Politicians are fascinating creatures.

They all say they want to cut our taxes, while some at the same time say they oppose Amendment 2.

Support for Amendment 2 is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to tax cut and put more money back in their pocket.

Amendment 2 means giving lawmakers more options to cut taxes. Taxes like the yearly taxes we pay on our cars, trucks, or the tax on ATVs.

For businesses, it means not having to pay repeatedly for the same piece of equipment and for the inventory that is on its shelves at the end of the year, taxes that discourage investment in West Virginia.

I think we all want more options for cutting taxes, but this is lost on some politicians. They are more about playing politics and fighting others than truly representing the people’s will.

Look at the mess we are in, given all the partisan fighting in Washington.

West Virginians deserve better, and the Governor needs to put personal differences aside and lead in supporting Amendment 2.

He must remember that he was the first to call for the taxes on businesses to be repealed. He planted the seeds of tax reform in his state of the state addresses to our state legislature. He owns it, and he needs to lead.

Maybe Governor Justice has forgotten that his administration enticed employers like Rockwool, Nucor, and Procter & Gamble — to come to the state by allowing them special relief from those very same taxes.

What’s good for one is good for all and that should be the leadership we see from Governor, not political gamesmanship.

The Governor should support existing West Virginia businesses and work to level the playing field. So this election year, don’t let the politicians confuse you or even, in some cases, try to fool you.

Vote yes on Amendment 2.

Send a loud and strong voice that we expect leadership from those who say they genuinely want to cut our taxes, support existing business, and bring more jobs to West Virginia.

Supporting Amendment 2 is your voice for tax reform and your way of keeping the politicians in check.

Joe Eddy is the president and CEO of Enhanced Technology, serves on the Regional Economic Development Partnership in Wheeling and is a member of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority Board.