To the Editor:

I have been reading with some amusement the letters which have been thrown around in regards to the fund balance for St. Lawrence County and the borrowing of $10 Million to cover operation costs.

The sitting Republican Legislators and candidates would have you believe that a complete and total lack of competence would be the cause of the county losing a $24 million fund balance and their valiant efforts were the reason it was created.

They are right, they are the reason a $24 million fund balance was created. Do you know how you get a $24 million fund balance? You overtax the public; plain and simple.

Any taxing entity would love to have $24 million in reserve, but it is unfair to tax the public more than is necessary to cover your costs.

The budget that the current board has put together is responsible and has a 5- year plan to stabilize taxes in the county. We were able to give a 14% reduction in property taxes last year. Yes it was done with the use of a 1% sales tax increase, and in the future when our economy grows again, we will be able to give another tax cut.

The other favorite ploy of the Republicans is the borrowing of $10 million for operation expenses. At the end of the month of August the county treasurer estimated our cash on hand as $7,683,322.

On top of that, we have an estimated $14,855,626 owed to county for services from federal, state, and other local agencies.

The problem here is not mismanagement, the problem is these agencies not paying their bills in a timely fashion.

Look, the Democratic majority has promised and delivered on a property tax reduction, a 5-year plan for fiscal responsibility, and a tax rate below the tax cap for years to come.

We have reduced the County workforce by 150 employees and are still trying to find ways to reduce costs. The Republicans have talked a great game, their only concern is to point out bogus problems and make you afraid of it, all while offering nothing for a solution.

I urge you to look at the facts and ask for your continued support for the Democratic Party on Nov. 4.

Gregory M. Paquin

County Legislator – District 14