To the Editor:

My response (“It’s time to bury old city-versus-county grudges,” March 25) to Steve Stewart’s commentary on March 20 (“Still waiting on consolidation”) has brought forth more conversation than any letter to the editor I have written in a long time.

People from both the county and the city have called me or stopped me at the stores, on the streets and at church to thank me. Many have asked me if I was the person who had written the letter, guessing that I was the right Dr. Edwards.

I am most grateful and humble for their response, deserved or not, but this has made me aware that there are lot of people who want a consolidation study done immediately.

The problem is none of them would volunteer to start a petition in their neighborhood to really find out how many citizens are serious about cutting government spending. Until you citizens are willing to take an active role to promote more efficient and less costly government, just keep on paying those high taxes that you complain about.

I have come to the conclusion that there is only one way to get the answer. Any citizen who will join me in this effort to demand a consolidation study in Franklin and Southampton County is asked to gather the signatures of 10 or more like-minded citizens and mail them to Mr. Stewart at The Tidewater News, P.O. Box 497, Franklin, Va., 23851.

You now have this issue in your hands, and your responses will either make sure that this happens or is a complete failure. I believe it is time for the taxpayer to be heard loudly and clearly. Please accept your responsibility in this most important matter. Thank you for your participation.

Dr. Robert T. Edwards
Franklin