Editor:

It was a pleasure to see Mr. Chesshir sign a letter to the Bee-Picayune as it gives the readers an opportunity to see why it is necessary to vote “Against” the sales tax proposition. Mr. Chesshir’s letter focuses on who is for the proposition and who is against it, but does not offer any reasoning to support his case.

The increased tax money brought in by the economic development of this city is critical; it helps the city of Beeville maintain streets, infrastructure and all other services provided to Beeville’s residents.

In early August, Dr. Hardwick told us future school financing was in for hard times. Much has been said this past week about our teacher’s salaries. Economic development is critical to school financing and therefore to teacher’s salaries. Dr. Hardwick has stated, “Economic development is the lifeline to school financing.”

The same may be said about the county’s finances. Its future is bleak without the influx of tax dollars that economic development will bring – the county’s only other revenue options are selling the coliseum or taking from the health care funds.

All of the above provides an extremely compelling case for the continuation of the economic development work of the BEIC, the BDA, the Main Street Program and all other organizations working diligently to bring more tax dollars to this community and thus reduce the tax burden on residents.

For all of these reasons, please come out and vote “Against” the sales tax proposition and help continue the economic growth we have seen over the last few years.

Jessy T. Garza