I think the residents of Ohio are looking at this "funding of our schools" issue all wrong. As a board member, I hear from my constituents that we need to find a better way to fund schools. As true as this statement is, it's not going to happen. What I am proposing, is to demand that the legislature allow the voters to determine what the legislature will do. Sounds reasonable, doesn't it. Let me digress......
It was explained to me by a State Representative, later to become a State Senator, that the State of Ohio Legislature does three things: educate, incarcerate and medicate. From the Representative’s perspective, these are the three responsibilities the Ohio Legislature must be accountable for in serving the public they represent.
If these issues are their responsibility, then it stands to reason funding these three entities should be done through the taxing of our income, our property, our purchases, in addition to the taxes levied against the business in Ohio who ultimately raise their prices to cover the additional taxes they must pay. Therefore the consumer ultimately pays the business taxes also.
We know that many of those receiving “entitlements” for whatever reason do not pay their share of the taxes in Ohio. After all, they feel they are “entitled” to a portion of my earned income and the earned income of my fellow Ohioans who are the producers of the wealth. Therefore, in order that “fairness” and "equity" is shown to all people, our state government feel it is only fair that those "less fortunate" should be provided subsistence to bring them to a certain level.
I realize the need to give those less fortunate a helping hand to get them through a difficult financial burden, and I have no problem offering my help. However, when I have no choice as to whom should receive the assistance, I get a little disturbed. Why am I disturbed? Because there are way too many who have their hand out who have no intention or motivation to help themselves. Why am I disturbed? Because there are too many incarcerated in "state of the art" prison facilities who wouldn’t spend a day in the schools many of our children are educated in.
When you stop and think about these three responsibilities, how come only educate is the one right that the public votes on? Think about it, when was the last time you voted to pass a levy to build a new jail, federal prison or correctional institution? NEVER! When was the last time you voted to approve your tax dollars going to provide medical assistance to illegal immigrants, second and third generation welfare recipients and those who feel that they are “entitled” to be cared for by the government? NEVER! When was the last time you voted for a school levy to help pay for a child’s education? LIKE EVERY ELECTION!
Why is something as important as a child’s education and the future of our society placed in the hands of voters while, by a simple vote of elected representatives we are forced to pay for first class prisons with all of the amenities of comfort, complete with big screen televisions, state of the art work out facilities, computers, three square meals a day, no responsibilities and no motivation to become a productive citizen.
Why is something as important as a child’s education and future of our society placed in the hands of voters, while, by a simple vote of elected representatives we are forced to continue to provide free medical care and other “hand outs” or "entitlements" to people whose hands have been reaching out for generations and those who are here illegally waiting for the government's (that’s you and me as taxpayers) to produce the money to cover their medical expenses.
For whatever reason (and really the reason is to get votes in order to get re-elected) our state Legislature, both House and Senate members refuse to tackle the important issue of properly funding schools. Why?
They know it is the school boards who will bear the brunt of the criticism from the local voters. It is the school board who votes the resolutions to place levies on ballots. It is the school board who has to respond to the many critics against how schools operate, where the money goes and where it comes from. It is the school board who is the focus of the problems of school funding in Ohio.
They know it is the school boards who have to make education work while the legislator continues to demand more "fairness" and "equity" and "accountability" mandates without the funding these mandates.
They know that eventually the residents will have to pass the levy in order to keep their buildings opened and maintained, to retain quality teachers and administrators and to provide the resources necessary to give their child a quality education.
They know that as long as their constituents refuse to look at education as the most vital part of the Legislatures responsibilities and continue to hold the legislator harmless, our legislature can continue to keep educational funding reform out of the workings of government. Yes, they know that tackling the funding issue will cause them to give a back seat to "entitlements" therefore costing them votes.
So putting things in perspective, maybe we are wrong to demand the State Legislature tackle the school funding issue. Maybe we need to demand that we vote on funding for correctional institutions and entitlements just like we have to do for education. I’m certain school boards will be looked on in a different light. Maybe our legislators can do the campaigning for levies for new jails, prisons and correctional institutions. Can't wait to see the campaign signs "VOTE YES ON ISSUE 24 FOR A NEW PRISON". Maybe our legislators can do the campaigning for increasing entitlements. How about the sign to read "VOTE YES ON ISSUE 13: BETTER MEDICAL CARE FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE".
