Letter To Bertie County

The following letter is sent to Bertie County Citizens from the Bertie County Republican Party Executive Committee.

Dear Bertie County Resident:

There are no Republicans running for Bertie County Commissioner in 2006 for the seats held by former Chairman J. Jasper Bazemore, the current Chairman Rick Harrell, and former Sheriff J. Wallace Perry. All three are seeking re-election.

The Bertie County Republican Party Executive Committee urges all the residents of our county to support and vote for all three current Commissioners: Jasper Bazemore, Rick Harrell, and Wallace Perry. This letter explains why.

Commissioners Bazemore, Harrell and Perry have worked hard to see that our county government operates fairly, efficiently, and fiscally responsible. There have been no increases in property taxes, building inspection fees or county water rates in over 5 years. Even during revaluation two years ago, the Commissioners cut the tax rate to a rate less than revenue-neutral, and cut the vehicle tax by 11 cents or 13.5%. The Commissioners have been excellent stewards of our tax dollars.

The Commissioners have demanded accountability not only in county government but also by the School System. They commissioned the MGT study/audit of the School System, which uncovered massive wasteful spending, fiscal mismanagement, and excessive personal spending by school administrators for trips, meals, alcohol and personal gifts, charged on school credit cards using taxpayers’ money.

Because of the Commissioners rightful demand for full accountability, a group which would sweep the school system’s wasteful spending under the rug has initiated a write-in campaign against these Commissioners. Make no mistake, these write-in candidates would have to raise your taxes 15-20 cents to pay for the wasteful school increase which they demand. The result would be Bertie County taxpayers having among the highest taxes in North Carolina.

Over the past 12 months, the Commissioners have increased spending for education more than at anytime in the history of the county, yet the divisive write-in candidates’ platform would require the highest tax increase in county history. The taxpayers of Bertie County; Republicans, Democrats and Independents, cannot afford to sit at home in this election. Predictions are for an unusually low turnout. We urge all Bertie County citizens to VOTE in this election, either on Election Day, November 7 or in the One Stop poll at the Board of Elections Office which is already open.

Again, the Bertie County Republican Party Executive Committee in a spirit of unity, urges all voters in the county to cast their votes for Democrats J. Jasper Bazemore, Rick Harrell, and J. Wallace Perry. They deserve our vote.

Sincerely,
John Stallings
Chairman, Bertie County Republican Party