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Apples To Apples Or Just More Road Apples?Posted Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at 1:36 AM
The MHSD obtains funds through taxes. The WECRD obtains funds through taxes. The MHSD built a school in MH, with a bond, and made the public believe it would be the high school/future high school (depending on who tells the story about the sign in front of the building site). The WECRD has land, VERY expensive land, which sits empty with a very nice sign on it with a picture of a building on it. If you look at that picture and the words on the sign, one would think MH was going to have a HUGE recreation facility...soon. Although the sign does say future and I guess 20 years later is still future. What is a little time among friends? The MHSD taxes us and promises us great things and responsible spending (I guess opinions will differ on how "responsible" is or can be defined). They state if this proposed levy does not pass, all sports will be cut, jobs will be lost, pay will be cut, etc. The WECRD taxes us and promises us great things. We have been taxed for right around ten (10) years now and have little more than a VERY expensive piece of ground to look at with a sign that represents a facility 10 times in cost what this community has. Guess we could try for a bond? Raise taxes as allowed by law? The WECRD is hiring and growing! Perhaps if they provided recreation, the very reason the district was created, there would be less of a burden on our schools as far as athletics. Nearly 2 million paid in taxes with very little to show. The MHSD has a very nice web page. Not nearly as informational as before the bond election but we cannot have everything. The WECRD has a web page---an outdated web page that we, as taxpayers, pay dearly for. It states that the facility is designed and ready for construction. Further, their Meeting Minutes are still stuck back in February---no current info there to "keep their patrons informed." But we, as taxpayers, pay a web person to maintain that web page. For what? Your tax dollars at work yes-sir-eeee! The MHSD would like more public input at their meetings so that they know what the public wants and feels. However, opinions expressed on a blog do not count. They prefer to argue with you in person---if they let you complete a thought that is without speaking over you. The WECRD also wants public input---as long as you agree with them. Here is an informative YouTube clip of such a meeting where public input was requested---just not by someone hearing impaired at that moment. The member of the public, who could not hear, got up and left. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLtBZXqc6... There is a pattern in our little community and that is taxation without representation and taxation without causation. People vote for things because they feel like they have to---like there is no other choice. Well, there is a choice. There is a choice to vote yes or a choice to vote no. I hope that those who vote yes do it based on facts as opposed to the reasoning of the "nuclear solution." Why does a computer lab at the junior high nearly sit empty, daily? Why does a science lab hardly ever get used? With all of the "empty" space at the Jr. High why does the MHSD CHOOSE to pack kids into the MHHS? Scare tactics and extortion for bad decisions at the hands of people with no accountability. Once again, the taxpayers of this community have been held hostage. They want more money to fund who really knows what. Vote. Your choice (of course) yes or no. But at least be informed and seek out the actual facts. The state has a very informative web page. The MHSD said they plan to cut 8 receptionists which will save the district (if the levy fails) $221,000. That would mean a receptionist, based on the MHSD figures, makes $27,625 (based on the figures given by the MHSD which includes benefits---benefits account for $48,507 of the total). Not bad for a job close to home with benefits. Once again, what is the long term plan? What is this money really going to buy? Will any of this money be used for books, computers, etc.? Where/when does the taxing end? Who is in charge of the money and forgot to close the barn doors? Accountability? Long term plans/goals? Balanced budget? Plan for sports? Nobody wants to see these cuts. The kids are our future. Teachers are special people. Not just anybody can teach, it takes a special person. However, passing a levy to fund more over-spending is not a solution. Happy voting! In this one, there will be no "winners." At some point, the tap will run dry. Now, the 5.6 million dollar question is when? Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
Str8 Talk  - Archives - Blog RSS feed ![[Feed icon]](http://www.mountainhomenews.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon} - Comments RSS feed - Send email to Tracy Lauric - Login I have lived in Mountain Home for over 11 years now. I love to be outdoors in wide open spaces (as long as it does not involve camping...in a tent and an out house). I dislike Government waste/abuse of tax dollars and "sky is the limit" spending by those that we elect to represent "us." I value free speech when what is stated is factual (as opposed to lies, gossip and un-truths). I love the Chicago White Sox (I never said I was perfect) and the Broncos are okay too! I am 38 years old and married to a guy who is active duty USAF (and a Cubs fan...he is the "perfect" one). I am anti-nuclear and against further desecration of our planet with waste that we can do little to nothing with. If you dislike blunt, this is not the blog for you. Enjoy!