Let’s put it to a vote! Better yet, let's see if our Legislators have the courage to allow the public to vote on new jails, entitlement programs and education. Then we will see what gets passed.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Once again, I come with responses to articles from the Springfield News-Sun concerning the Northeastern Local School District. These responses are from the article dated Saturday, June 26, 2010 by Megan Gildow, Staff Writer, titled "Northeastern District to hold two informational meetings". Unlike previous comments and questions, I will respond to those that are legitimate and not redundant.
As always, I am speaking on my behalf, not the board's. I recommend that the reader validate my statements so as to ascertain that I am responding with the truth.
"I went to Northridge Ele. in the 70's. 5th grade mixed with high school aged kids is a big mistake. Let kids be kids while they can. Presently, I work in the school sector. Leave well enough enolve.
Lab79
6:17 AM, 6/27/2010"
Lab79: thank you for your comment. Let me first say that grades 5-8 will not be mixing with grades 9-12. This will be regulated through scheduling activities and isolating the two sectors into separate wings. I assume if you work in the school sector, you should be informed about what will be done or at least go to the source to find out how we will accomplish this separation without commenting to the public.
"Leonard Kadel and the NELSB is going way out of there way to sell u a seemingly cheap tasty dish.When in reality you'll spend the next 28 years plus any other costs getting the crappy taste out of your mouth. VOTE NO NO NO
Dave
6:34 AM, 6/27/2010"
Dave: thank you for your comment. I guess I don't understand your comment about a "cheap tasty dish". Rejecting this levy will only cause the taxpayers to pay for 100% of the cost for new schools at some point in the future. As I've stated many times, the need for new buildings has real for several years. At this time we now have the opportunity for help with the funding. The voters can pay part now or all of the cost later. The choice is up to you. And yes, I am going out of my way to try to get a great deal for our residents and students....that's my responsibility.
"This time I'm voting no just because they do not respect democracy. I've already voted no twice and yet here I am again voting on another new schools issue. Is this really the last chance for state money or will be the next vote they waste my time with ?
John Spoon
9:52 AM, 6/27/2010"
John Spoon: thank you for your comment. Sir, I most definitely respect democracy. If the district stopped levies every time the public rejected the levy, we wouldn't have Kenton Ridge HS, Rolling Hills School, additions to Northeaster, South Vienna and Northridge. We wouldn't have new roofs, operating money and quality teachers. Then the people would be screaming for better school systems and educational programs that we wouldn't have because we didn't keep working for our kids and their education.
"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!! They remind me of my kids. How many times do I have to say no before they quit asking? Grow up and face the fact we're not going to pass it!
Tired mom
10:23 AM, 6/27/2010"
Tired Mom; thank you for your comment. We will never quit asking until the funding system in Ohio gets fixed. As a board member who constantly questions our legislators to fix school funding. Until this happens, school districts around the state will need to go to the public to help fund schools. I would suggest the average voter in Ohio should step up to the plate and start questioning our legislators as to why they haven't fixed school funding in Ohio. I truly understand your frustration and the frustration of others, however, please understand that the school funding issue is the one thing that is causing schools to go to the voters for money.
"So when the levy for new buildings does fail the district can count on all you NO voters to vote Yes on new money for improvements on the buildings (stuff 30, 40, 50 years old does break) as well as the increase in operating expenses. Utilities, supplies, new technology etc. do increase in cost. Since the district will be "making do" with what it has, you can be counted on for helping out with that right?
All the No! voters
10:59 AM, 6/27/2010"
All the NO! voters: thank you for your comment. Good point and one well stated. I do not have the confidence that even the NO voter will support additional money to keep the current buildings operational. I do appreciate your comment.
"retirees and most other working people do not get raises as MR. KADEL DOES AND SOME OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEES DO WITH TAX PAYERS PROPERTY TAX'S AS WE ARE ONE OF THE HIGHEST TAXED COUNTY'S IN THE STATE MR. SODDERS WILL MAKE SURE YOU WILL PAY A LITTLE MORE do not be rail roaded by the $ PER 100.000 AS IT IS MUCH MORE VOTE NO
a no voter
11:34 AM, 6/27/2010"
a no voter: thank you for your comment. First sir or madam, you don't know my financial situation because I don't work for the district. I work for you. I have a separate job that I get paid from. First, I have not had a raise in 5 years, plus my hours were cut in half from last September until the middle of April. I fully expect my hours to be cut again this coming September through next April. Secondly, the school employees have not had a raise in the past two years. This is confirmed by contract that you can verify through the board office. Finally, Clark County is taxed below the state average. You obviously don't have the facts. Before you make public comments like this, please get your facts together. Your comment is wrong, untruthful and quite frankly, uncalled for. I will most definitely be willing to respond to your question if you have the courage to come to a community meeting or a board meeting and ask the question to me directly.
