Moving to draw distinctions between themselves and their Democratic opponents, Republican candidates for Mecklenburg County Commission at-large yesterday released a 14-point pledge on local issues.
As you read it, ask yourselves which aspects a Mecklenburg County Democrat could possibly endorse, at least in theory.
Pledge to Our Citizens
Fiscal Accountability and Governance:
1. We pledge to govern within our means and not abuse the authority to raise and impose taxes.
2. We pledge to reinstate respect and trust in county government by being open with all commission business not restricted by law.
3. We pledge to identify and eliminate wasteful spending in every county department, to outsource any county service that can be done more efficiently and cost effectively by an outside provider, and to cease unnecessary services and duplication of services.
4. We pledge to establish better working relationships with the six municipalities within Mecklenburg County and reduce duplication of services that waste tax dollars.
5. We pledge to ensure that persons receiving non-emergency services and funding from the county are eligible for those services.
6. We pledge not to forget our Mecklenburg County veterans who have given so much to ensure all of us the liberties and freedom we enjoy daily.Public Safety:
1. We pledge to work diligently to ensure that our citizens not only feel safe in their respective communities, but ARE safe.
2. We pledge to work closely with the Sheriff, police, and our court system to ensure adequate resources to arrest, detain, and prosecute offenders.
3. We pledge to work closely with all law enforcement agencies to identify and remove criminal illegal aliens from our country, who are primarily responsible for importing drugs and gang violence into our county.
4. We pledge, as a Board, to pressure the N.C. Legislature to provide adequate funding for our District Attorney and Court System.Education:
1. We pledge to support our Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS) system by providing reasonable funding to accomplish what our citizens expect for the education of our children.
2. We pledge to support Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in their education efforts to train and re-train our future work force.
3. We pledge, as a Board, to hold the CMS Board of Education accountable for resources, provided by taxpayers, and expect positive results for the financial support provided.
4. We pledge, as a Board, to continue to encourage the Board of Education to privatize segments of the CMS system, including food services, maintenance, transportation, and health services potentially resulting in huge tax dollar savings.
I count a dozen.
