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Editor, News-Register:
We wish to respond to your editorial of Oct 29 that advocates passage of Amendment 2. We applaud the "proviso" you entreat the Legislature: upon passage they "begin a broader discussion on creating a modern tax system ... that gives more control to cities and counties on how to raise revenue instead of the current, one-size-fits-all approach coming from Charleston."
Bravo. The West Virginia Association of Counties welcomes that discussion if Amendment 2 fails. That is a major reason why we voted to oppose Amendment 2 on Nov. 8. These discussions should've happened before the measure was placed on the ballot this year. As of now, the voters have no "agreed-to" legislative plan before them to help win their support. We only have promises that are now tenuous in the face of inflation and a possible recession.
Legislative leaders say this is our one chance to make this change and reform these taxes. Hogwash. Republicans stand a good chance of increasing their supermajority and can place another referendum on a ballot in the very near future that tackles these taxes, and with a plan that is well-developed and agreed-upon. Having unified all stakeholders behind this measure would be wonderful for West Virginia. Amendment 2, as written, doesn't have such support. The wise choice is to vote NO on Amendment 2 this year. Let's try again.
Jonathan Adler, WVACo Executive Director
John Gruzinskas, Marshall County Commission
Mike Ferro, Commissioner
Scott Varner, Commissioner
Eric Buzzard, Assessor
Bill Helms, Sheriff
Melanie Madden, County Clerk
Joe Canestraro, Prosecutor
Joe Rucki, Circuit Clerk
Janet Scott, Mayor, Glen Dale
David Goddard, Mayor, McMechen
Walter Yates, Mayor, Benwood
Judy Hunt, Mayor, Moundsville
Rick Healy, City Manager, Moundsville
Greg Gallentine, Mayor, Cameron
Joyce Howard, Marshall County Senior Center
Shane Ullom, Marshall County Fire Association
Tom Cook, Marshall Co. Health Department
Craig White, Grand Vue Park
Susan Reilly, Director, Moundsville/Marshall County Public Librar