Sometimes you just have to say “NOâ€! That was my reaction to an agenda item before the county commissioners at their Sept. 21 meeting, which, if approved, would have permitted bidding on a proposed board of county commissioners’ meeting room. This project would renovate the lower level of the Link Government Services Center, at a cost of more than $1 million.
Although I have concerns regarding the design and location of this project, my main objections center on its cost. Spending this amount of taxpayer monies cannot be justified at this time due to the possibility of continued revenue shortfalls. The citizens of Orange County need well-funded schools, public safety and other essential services more than a permanent meeting room for the commissioners.
Several people, including myself, spoke against this project and I requested that it be tabled. After some discussion, a motion was made to table this project.
I have attended more than 80 percent of commissioner meetings since 2009 to become familiar with issues concerning Orange County and I have spoken before the commissioners on numerous occasions concerning spending that I did not consider essential. It is important that all citizens of Orange County become familiar with how our taxpayer money is spent and remember that on some items we must say “NOâ€!
EARL MCKEE
Rougemont