I want to be part of the community. I look at the people paying the taxes for our schools. And I want to be one of them.

People want just taxes more than they want lower taxes. They want to know that every man is paying his proportionate share according to his wealth.

Finance definitely is not my strongest area. I surround myself with good people. And I keep working on it.

It means higher property taxes, period. . . . Whether funding is flat or slightly reduced, it's the community that has to make up for the difference.

October first is just another step towards collecting more taxes. It's voluntary. A lot of retailers won't start until after the holiday shopping season. It'll be a gradual effect.

We've always partnered with the schools. They are the anchors of the community.