Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Over the past few weeks, I have observed comments about what candidates’ platforms represent, thereby providing comments like I support schools, police and emergency services, which are empty comments without knowing how they will support each of them. Let me explain.

Gloucester County, like most rural counties, struggles with not having a broad-based revenue source to support necessary services like schools, police and emergency services, given that most of the county’s revenue is derived from real estate tax. Yes, there are other tax sources; however, when all combined, they represent limited revenue to support many required and desired services by the community while being further diluted by collection rates.

So, what’s my point? Well, when you remove personalities, politics, opinions and pet projects, all counties need representatives that can balance the needs of the community against limited revenue sources, not a representative who tells you wh...