I challenged him on his pledge to never vote for a tax increase, even if Oneida County were facing a genuine fiscal crisis. The Oneida County Republican Committee is in the middle of a bitter internal power struggle involving Chairman Ken Roser and allies of County Executive Anthony Picente. The question is especially relevant because Republican committee members and donors have publicly raised serious concerns about Roser’s leadership. And if party money is being directed toward a chairman’s own businesses or organizations connected to him, donors deserve a transparent accounting and independent review. They should concern every Republican committee member, every donor and every voter asked to support candidates carrying the party’s endorsement.