Originally Published on 02/24/2003

Confused by city

I was astounded when I opened the Feb. 14 Post and Courier and read the subhead "More than $600,000 in city money missing."

It's confusing because the first report about a year ago mentioned a figure of about $300,000 to $400,000 dollars. It's confusing because The Post and Courier recently wrote that the city of Charleston's new budget would allow for a slight reduction in taxes. Does this mean that the $600,000 was not even needed in the budget? If so, shouldn't there be a more significant tax cut?

I'm confused because The Post and Courier reported on July 25: "Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. said the town (of James Island) will drain resources away from the city and that it makes no sense to have two governments on the suburban island. He said the town will take about $450,000 annually from the city in the form of local option sales taxes."

Yes, I'm confused that $450,000 could be so important when $600,000 or more was apparently embezzled and the city continued operating; and indeed opted for a tax reduction? I'm confused because the city's suit against James Island contends that it makes no sense to create municipalities right next to existing cities or towns, and that parts of the town are actually in the city. Sure, I'm confused because this rationale didn't seem to be prevalent when the city annexed Daniel Island, which actually exists in two counties, and is a long way geographically from downtown Charleston.

I have this vision of Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned. I respectfully request that Mayor Riley stop "fiddling around" with James Island. There may be other "burning issues" that require attention. Thank you, Councilman Henry Fishburne, for your salient, sensible comments concerning James Island.

JAMES T. FRALIX JR.

175 Harborview Road

James Island