One of my opponents, Mr. Chapman, is advocating for MORE. He supports MORE spending for recreation (with a current operating budget of almost $2 million).

He advocates MORE spending for the Sheriff’s Department (with a 2007 budget of more than $14 million).

He advocates MORE senior centers (we are currently spending $3.5 million on a new center plus $105,000 a year for meals-on-wheels);

He advocates MORE spending for an aquatic center, an art center, a youth center and now an equestrian center.

Yes, his proposal will result in more: MORE TAXES!

He also advocates saving $600,000 by eliminating the Marshal’s office. Okay, let’s do away with the Marshal’s office that patrols almost 317 acres of parks, recreation and lakes; Fayette County is so safe our children are never threatened.

Let’s do away with the Marshal’s office that provides fish and wildlife oversight; people won’t come to Fayette County to hunt or fish illegally.

Finally, let’s do away with the Marshal’s office that enforces state laws and county ordinances; people in Fayette County want to look like surrounding counties.

My other opponent, Mr. Smith, states he would not make any “radical departures” from the current land use plan. How “subtle” do the changes have to be before they jeopardize our quality of life? With 40,000 unplatted acres remaining in Fayette County, this developer-friendly candidate knows that even small changes in this plan could lead to catastrophic results.

He says “annexation disputes can be eliminated with proper planning” — that sounds great but it shows a lack of understanding and a certain naivete. County and city planners already meet regularly to develop joint land use plans, which are submitted to the Department of Community Affairs.

Transportation plans, recreational facilities and fire services within the county are developed based on those plans. When a city’s decision to annex county property creates an unfair burden on other county residents and county infrastructure, we do not have the luxury of remaining silent. The price for that type of harmony is far too costly.

Both my opponents say they will be less divisive and they have the “courage to make tough decisions.” I’ve got news for them — sometime tough decisions create a divisive environment that is not easily resolved. Fayette County needs LEADERS who think for themselves, not good old boys afraid of offending their friends.

Elect a LEADER, not a follower.