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LETTER: Support the quarter-cent sales tax

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Staff

It’s all the rage these days to criticize government, and to distrust its intentions and actions. With good reason, in many cases.
But that doesn’t mean government cannot serve the people’s interests. In fact, folks in public office usually try to better their community, and not just by cutting taxes.
Here in Orange County, we’ve seen over time that local government can promote common goals – from supporting quality public education to protecting the environment, from assisting those least able to help themselves to fostering economic growth. That willingness to take care of our own is especially precious at a time when governments in Washington and Raleigh are driven by partisan differences and unyielding agendas.
Gaining the tools to enhance our community and support our values underlies the decision by the Orange County commissioners to put the quarter-cent sales tax on the ballot.
Our public schools are among Orange County’s brightest assets. Yet the N.C. General Assembly has cut nearly $8 million from our local school budgets this year alone. Half of the sales-tax revenues are pledged toward capital improvements in both school systems.
State government also reduced resources and fostered attitudes that undermine a healthy business climate. The commissioners have pledged half of the sales-tax revenues to keeping businesses and jobs in our county, and to supporting new endeavors.
Placed appropriately, commercial development can reduce pressures on the property tax and make our communities more vibrant.
Sometimes it’s simply a matter of applying resources creatively. On Oct. 21, the Piedmont Farm and Agricultural Processing Center opens in Hillsborough. More than a decade in the works, this grant-funded facility will serve local entrepreneurs trying to start or grow a food-related business.
There’s something to be said for a small-business incubator where the products smell and taste good.
The facility is consistent with ongoing efforts to promote a local-food economy in four partner counties, particularly Orange. We believe strongly that agriculture is an industry worthy of support and farm open space can best be preserved when producers achieve viable profits by working the land.
In this case, Orange County led, and the federal and state governments followed. Times have changed and we’re trying to change with them. Not so much, though, that we forget the value of government that works thoughtfully and for the betterment of all. Please vote to enact the quarter-cent sales tax on Nov. 8.

Barry Jacobs
Orange County Board of Commissioners

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