CummingHome

As a former County Commissioner, and one that accepted contributions from anyone living in or doing business in the County (including developers), I would like to offer a perspective regarding Mr. DeMaria's article on campaign contributions.

First and foremost, there is no such thing as 'buying' a Commissioner's vote with a contribution. I never let a contribution override sound judgment on a vote and I believe Tam hasn't either. It is preposterous at best to even infer such. The money generated for a campaign doesn't go to the candidate's bank account; it goes to purchasing campaign signs, literature, candy, pens and the like. To insinuate that Tam (or anyone else for that matter) can be overtly influenced to vote a certain way on a zoning or any other issue is an obvious ploy to discredit a candidate at the last hours of a campaign.

I believe Tam votes in favor of the best interests of the citizens of our county and nothing less.

Mr. DeMaria's insinuation that Commissioner Tam's campaign contributions four years ago make him insensitive to homeowners is unfounded. Tam's ability to generate revenue for his campaign is by no means an affront to the homeowners of Forsyth County. People like Mr.DeMaria, whose constant references to the boogieman development community try to coerce readers and voters into thinking that commissioners place outside business people ahead of the needs of home and property owners, is so far from reality. Mr. DeMaria doesn't seem to understand this, but, evidently, homeowners throughout the community do.

The fact of the matter is Tam has the support of more homeowners' leadership than all the other District 2 candidates combined. He has the support of the majority of the Smart Growth Directors, most of the Federation of Forsyth County Homeowners Directors, local Clergy, and our two State Senators and State Representative (Mark Hamilton).

Commissioner Tam's record of public service speaks for itself and I encourage voters to closely analyze each candidate independently of these last minute attempts to manipulate voters with misinformation.