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I want to congratulate all the seniors who will be graduating tonight. You have proven to be responsible citizens who care about your community. As you have discovered, being involved in the political process isn't always comfortable.
YoB and Lilmiss, you totally rock! I am so proud of the way you and other students hung in there, discussing the issues, when other bloggers just wanted you to be silent. Apparently facts just aren't their forte. Your involvement proves your worth as contributing citizens.
I look forward to watching as you contribute to society throughout the years.
Regarding the higher salaried employees that you targeted such as the band teacher and the carpentry teacher, I believe these two teachers have been employed at the high school since the 1980's. I would have to assume their salaries reflect how long they've worked for this school district.
So justcantwatch, what is your solution? Force these teachers into retirement, or fire them and hire cheaper replacements? You say "I want these people's paychecks" well I'm sure you would expect this after working for the same employer for 20+ years.
How about this for a crazy idea....let's say we all put a little faith into the school district, that this levy will be used as promised.
I'm proud of the citizens of Mountain Home for pulling together for the sake of the school and the children in this community. I am a business owner and property owner and voted YES to this levy, never doubting that it was the right thing to do.
Wow!! I am very proud to say that I am a resident of Mountain Home, Idaho. I don't have any children in school, mine already went through and had the chance to get to know VERY many wonderful teachers & administrators.
Mountain Home is great community and it's times like these that prove it! We support and take care of our own. Way to go Mountain Home!!!
My kids kept asking if I was going to cry when it passed and I said you bet your buns I am---and I did. :) I love Mountain Home and I love our schools and the 18-year-old seniors that came out to vote when it wasn't going to affect them but they cared enough to make a difference. Our future generations look so bright and thank you seniors you are awesome. Congrats on your graduation and Mountain Home will always be here with open arms to welcome you back as you go through life. Hey maybe some will even come back to be educators and add to the overwhelming 51 alumni teachers that we already have. Tiger Pride.
Not sure about the rest of you, but I was in tears of joy last night watching the news at 10.
The majority has spoken...
Hooray for the kids of Mountain Home!!
Ms. Lauric,
Were you even living in this community when the Mountain Home Junior High was constructed?
I love apples, do you love apples Idahoalltheway? Hey highschoolmom I bet you love apples also and what about MHsupporter? Its an apple kind of night I think. Gotta love them apples. You Rock Mountain Home. I love this town.
@MsMarilyn
Maybe someone could donate some desks or books or do a fundraiser. Good thing the district budgeted to get the roof fixed.
Yeah how about those apples? Now the big question how are they going to do the repairs on the schools and what money will they use to buy the much needed text books and desks? Will are children still be taught in unsafe schools?
Wow! What an election night.
Six of six precincts reporting
Yes: 2,621 (73 percent)
No: 992 (27 percent)
How about them apples???
I was at the meeting and they stated they would sale the land but not give it away. If anyone twists things I think it is you because you leave those kinds of details out. I had asked you this question before and why do you choose to live here if everyone is so dishonest? I seem to recall that you have a problem with City Council, SB, county and the rec district and I am sure I am leaving someone out. So, why do you choose to stay here if everyone is so dishonest? You are not above us and there are a lot of us who love Mountain Home and will support it tell the end.
I voted and I voted no. My hope is that we will learn to live within our means and do with what we have not what we could have or hope to have. Tough times are ahead. What we are going through now is nothing compared to the next 3-5 years. I can hear the screams now over higher taxes---when it all hits home. It will make that $200.00 error of not that long ago a walk in the park. Then, it will all make sense to everyone.
The MHSD is doing a really good snow job with the media. It will all come full circle. How many times do you have to be duped by the same people before you get tired of it? Guess we are about to find out.
MHSupporter:
For those of us at the previous MHSD Board meeting (not the last one but the prior one) it was stated by the Board that they would not sell the land if they felt they would take a loss. Regardless of what the MHSD wants us to think and no matter how they choose to spin the Minutes...they do not intend to sell that land. Not to worry, we will have this same debate for the next go round when they ask (or is that demand) more money because we all know this is just the start.
