Statement on Vote Against Sales Tax Referendum

BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams made the following statement Monday after voting against a proposal to put a referendum for a quarter-cent sales tax on the May primary ballot:

“My vote against this proposal should not be misinterpreted as a vote against funding our schools or against supporting our coastal communities.  While I strongly support our public schools and absolutely believe that the county must play a role in protecting our shoreline, I have several concerns about this proposal.  First, this came about very quickly, and decisions like this should not be rushed.  Second, I have concerns about placing this referendum on the ballot in a primary election rather than a general election.  Third, I believe we should exhaust all other options before considering a tax increase of any kind, even one that is ultimately put in the hands of voters in the form of a referendum.”

The referendum proposal passed by a 4-1 vote and will be on the May primary ballot.