Valdese ready to move forward again

TO THE EDITOR:

A recent mailer was sent to Valdese citizens under the name of Valdese Concerned Citizens urging them to call and harass public officials.

I think we all know who composed and financed this delay tactic. His regime was defeated in the last election by a 70% to 30% margin.

People are tired of the delay tactics on many issues in Valdese. The original planned Public Safety Building in 2023 or so being cancelled and the low interest rate being forfeited has cost Valdese at least $3 million.

After the delay, the present price tag is $10.8 million at a much higher interest rate. The cost of this project is just going to continue to rise. The time for delaying is over! We need to act now.

The continuing delay tactics of the last regime have also prevented Valdese employees from receiving proper compensation to at least compete with small surrounding towns.

The list of delays from the last couple of years make it necessary for decisive action for more permanent solutions for our town.

The claim of a 31% tax rate increase is simply a reset to the previous tax rate. The tax cut of the last two years is unsustainable and cannot run a town like Valdese that provides excellent services.

I believe that the time for delays is over, and we are ready to move forward!

This is my opinion and I will sign this letter as a long-term resident of Valdese.

ROBERT STEVENSON