Kirby, Dowling vie for Florence County Council District 4 seat

I would like to say when I see what Mitchell Kirby has to say, I must laugh. Since when can you build something, that in the end it does not cost the taxpayers. NEVER! Also, he says how good our economy is. Where has he been? Would a small business owner or an average family say it is good? I do not think so. What has he brought to our district in the last 16 yrs? Honda did bring new jobs but did nothing for our taxes! I am tired of my tax dollars being spent like there is no end. Florence county approved $125,000 in funds for Timmonsville Recreational projects and I have requested an itemized statement of where these funds will be spent and I have yet to recieve it. I'm gald there is trust between the council members senators, etc. as Mr. Kirby states
because most of the taxpapers don't trust many of you. I think elected officals should only be allowed to serve 2 terms and given someone else a chance. It's time for a change in District 4 and the change needs to be Betty Dowling.

The two statements that "we're in the best shape we have ever been in," and the new library "won't cost the taxpayers a dime," were insensitive and clearly misinformed. Who are we trying to fool? While the library is a generous and appreciated donation, the taxpayers will spend far more than a "dime" to maintain the facility, pay salaries, and support the continued operations of the library. I doubt very seriously the folks who have worked at Wellman feel like we in good shape. Do not be fooled by election year rhetoric--we are facing difficult economic times. Anyone who says or believes otherwise is just plain foolish. To tout support of the Timmonsville Rescue Squad as a personal triumph for re-election is foolish as well--who wouldn't vote to fund the TRS? Timonsville Resuce Squad has been a consistent mainstay of the health and wellness of our community--we all support the squad. No mention was made of a questionable, one-bid $72,000.00 expenditure on private property. No mention of the $125,000 set-aside funding for "recreational" purposes in Timmonsvile--maybe too many have been promised the money for various "recreational" projects. Council's "leisure tax" doesn't make me feel too leisurely when I run by the grocery to purchase prepared food to feed my family supper--on my way home from work. 16 years of the same-old same-old is long enough. We need representation that is in touch with the pressing needs of our community--constantly--not just once every four years. A vote for Betty Dowling is a vote for trusted leadership for everyone.

Truly the best "endorsement" Betty Dowling could have is the Florence Morning News' "endorsement" of Mitchell Kirby. You know, the kinda, sorta, with advice and some reservations endorsement which appeared in today's edition (10-26-2008.)I found it truly astonishing that "the paper" even realized there was an election involving the Timmonsville residents/community. I will be the first to agree that Mitchell is charming, witty and a joy to be around. Unfortunately, charm simply does not equate to strong leadership and astute decision making, nor does sixteen years of "practice." The voters of this community realize we are no better off than we were 16 years ago. It is time for a change. Betty Dowling, a self proclaimed "numbers cruncher" has the skills we need to represent the best interests of our district and the county.