John Sellers: Leadership should defend taxpayers and not abuse them

To The Daily Sun,

Moody’s has downgraded Grafton County’s credit rating from the previous “Aa3” rating to an “A1” rating, which is deeply disturbing and represents a serious setback to confidence in the financial management of Grafton County under the oversight of our elected commissioners and members of the County Delegation responsible for approving county spending.

This downgrade is not just a number on a report — it has real consequences for taxpayers. A lower credit rating can result in higher borrowing costs, increased interest expenses on future courthouse bonds, and ultimately more financial pressure placed on taxpayers through higher taxes and reduced resources for essential services. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay the price for poor financial decisions, inadequate oversight, or a lack of responsible fiscal management.

For the past 10 years, Democrats have controlled the Board of Commissioners and County Delegation of Grafton County government, according to election records from the Secretary of State’s office. The current leadership must therefore be held accountable for the financial decisions made during this period and must explain how the County reached this point.

A downgrade of this magnitude should not be dismissed as routine. It is a warning that demands accountability, transparency, and immediate corrective action.

Responsible leadership means protecting taxpayers, maintaining strong financial practices, and making decisions that preserve the County’s fiscal health. Losing a strong credit rating places an unnecessary burden on the businesses and residents that county officials are elected to serve.

This is a county-created problem. And Grafton County taxpayers deserve better than increased taxes and costs caused by declining financial confidence and poor leadership. They deserve leadership that accepts responsibility, addresses the problem directly, and takes meaningful action to restore the county’s financial standing. This leadership must be voted out to protect the taxpayers; our taxes are too high already.

Rep. John Sellers

Bristol