I am perplexed that so few have come forward to challenge the incumbents in city government. The mayor and councilmen brag about their accomplishments but dare not mention that they raised my sales tax on groceries, meds, etc., by more than 12 percent. During this same term, my power bill, water, gas and garbage rates all went up but my Social Security did not. Now there is talk of the need for more tax increases, but they will wait until after the election to discuss that. I can only hope that some leaders will step up and challenge before qualifying closes.