County Councilman Ned Tolar says his interest is in protecting taxpayers.

“The special tax breaks Lexington County gives to various businesses and interest groups ultimately increase the tax burden on citizens,” he told the Chronicle in an email statement.

“That’s why I’ve pushed for transparency regarding tax exemptions, abatements and incentives.

Tolar was responding to an article in The State newspaper about the legality of a $5,000 donation to a fellow Republican running against him for County Council.

The donation came from Nephron Pharmaceuticals CEO Lou Kennedy.

Her donation was legal, Mrs. Kennedy and the state Republican Party say.

Tolar said those who question his motives should know he believes in tranparency in government.

“Yes, there are always going to be those who see terms like ‘transparency’ as four-letter words,” he told the Chronicle. “If there’s a reasonable argument against transparency for tax exemptions, I’ve not heard it. It’s the right thing to do, and a matter of common courtesy to the taxpayers who are footing the bill for these special tax deals.

“If any special interest wants to bankroll a candidate against me, that’s certainly their right. But to attempt to conceal the source of their contributions is a disservice to voters.

“The people deserve to know who is funding the candidates to represent them. They deserve to know whether special interests receiving hefty tax exemptions from the county are also financing candidates for county government.

“Campaign contribution limits exist for a reason. For a special interest to funnel $5,000 to a candidate – when the maximum contribution is $1,000 – violates the spirit of our ethics laws if not the law itself.

“While it’s a legal gray area, it sends a troubling message at a time ethics scandals have shaken public confidence in government.

Tolar said he believes his opponent, Glen Conwell, “will do the right thing and return the money.

“For my part, I plan to continue emphasizing my record of fighting for the taxpayers – as well as my independence from special interests.”