our readers write

Recently a new politician called on us. His platform included (1) cut government spending and (2) a pledge to oppose all tax increases. This really says “maintain the status quo”, and this is the attitude of our Governor.

Over the past year we’ve learned more about the multiple sources of income for our politicians and their advisers. Of course, they and their supporters do not want to pay more taxes. The privileged group wants to be served by teachers, prison guards, law enforcement, and state workers as cheaply as possible.

The legislature has been our problem creator, not problem solver. They had SCE&G write the law that has cost us two billion dollars. Note that SCE&G and politicians were both clients of the advisors and SCE&G contributed to the Legislators.

The Legislature changed the state retirement plan so people can retire after 25 years, but they have failed to adequately fund the plan. We have a shortage of teachers (affecting the children’s future), a shortage of law enforcement and a shortage of prison staff (both affecting safety) because of inadequate pay and uncertain pensions.

Politicians for years have said state government has gotten enough money and yet our financial mess keeps getting worse. The gas tax increase was another example of failure to solve the problem. Let’s unite with our teachers, law enforcement, and state workers and vote for people who are realists and problem solvers. We will pay for S.C. people and we will pay their pensions and benefits as they serve us.

Which statement is false?

1. The state has enough income and doesn’t need to increase taxes.

2. We do not have enough money to adequately pay teachers and other state employees, fund their pensions and adequately fix our roads and bridges.

It’s time for change.

William Pebley, Little Mountain, SC

We welcome your letters

Letters to the editor give Chronicle readers a way to raise concerns. Our deadline for letters is 3 p.m. Friday. Send them to JerryBellune@yahoo.com