Very well said and written OM

Re: the MHSD and (maybe) propsed levy, etc.:

Union dues are indeed paid by the teachers and IA's employed by the MHSD. Tax dollars do NOT pay those dues...tax dollars do however pay for the pay raises, etc. negotiated by the union.

As far as the people who come on here to piss and moan about the MHSD and how money is spent, I have this to say---

I went to the meeting last night on how to get a levy passed for the money "needed" for the MHSD. I was NOT invited to sit in this room but elected to do so, on my own so that I would know, first hand, what in the heck is going on.

40-45 people were asked to sit on this "board of citizens." The MHSD, Mr. Gilbert to be more specific, told me last night that they asked senior citizens, people who are "anti" MHSD/bond/levy/more taxes, school employees, etc. to participate. Of those people asked (face to face mind you and through direct contact by the MHSD) very few attended/took part/showed up---who were specifically contacted.

Last night at that meeting, there were 25-26 people present (not including Mr. Gilbert, Mr. McMurtrey and the MHSD Budget & Finance guru). Of that, many were MHSD employees (teachers, head of maintenance, coaches, etc.).

If you are really and truly concerned about what is going on with the MHSD and how your money is being spent, YOU should attend the meetings. I was encouraged to speak at this meeting and my questions were answered. Even more important, while it was fairly clear that I was one of the most "anti-education" or "naysayers" (naysayer was a word used last night at the meeting by a person at this meeting), my questions were answered and in a respectful manner (mutual respect mind you by myself as well as the MHSD employees).

If you choose (and it is a choice) to not be involved, then you have no reason/standing to complain. They are asking for input. If you choose not to attend and be informed then do not complain when another levy is approved and you do not like how that money is being spent.

I heart my boys, I do not think that the MHSD is playing up the problems with these buildings such as a leaky roof (many of them to be more specific) and I really did not intend to come across in that manner. I just find the timing of all this to be very suspect. Cuts need to be made. Enrollment is down and times are tough. They propose cuts with very vague language. Will these cuts really be made? The way some of the proposed "cuts" read as of last night, in my opinion, they will not be made.

I had a very interesting post meeting conversation with Mr. Gilbert last night. He was very straight forward. IMHO, 10,000 more "concerned citizens" need to have a similar conversation with him or a member of the MHSD Administration (I would skip the MH School Board myself, they do not want to hear from the public---in my persoanl experience).

So, if you do not attend these meetings, you probably should not really say anything. Because by not attending these meetings, you are a part of the problem and not the solution.

My 2 cents.

Next meeting is at the Mountain Home Public Library on February 9, 2012 at 6:00 P.M. Do your own research and be informed.

On a side note, I spent 1 hour on the phone yesterday with the State Dept. of Education. Teachers pay cuts from last year will be reinstated. They took a 2.83% cut and will see a 3% return (per the State Dept. of Education, yesterday) for the 2012/2013 budget year. Teachers will also be eligible for up to $8,000 in performance based pay which is on top of their base salary (also per the State Dept. of Education) for the 2012/2013 budget year.

And for the record, I am not anti-education. I am pro-education. I am stated to be a "naysayer" or "anti-education" because I am against a levy/bond and higher taxes BASED on what is currently proposed by the MHSD as far as spending and vague "cuts." I hope that this train will turn around and that some commmon sense and honesty will shine through. I hope. I would be one of the MHSD's most outspoken supporters if I could be confident, based on the facts and data, that they were being fiscally responsible and proactive toward the future. I would GLADLY pay higher taxes if Admin pay was more in line with what some of these people contribute---really contribute---to the MHSD and the community (students and taxpayers). I am not there yet and may never be but at least I have the facts and data to support that decision. I hope there is a day when the MHSD decides to "partner" with this community for better education. There is no doubt that the children deserve that and we NEED smartl, well educated future leaders. However, a levy every 2 years and bond elections are not the answer and threats of "nuclear solutions" are not the answer either. There is nothing worse than a demand for money while holding the voting public captive (gun to our head tactics). When people have their backs up against a wall the outcome is seldom what we would like.

Hope that helps some of you out. If you do not want this "Citizens Board" to be all MHSD employees, attend the meetings. If not, please do not complain. Good day.

Dear Mr. Idahowantswolves - Really, don't you have anything more constructive to do besides driving around at night? Of course you are going to draw attention to yourself from law enforcement. Sounds to me that you were purposely doing it TO draw their attention. Good on Elmore County for following you.

Its amazing how the police say its the public breaking all the traffic laws around here. Some day set downtown at an intersection and see how many times a MHPD car fails to make a complete stop, fail too use turn signals, improper lane turns, stopping with their cars in crosswalks at stop signs. In a 2 hour period , observed 11 MHPD cars violate these traffic laws in the downtown area. Observe and see.

I have read a couple of comments about clearing the snow and frost from our cars and I have to agree. I am tired of seeing so many people with a little hole to look out of while they are driving. It is very important to clear your windows AND to remove the snow from your car, for the safety of yourself and others.

I don't know how many times I have had a big chunk of snow fly off of someone's car and land on my windshield or hit my car. It's dangerous and I wish that tickets could be issued for it.

As for the people who are complaining about the police "harassment"...If you don't do anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about if you are followed for one minute or thirty. Is it right for police to do this, probably not, though it's not illegal either. Just follow the laws and you won't have anything to worry about.

Just my opinion on a couple of things I have read lately! Everyone be safe and consider others in your actions! Don't have the "it won't happen to me attitude" because some day, it will!

MHAFB early release article - Base closes....very slick....schools open??? I totally understand the dilemma with sending kids home early; however, everyone knew this storm was coming. Schools should have never been in session to begin with today. Don't think a snow day every few years will forever damage our childrens' educations. "freezing temperatures overnight, making Thursday morning drives extremely hazardous" in the same article, but our school officials have to wait until morning to make a final decision? That'll give all the parents lots of time to make other arrangements, as well? Just cancel classes for tomorrow now and make it easy and safer for everyone. Geeeezzz.