Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I voted early last week, and without a moment’s hesitation, voted YES for Gloucester’s Sales Tax Referendum.

The referendum on the ballot reads as follows:

“Should Gloucester County be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed (1%), provided the revenue from the sales tax shall be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools in Gloucester County and that the sales tax shall expire by July 31, 2040?”

I voted for this because outstanding public schools help everyone, resulting in higher incomes, better property values and a healthier local economy. The 1 percent sales tax excludes essential items such as groceries, prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, utilities, vehicles, trailers, boats and fuel.

Exemptions also apply to certain agricultural, commercial and industrial items, and at least 20 percent of sales tax collected will be paid for by visitors to our county. The 1 percent e...