Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Several people have expressed varied criticisms about Gloucester’s recently adopted real estate tax rates. It was evident from the beginning of the budget process; the board of supervisors was divided on whether or not to increase the tax rate. It was also evident the vocal school system support group was once again rallied, via robo-calls, and asked to speak at public meetings in favor of employee raises and a tax increase.

When the time finally came to discuss and vote on the tax rate, the board was still divided. Some supervisors wanted no increase while others wanted as much as a 10-cent increase. The evening before the final budget and tax discussion and vote, chairman John Meyer called for a resolution to be pre-written to reflect the board adopting a 2-cent tax increase. His motion was approved with a 4-3 vote, further exemplifying the board’s division. Mr. Meyer likely did this as an attempt to have the whole board reach common ground and ...