Goldberg will put ‘town' before ‘council'

To the Editor: Many Spartans are frustrated -- mainly, with high taxes and nothing much to show for it. Our taxes are at a point where we are fearful to enhance, change or upgrade anything because of the impact it might have on our assessments. We have a political system in Sparta that has proven, through closed-door sessions and hidden agendas, to intentionally take advantage of busy townspeople. Town planning and development include items that were never voted on by Sparta taxpayers. It is funny that we decide to keep the name “town council.” Sparta has fallen into the category of having a council first and then a town. The two words do not seem to go together. People are starting to wake up to the abundance of issues on the front burner for Sparta. As we continue to evolve, it is important to bring the people and the council together so we can all take part in decisions on how our taxes are being spent. A healthy town invites citizens to be involved — which includes sharing of ideas and concerns. It is time for a change. One candidate, Manny Goldberg, offers much more than a sound bite or single point of view. He is a man who has dedicated himself to attending town meetings, speaking up, working with children in our schools and donating time to our local hospital. How often do we have the opportunity to elect a person who truly wants the best for the town and its people? This is your opportunity to vote for someone who is truly involved and not just wanting to “hold a seat” on the council for his own personal agenda. Make your vote count and make the council work for the town, not the other way around. Amy Longstreth Sparta