Romblad: Campaign promises and eroding public trust

In politics, promises are the cornerstone of trust between elected officials and their constituents.

Mayor Randy Taylor campaigned on a platform of fiscal responsibility and transparency, yet his recent actions demonstrate a stark departure from these principles. The mayor’s decision to implement a 9% tax increase in Water and Sewer rates is a glaring breach of his campaign promises and a troubling sign of budget mismanagement.

The 9% increase in Water and Sewer rates is not just a minor adjustment; it is a significant burden on the residents of our city, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet. During his campaign, Mayor Taylor assured us that he would prioritize the financial well-being of our community. However, this tax hike suggests otherwise. It appears that instead of carefully managing the city’s finances, Mayor Taylor is resorting to easy revenue generation at the expense of the taxpayers.

Moreover, this tax increase comes at a time when other essential services are under threat. The Anne Street Housing project, which provides crucial support to address homelessness in our city, is facing a proposed $69,000 cut in funding from Mayor Taylor. This funding was secured through state resources to tackle one of our most pressing issues. Cutting this support is not just a financial oversight; it is a moral failure that jeopardizes the welfare of our most vulnerable residents.

The contrast between raising taxes and cutting vital services highlights a troubling pattern in Mayor Taylor’s administration: financial mismanagement. Rather than identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within the city’s budget, Mayor Taylor seems content to pass the financial burden onto the residents. This approach is not only shortsighted but also unsustainable. It erodes public trust and disproportionately affects those who can least afford it.

As City residents we deserve better.

Connor Romblad
Salisbury resident

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.