An Oct. 15 letter writer' recollection of the facts from 22 years ago is incorrect. Since I was Maui County's budget director before Linda Lingle became mayor and continued to be throughout her entire term as mayor, I am in a position to positively say that we did not leave the county with a $1 million deficit.
Lingle's careful fiscal management and business-friendly policies increased the county's revenue base, allowing for new parks and swimming pools, new fire stations and youth centers, an improved wastewater system, new programs for our disadvantaged citizens and a strong visitor industry.
Former Mayor Kimo Apana chose to raise user fees and real property taxes because he wanted more money to spend for his own initiatives. He preferred that easier method of dealing with the budget instead of spending within the county's means.
Lingle is committed to our kupuna. She has promised to uphold the obligation for Social Security and Medicare benefits for all those who have earned and are receiving these benefits.
The letter writer is spouting the same national Democratic Party rhetoric and lies that should not be accepted in our community. We know better.
Georgina Kawamura
Former Maui County Budget Director
Wailuku