Retirementcanbefun,
Quit drinking and typing at the same time.
MHsupporter, you need to check your fax. I actually went to a couple of SB meetings. I actually tried to ask questions like why their own meeting minutes say 100% of them didn't want to sell the land but let's get it appraised anyway. They also stated they wouldn't sell it for a loss. Try and sell your house for what you paid for it now so I wouldn't hold my breath on them selling the land it sounds like your having smoke blown up you somewhere so that argument does work. As do the kids taking control I'm glad to see it but they only get one side of the story at school and my sons math teacher should have been teaching math and not spreading panic during class so that argument does work. If we are not the only school to cut sports than there won't be any other teams to play so why not cut them but better yet let the parents pay and get involved so that argument does work. The administration is bound by law true but the SB was the one that hired him so that argument also works and he knew he was guilty or he wouldn't have quit the day before his hearing collecting every tax payer penny he could. So basically my complaints are valid I just want straight talk and answers not the two year levy for 2.8 when it is really a two year levy for 5.6 and answers not just saying what they think we want to hear until they get our money. You're either very gullible or stupid if you think it ends here. And I really hate the fact if people feel superior by trying to say it is for the kids and you must hate education if you vote no. I didn't play sports or get a my collage paid for by a scholarship I joined the military and help a part time job for most of it while taking classes to graduate college. No help but my own personal hard work but it is all about give me give me give me today and not about hard work and personal responsibility. I would run but I have to work two jobs to pay for the 99 weeks of unemployment and the new vehicles the welfare recipients get. I personally know one person that collects welfare and food stamps and all they do is party and last week they got a new tattoo. All this paid for by people that actually work. As for the SB I actually like one of the members and respect him, the rest not so much.
They are going to sale the land after it is appraised so that argument doesn't work. The kids are taking control of their future and the adults can't understand that so that argument doesn't work. We are not the only school that may have to cut sports so that argument doesn't work, they were bond by laws when it came to administration being fired and innocent until proven guilty so that doesn't work, the budget was cut from our government nation wide so that doesn't work and the WECRD is not controlled by our SB so that doesn't work either. So, basically all the complaints have holes in them so I still support the SB, administration and children and teachers. That does work. I also suppose that come the next school board opening or City Council opening we will be seeing your name on the ballet? Maybe yours and OM and maybe even bazookaman and VicVega? Since nothing anyone does is right in theirs and your opinions and everyone is dishonest. Way to support your town. Should be proud
It is to blame for mismanagement of funds. It is to blame for not meeting the tax payer halfway by selling the unused land. They are to blame for the WECRD debacle. They are to blame for the misinformation and using our kids as leverage with the propaganda. They are ultimately responsible for spending the tax payer money responsibly and within a budget. They are to blame for not answering the question on what the plan is in two years if the economy doesn't improve. They are to blame for the waste of supplies and funds (lets pay for a month of administrator vacation before he quits in order not to get fired). So yes I will take it up with the higher governments and I didn't vote for Obama and I voted against Cordor and other republicans that wasted our money but I will also take it up with our little small towns elected officials that do the same thing or fail to plan.
So take it up with the higher Government then. Don't take it out on the small town in which you chose to retire in and SUPPORT. Like I have stated it is a nation wide problem and our small little town of Mountain Home is not to blame for the nations education cuts.
Pay it forward sounds good until your entire paycheck is taken by the government be it local, state, or federal. When you are working entirely for benefits and are under the complete control of the system you won't have a say or vote, they will take it away. What are you going to do about it you will be totally dependent on the government to take care of you? The definition we can apply to the subjects is SLAVE. Remember your history the slaves worked for whatever they were given, they had not say, and where told what to do, when to do it, and how. Keep giving and giving you might even see it in the next 20 years. Right now about 38% of what I make goes to TAXES. Let's keep it creeping up until it is 100% or at least until it doesn't pay me to work then I can get 99 months of unemployment and then welfare for doing nothing. Once you start this it won't end it will just go up. People need to learn to just say NO to the government which includes the School Board. Be it pay cuts or loss of sports, teachers sending the kids home to spread the panic and worry of this situation, the misleading of the levy (TAX) as a 2 year levy for 2.8 million (why not say a 2 year levy for 2.8 million for each year)? The fact there is no plan on what to do in two years and that is too far down the road to know what the situation will be crap doesn't work. I used to have to plan 7 years down the road in the military on budgets and equipment. They will get dependant on it just like a drug addict and use the kids as leverage to keep it going. Maybe the fact everyone can vote over 18 but only homeowners are going to pay or the fact most people have lost their jobs or took pay cuts some even deeper than what is planned for the teachers and administrators if the levy fails. Not much sympathy for this issue and I'm not anti-education or anti-kid. I'm anti SLAVERY.
