My name is MB McAfee, the “she” to whom Rob Pope referred in his letter to the Journal, (April 24).
Our county commissioners have asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to make recommendations about a county sales tax. Mr. Pope is a member of P&Z. At the April 9 commissioners’ meeting, there was an agenda item at 2:45 p.m., “Planning and Zoning Commission discussion with commissioners regarding county budget shortfalls.” According to the minutes, four P&Z members were present. They had gathered around the table with the commissioners for the discussion. Several county staff as well as several members of the public were present; however, the room was not “full of people” as Mr. Pope asserts.
Near the end of the discussion, audience members were asked to share their opinions about a county sales tax. I expressed support for a county sales tax, as did candidate Jim Candelaria. And, I further commented that there is no silver bullet for the dwindling Kinder-Morgan revenue. I addressed my comments to the commissioners and the P&Z members.
I was about to sit down when Mr. Pope specifically asked me how I would deal with the budget shortfall. It was not the appropriate setting or time for such a question. The topic of our budget shortfall is serious and complex. It merits thoughtful, thorough and intentional conversation rather than a sound-bite answer to a sound-bite question.
MB McAfee
Democratic candidate for county commissioner
Lewis