Letter: Pennington has made a positive difference

Published 7:30 am Thursday, November 3, 2011

I will vote to re-elect David Pennington as mayor of Dalton because I know that he is the right man for the job. After four years as Dalton’s mayor Mr. Pennington has demonstrated that he has the leadership skills to really get things done in our city government, and his accomplishments have made a difference for all of us.

City spending has been reduced by $6 million, and property taxes have declined every year for the past four years. In 2011 the city of Dalton tax rate is 25 percent less than it was in 2007. In his next term as mayor Mr. Pennington has pledged to work to eliminate the city government property tax altogether.

In these uncertain and difficult economic times Dalton needs a leader who understands the issues which are facing our community and offers specific solutions to these issues. We are all aware of the high unemployment in our area and the ways in which many businesses are struggling just to exist. Mayor Pennington has worked with the Downtown Dalton Development Authority to reduce taxes on downtown businesses by 67 percent. Reduced taxes encourage business growth and increased job opportunities, and both of these are desperately needed in our community.

David Pennington has a proven record of success. He has served Dalton with distinction and has provided a vision for future growth. We need his service as mayor for another four years.  Please vote to re-elect David Pennington.

Ruth Lee Hair

Dalton