To the Editor:

While the people in Dumfries already know about Mayor Foreman’s record, I am writing today to share it with a larger audience. That’s because the mayor recently announced that he is running for State Senate from the 36th District, which is now an open seat due to incumbent Sen. Toddy Puller’s retirement.

We all know that politicians promise to cut our taxes every year, but then taxes go up and up. That’s why when there is an elected official out there who has actually cut taxes, they need to be recognized and applauded.

Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman led the charge to lower property taxes rates in his town by 52 percent with another reduction slated for the FY16 Budget, while making sure to build up the township surplus in case of emergencies. That’s true fiscal conservatism. Foreman was also able to reduce — and in some cases eliminate — costly fees that are particularly hard on homeowners and small businesses.

It’s rare that we get an opportunity to send someone to Richmond who actually has a record of lowering taxes. Let’s take advantage of it and elect Jerry Foreman to the Senate in November.

Susan Valentine

Alexandria