County commission and taxes

Imagine this.

You are working for a company that has run into hard times financially. You are told, "In two weeks you will be laid off or you can accept another position within the company at a lower rate of pay."

You decide to remain employed because the lower pay rate is more than what you would receive from unemployment. However, the new wage is not enough to cover the budget you planned for over the next year. In most cases you sit down with your family, go through the budget and concentrate on your needs of food and shelter, and strike those nice-to-have items.

Would you ever consider asking for an increase in compensation because "technically it would be recouping what you had before?"

I think not. I believe you would be happy with a job that permits you to provide for your family.

Mr. Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner, where is your authority to "recoup any loss of use tax revenue" without the consent of the people?

Why did the county commission vote in favor of a tax abatement for Spartech on Dec. 6?

Why cannot the county do the same as the aforementioned family?

Mr. State Senator-elect Wallingford, everyone (including government) needs to share in the sacrifice of less money in these poor economic times.

All elected officials must remember, "The God-given right to govern is vested in the sovereign authority of the whole people." Seek their permission before passing legislation that affects their property.

DAVID A. LARSON, Jackson