Former Defense Minister Amir Peretz is busy these days, making the rounds in Sderot to assist his wife�s mayoral campaign. Achlama Peretz is trying to unseat Mayor Eli Moiyal.

Peretz, a veteran resident of the southern city, is using his notoriety and extensive history as the nation�s number one labor leader, heading the Histadrut National Labor Federation towards boosting Achlama�s campaign.

Peretz, who is still an MK, is working hard on other fronts as well, pushing a bill to cancel the 15.5% VAT (value added tax) in Sderot. The tax is Israel�s equivalent of sales tax, paid around the country with the exception of Eilat, which is designated a free trade zone.

The other candidates in the race are angered over Mrs. Peretz�s abusing the political power enjoyed by the former Labor Party leader. One candidate, David Buskila called the VAT bill an �election gimmick�.

Buskila explains that Peretz has been in Knesset for 20 years �and only now he finds the time to introduce the Sderot tax bill. I hope the bill will pass but I suggest that Achlama begin busying herself with local issues of no less importance, such as the city�s education, future development and sanitation�.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)