The present elected officials should be replaced by people based on their knowledge of budgets and an intimate knowledge of how the education system works and not based on popularity or political affiliation.

Wake up voters, it is your money that is recklessly being spent without regard to bettering our communities. Let your voice be heard and spread the word to your family and friends — that a “no” vote on any tax increase is the way to go.

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 1:23 PM with the headline "Reject sales tax proposals."