To the Editor:

Southampton County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2013-2014 fiscal year budget Tuesday night, with Newsoms District Supervisor Glenn Updike casting the lone dissenting vote. However, Supervisor Alan Edwards (Jerusalem District) said he supported it “reluctantly.”

What is wrong with our leaders? Can they not take a stand on anything? The schools are again under funded. The county has to borrow money for buses?

So much for being “debt free in 30 years” The board is more concerned with their own reelections next year than educating the children. The Board has no problem beating us over the head to fund trash, but not our schools?

What is wrong with this picture? I would gladly pay a school tax if it were designated for the schools.

Once again we have no leadership in the County, and Mr. Updike is the voice of reason.

“Will we buy them? Yes, there is no obligation for future buses in this budget,” said Barry Porter (Franklin District). He add that he feels the county will generate future revenue, but the budget before them was the one needing to be passed based on current restraints.

Are you sure of that Mr. Porter? I suppose the “future revenues” are the tax increase the Board is too chicken approach.

“A lot of things came and went that weren’t done in a public manner,” said Dr. Alan Edwards (Jerusalem district), adding that he hoped next year things “would be more public.” (The Tidewater News May 31st) Why not? Once again the perception is the good ole boys making some back-room deal. When will this stop? We elected you to lead, so do it!

Larry Smith
Ivor