David Syring's July 21 letter asks why the Freeholders feel a need to meddle in 'Friends of' groups (such as Friends of the Library) set up by community-minded residents.

In an editorial on the same date, this paper points out that the Freeholders have spent "thousands of dollars in legal fees" to develop rules and regulations to allow them to control these 'Friends of' groups.

This probably does not come as a surprise to anyone who has seen our current Freeholder Board in action. The level of micro-management over employees is so heavy that county employees are forced to seek guidance in Freeholder meetings on very simple matters, all under the watchful eye of the $175/hour county counsel.

So I guess it follows that they would look to exert that same level of control over residents.

Hunterdon County residents are among the highest taxed citizens in the nation. Serious leaders would be looking for ways to work effectively with municipalities to reduce our tax burden. Our Freeholders are looking to squash positive initiatives taken by our fellow residents.

With 'friends' like this, who needs enemies?

Sam Thompson, Delaware Twp., candidate for Freeholder

Originally published here.