To the Editor:

I’d like to add my two cents worth to the issue of the county’s subsidy to the country club. First, let me tell you something about my life and how my ideas developed. My family WALKED four miles one way to school, stores and church.

I had 100 percent attendance at church for seven years. When I was at Va. Tech I had one suitcase, with VPI written on it in masking tape. Times were different but I thumbed my way to Tech for four years and worked my way through. I HAD to know the value of a dollar and how to spend it wisely. I learned the difference between a need and a want.

Thirty percent of our county citizens are living under the poverty level. I know how that is. Why should their taxes go to pay for the more financially able to play golf while they go without sufficient food, clothing, heat for their homes or money to pay their taxes?

It concerns me that last spring the BOS stated time after time that the budget did not include any money for the country club, and stated the same thing at the October BOS meeting. Then in November they came up with $25,000 for the private club. Not a single citizen spoke in favor of that gift and numerous spoke against it. BOS members are elected to represent their citizens, not necessarily what they want or will benefit from. Are they representing YOU?

Glenn Updike
Newsoms