I am a property owner.
I do not have any children enrolled in the MHS system.
I voted Yes to the levy as many times as they would let me.
Pay it forward and Save Our Schools.
VOTE:
YES!!
YES!!
YES!!
YES !!
But, those are just their comments on what they truly believe to be. At the end of the day, that is what we all have. I am confident this levy will pass and the schools will have a two-year reprieve. I also believe we may be having this same discussion two years from now.
suprising some of teachers really don't understand the facts but they have asked everyone to talk to a SB member of administration employee. I am shocked at some peoples comments on the facts. Far from the facts.
Amazingly, I have spoken with teachers as well. As for the students, yes, they are standing up for what they believe in, as am I. We should all be proud of the fact that we believe in something worth voicing our opinion over.
That depends on who you talk to because I have heard ALOT from the teachers side of things. I will say again that I am proud of the students for standing up for what they believe in and want and that is why the sports and extra activities are being focused on so much. They are being heard loud and proud and so why not listen to them. They are doing everything but begging and maybe even alittle bit of that.
Of course I am aware of where most of the money is going to. Too bad that has not been at the forefront of this fight and not the sports and extra activities. Trust me when I say I am well informed of the issues at hand. Not that it's any of your business who I call or where I go to get my information.
You really don't get were most of the cuts are from do you. It is not the sports it is the teachers, maintence, secretaries income and jobs that will be cut. Do you understand that? More lost jobs in Mountain Home, more empty houses less being spent in the businesses. It will affect everyone. Also, if you were working during ALL of the meetings have you contacted a SB member or Administration or even asked for the budget from the District office to answer your questions or do you get all your info from the blogs? I asked so I am voting YES.
@MsMarilyn
You're right - the legislature did make a cut for one year because they build their budget on a one year cycle. This is also the first year in Idaho state history that the public school budget has been cut. There has been level funding in the past but never a cut.
Who said I do not have the "correct" facts?
I have been working since I was 14 and my parents and grandparents paid for my education with thier taxes as well as I did. My child is also working as well as her parents and Grandparents and we choose to support her in her education as my parents and grandparents. It is how it should be so as much as everyone argues about that I hope you are all giving your comments to the Higher Government that made the decissions to cut our education. Why not focus on the people who made the decissions and support the town on what it needs. I also work 2 jobs and I still find time to support my town and attend meeetings. You can't complain if you don't have the correct facts and ask the question.
I am sure the good taxpayers of the day paid for my education as well. And by education, I do mean the basic knowledge afforded to us all. What they didn't pay for, however, was any of the extra-curricular activities I CHOSE to participate in. That was up to me and my family.
As much as I would have liked to have heard it first hand, sadly I was at work.
MHsupporter - I've been working full time since I was 15. So along with my fellow student's who worked, my/their parents and grandparents, I guess I paid for my education (in part because my wages were taxed). How about you?
Obviously you haven't been attending the meetings because those questions were asked and answered. I completely understand why because I was there. Were you?
Just making sure you were aware because the way everyone talks we are way more powerful then I was aware of. The kids are the ones fighting for the sports along with thier parents and the problem is people aren't used to the kids standing up for what they believe in. I for one am proud of our youth for getting involved because this DOES affect them also. Who paid for your education?
Because the school district wants more than they actually need. Why didn't they just ask for a one-year levy to help them through the coming year while they make adjustments and a more sensible budget.
The legislators cut funding for 1 year Click on the link below and you will see where the cuts are
http://idahoea.org/hotline/articles/2010...
Why is the levy for 2 years?
