To the Editor:

In tough times choices must be made that may not be popular with the masses. As an elected official I have an obligation not to just look out for today but for tomorrow. While I understand that we are in great financial distress, now is not the time to sit back and play politics with the lives of tens of thousands.

In an election year it’s easy to point the finger and say “No New Taxes”, “Cut Spending” and while those slogans sound good and look good on paper that is not always necessarily the right thing to do.

During the boom years of the 2000s it was the East County Water Control District Board of Commissioners that cut taxes to the lowest levels in its history. While other governments were hoarding money away, we gave it back to the people where it belonged.

At the same time we cut the district’s debt in half, started rebuilding the ageing infrastructure, and designed long term improvements to the 40-year-old infrastructure of the district to save residents from flooding.

While critics of government want us to cut now to save now – this narrow minded, short term thinking would endanger the lives of residentsfor years to come. I stand on my 10-year record of doing what is right which is to serve all people and not just the vocal few.

Desmond Barrett

Commissioner, East County

Water Control District

Lehigh Acres