Many people in downtown Suffolk already know Charles Parr, and for those who do not, when you meet him, you feel like you have known him for years.

He was born and raised in Suffolk. He lives and works in Suffolk, operating a successful business in downtown while calling the Lakeside neighborhood his home.

He knows and understands the needs and concerns of the folks living i his borough and continues to invest his time and energy to make downtown a better place to live.

Charles’ business background gives him a strong understanding of how our city should operate financially.

In a recent conversation, Mr. Parr told me that he supports a 20-cent reduction n our tax rate. He explained that even with this tax-rate reduction, our city would still have an increased flow of revenue, allowing services to be maintained and upgraded.

However, the city manager refuses to acknowledge this fact, insisting that services would suffer, services such as schools, police and fire protection. Telling folks that their public safety would be in danger if they received the tax cut they deserve is nothing more than a scare tactic. Mr. Parr favors a budget that treats everyone fairly, not with fear.

The real question is where does (Mayor) Bobby Ralph stand? What does he say about a 20-cent reduction? Why won’t council vote on this issue until after the election? Are they afraid of being held accountable by their bosses — the taxpayers of this community?

Well, our city is moving forward, with or without them.

We’re putting Charles Parr in office so this community can realize its dreams of a fair and prospering community.

Mickey Boyette

Suffolk