I am fully aware that that education cuts have been nationwide. The mess I am referring to is the way our district handles things and have slowly but surely built a reputation for being dishonest. Although the majority of this money doesn't go to sports, that is the hot button that they are helping to push to see that this levy passes. And, I am quite confident it will indeed pass, but it will not fix everything in the long term.
Like I stated does that mean that Mountain Home is so powerful that we created the nations financial problems with all of the School systems? EVERYONE is having this problem. I knew Mountain Home was a great town but WOW, we also control the Nation on School cuts also. Didn't know we had that much power, nice to know.
Please, there are dishonest people no matter where you live. But, that doesn't mean that this solution, the proposed levy, is the only answer to the mess the school district has created.
If you're a parent and a concerned ADULT who wants to let the teachers, town and students no we stand behind them vote.
YES!
YES!
YES!
Everything has changed because the kids need us and this is maintaining with some cuts. They are not asking for a new school they are asking for HELP. We are not the only ones asking for this the entire nation is so get over the past. The ENTIRE STATE AND NATION ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM and I really don't think our past has affected the Nations school problem so get over it already. We need this. Also, I will ask the same question again. If this town is so dishonest because all I hear is complain, complain, complain then why did you negative people choose to live here? If things are so messed up then why are you here? Just asking. I can guarantee when this is over all the same people will find something else to complain about because that seems to be the patern. Actually makes me feel sorry for them to be so unhappy.
So, who is Observer referring to anyways?
It probably will, but it won't really fix anything. It may satisfy the students and some parents, but we will have learned nothing about planning for our kids futures in the long-term sense of the matter.
November came and nothing happened.
February came and nothing happened.
But come May 27th., we will approve this levy.
I have a question that I am sure will get some tale feathers ruffled but it is a sincere question and I am curious about. Why did you choose to live in Mountain Home if everyone is so dishonest? I hear it from the same bloggers and I have never heard anything supportive about the town come from any of their posts so I was seriously wondering. I know I am not the only one wondering. I just hear so much negativity and I keep waiting for something nice and positive come from a post from the same people and as long as I wait it doesn't come. Just curious.
Oh so I get it, because you got involved something is now being done? Don't we still have that same dirt lot with nothing on it and I believe that I am still paying taxes on that dirt lot. Soooo, I guess things aren't being done after all. Thanks so much for your help!!!
I don't care to get involved in that process. I too work for a living and you guys are handling that situtation so well, that you don't need any more assistance.
Why can't the district elections be held the same time and place as the general elections? Wouldn't it cost less? Elections two days apart? Maybe I am way off the mark here, but it would stand to reason that you WOULD have a better voter-turnout if they could vote once on ALL of the issues. Just sayin......
And HS Mom, if you can do better, you can ALWAYS feel free to take it over. I am kind of busy at this time attempting to earn a living. Thank you. Let us not forget that the ONLY reason the YMCA is involved is because there is a petition and waves were made. Had none of that been done...you would see no progress. As I said, if you can do better, please feel free to take over. However, I am sure you are one who just likes to blab and expects everyone else to fix the world for you.
Bazookaman, I just finished reading the election results online. Dang! A little upset withinst the county. LOVE IT! There appears to have been a "light voter turnout". Well, our incumbents bank on that concept but the ones that educate themselves are the ones that makes the change. "Change"? Where I have I heard that? Oh yeah, Obama.
So, Thursday is D-Day, so to speak. I voted absentee already as I am out of state on business. And I voted no on the levy. AND am VERY proud of the way I voted and why I voted. I read, researched and remembered. The 3 R's. All I can say now is that if the levy passes or fails People, at the very least, the ones that voted are the only ones that have a right to gripe, one way or another. I wonder how many newly-turned 18 year old's have registered to vote in this election?
Thank God I had a chance to vote to remove the WECRD last night. Thanks to all of those hard working individuals who went out and got enough votes and turned them in on time for me to get to finally end paying for this piece of "VERY expensive" land.....
Oh wait, that wasn't on the ballot that I had. Funny, I thought we were promised over & over that they had enough votes and that we would see it on the ballot. Guess not all promises can be kept huh?
Wow! What an election night. And the people of Idaho have re-elected the man who was at the head of education cuts for our state. Same on the local level. So who does not care about kids? Who does not care about education and the future of this country? Light voter turn out. WOW! Now that sends a message...