SPEAKOUT

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Snow-phobia?

This is getting ridiculous. I just found out that school has been cancelled for the third consecutive day because of the snow. I think the people in charge of cancelling school must have Snow-Phobia. They should try living in a place like Montana that REALLY gets snow. And think about all those Canadian school children, this is practically picnic weather for them. Seriously folks, the road are fine just slow down and allow plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If this is too hard, I'd be willing to drive the school bus myself.

We applaud your driving skills but some drivers are not as adept.

Pull the plug

Hey Mike, Fed up Ed here. I can see the need for expansion and building new buildings in the Sikeston School District. However, I don't think they should all be built at the same time. Lower the bond issue, build one building at a time and it will probably pass. People aren't gonna to go for $30 million bond issue they want all at one time. It raises taxes too high in a bad economy and it just isn't going to float. I will vote no until they want to do one building at a time. Also, about Noranda's electricity rates, Walmart should stay out of it. It ain't none of their dang business. They make billions and billions of dollars. Noranda is a union built company and we need union jobs in this town. Who can buy a car or a house working at McDonald's or Walmart. You need union jobs. Help Noranda keep those union jobs in town. A lot of people that work there shop at Walmart. Walmart needs to back out of the electricity business.

Economy will lose

This is in regard to the school tax bond issue that will be on the ballot on April 8. The school is selling this as if your taxes will only go up approximately $1 a day. May I remind everyone that if the school's take $1 a day from the economy for every individual living in the school district, that will be a lot of money and the businesses of this community will suffer.

The amount of school tax that a homeowner will pay depends on the assessed valuation of that home. To determine that increase, multiply your current school tax by 20.3%. This figure will show your increase. This increase will provide our students with a learning environment that will promote student safety and academic performance. The school district envisions that not only will our students prosper with the construction of new buildings but also the community as a whole will prosper.

Remember the naysayers

I hope some of the great naysayers on the school bond issue run for school board. They have some great ideas on educating our kids - don't spend any money on buildings or education. Eliminate the Internet in that they did not need it when they were in school. Don't worry about safety in that nothing bad will ever happen. Reduce the number of teachers in that kids can learn in any environment. Go Dogs.

No affect

I am on Social Security and I do not own a home or a car. I have checked and the school bond tax increase will not affect me at all. I will be voting Yes.

Multiply it by 20

If you own a rental property within the Sikeston School District, listen up. If you don't vote no on the proposed $32.3 million school bond, it will mean you will be paying thousands of dollars more over the next 20 years in taxes. Or if you currently rent, get ready to have your rent increased to cover the new taxes. Don't assume it will not pass and don't go vote April 8. Those supporting the new bond are hoping you will not vote. Whatever the formulation indicates will be your tax increase per year multiplied by 20. Please vote no April 8 and put a stop to get another new tax.

What's not to like?

I applaud the Sikeston School Board for emphasizing safety for our children. Just go to Joplin or talk with someone from Caruthersville about what a tornado can do to schools. We have four safe room schools. That alone is enough to vote for our kids. Security has to be a priority with respect to our children at the schools. The new schools will have the latest security features and protect our children. At the elementary schools, bus loading will be at a different location than parent-student loading of students. The latest monitoring systems will be installed. What is not to like?

The power of prayer

Mr. Jensen, I read your editorial in Sunday's Standard Democrat with great interest. You spoke of many issues facing our Nation today that it appears we, as rural citizens, are helpless to correct. I wish to remind you and all your other readers that we have the greatest power of the universe willing to help us. Almighty God stated in the Bible that if we turned our face toward Him, called upon His Name, He would heal our land. Consider sponsoring a day and time for willing people to say a prayers, where ever they are, asking Almighty God to save and heal our country. You will be amazed what can happen.

Clear snow

Have our plows gone on vacation? Poorly done Sikeston for leaving our residential streets in such bad shape. There is still a dangerous mix of snow and sludge at virtually every intersection. Those plows should be operating non-stop to clear it.

It's a Catch 22. If they don't clear the roads, people are up in arms. If they do work on the roads, then people are upset because the snow goes in their driveways. We commend them for their long hours and hard work.