Dear Editor,

It is with great anguish that I write this letter concerning commissioner Brandon Smith’s announcement to switch to the Republican Party. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Smith and his fine family.

I do, however, have grave concern when he or any other person in either the Democratic or Republican Party switches their party affiliation prior to the expiration of their term. What does this say to the people who supported their campaign financially or otherwise when an individual makes this type of decision? Why can’t they wait until the next election to make their switch? I am very disappointed in Mr. Smith’s decision as a political office holder. If, as he states, that as a Christian and business owner he feels that his decision is morally right. I question his decision based upon those inputs. If, as he states, that he is so concerned then why does he not have the fortitude to remain with the party that elected him and to those constituents and friends that supported him during his campaign.

Why can’t he stand and fight with the party that elected him to make changes that he feels is necessary to put our country on the right track. I too am concerned with the track our nation has taken over the past several years. I do however have the backbone to stick with my party and support candidates that will make a difference. If Mr. Smith thinks that the democrats have lead our nation in the path we are now facing he must have a very short memory. When the Republican Party took over from President Clinton we had a surplus and during the next eight years the republicans have engaged in a hypocritical campaign to totally blame the democrats for the financial problems facing our nation. How soon the republicans forget their part in the situation we are now facing. I find it hypocritical when any public official changes parties when the chips are down and does not have the backbone to stick with his or her party to make the necessary changes that will make our nation great again.

Again I have nothing but respect for Mr. Smith; it is his decision to switch parties that bothers me because I contributed to his campaign and because I have believed in him and his democratic values at the time of his campaign. He is not even my county commissioner. I felt that I wanted to support him and his campaign at the time and now I feel betrayed.

Foster Kizer