"yes we will have vacant homes. No one will want to come here because of the run down schools. No modern computers etc. Have you seen the rest rooms in the northridge school We have good teachers but if we do not have a decent school the good ones will not stay. We will have vacant homes and our property value will decrease more. The state will not give us any money if we do not support our community. Why not go to one of the meetings that the school board is offering and talk to them.
vote yes
2:49 PM, 6/27/2010"
vote yes: thank you for your comment. Very good points made. Thank you for your support. If only those who are negative or uninformed would come to meetings and voice their concerns, objections, and question for the facts, we would not be hearing many of these comments.
"RS, Your are rite. I do have sour nagitive attitude from still paying for the last 4 miill sweet tasting levy Kadel and the NELSB Spin mechine sold us, not buyining another.vote NO NO NO NO NO
Dave
9:40 PM, 6/27/2010"
Dave: thank you for your comment. Sir, you haven't paid for the last 4 mill levy since 2004! That's 6 years ago! By the way, I know you are smarter than to say something like that. There was no "spin machine" working on getting the PI levy passed in 2000. It was a case of the Clark County Combined Health District having to shut down Northridge school due to the roof problem that was causing severe health concerns for our children. We had similar problems with the roofs at South Vienna and Northeastern. Come to think of it, I don't believe you even lived in the district at the time.....HMMMMMMMMMM
"Once again they are showing just how little they care about the people's voice. They've been told
"NO" several times now and are still continuing to ask over and over. Much like a spoiled child...they will keep asking until they get the answer they want.
The people have already said no. Accept it and quit the bullying.
Choppie
11:58 PM, 6/27/2010"
Choppie: thank you for your comment. First, we don't bully people. We don't stand at the ballot box threatening people to vote yes. All we are doing is presenting the facts, the needs and the opportunity that the residents have to do something good for our children's education, property valuation in the district and strengthen the community. You have the right to make a choice. But remember that you have the right to choose, you don't have the right to choose the consequences of your choice. We need new schools now and have the opportunity for the OSFC to share in the cost. Failure of this levy will take the OSFC's share away and the voters will at some point have to fund the entire cost of new buildings.
As always, I am speaking on my behalf, not the board's. I recommend that the reader validate my statements so as to ascertain that I am responding with the truth.
"I went to Northridge Ele. in the 70's. 5th grade mixed with high school aged kids is a big mistake. Let kids be kids while they can. Presently, I work in the school sector. Leave well enough enolve.
Lab79
6:17 AM, 6/27/2010"
Lab79: thank you for your comment. Let me first say that grades 5-8 will not be mixing with grades 9-12. This will be regulated through scheduling activities and isolating the two sectors into separate wings. I assume if you work in the school sector, you should be informed about what will be done or at least go to the source to find out how we will accomplish this separation without commenting to the public.
"Leonard Kadel and the NELSB is going way out of there way to sell u a seemingly cheap tasty dish.When in reality you'll spend the next 28 years plus any other costs getting the crappy taste out of your mouth. VOTE NO NO NO
Dave
6:34 AM, 6/27/2010"
Dave: thank you for your comment. I guess I don't understand your comment about a "cheap tasty dish". Rejecting this levy will only cause the taxpayers to pay for 100% of the cost for new schools at some point in the future. As I've stated many times, the need for new buildings has real for several years. At this time we now have the opportunity for help with the funding. The voters can pay part now or all of the cost later. The choice is up to you. And yes, I am going out of my way to try to get a great deal for our residents and students....that's my responsibility.
"This time I'm voting no just because they do not respect democracy. I've already voted no twice and yet here I am again voting on another new schools issue. Is this really the last chance for state money or will be the next vote they waste my time with ?
John Spoon
9:52 AM, 6/27/2010"
John Spoon: thank you for your comment. Sir, I most definitely respect democracy. If the district stopped levies every time the public rejected the levy, we wouldn't have Kenton Ridge HS, Rolling Hills School, additions to Northeaster, South Vienna and Northridge. We wouldn't have new roofs, operating money and quality teachers. Then the people would be screaming for better school systems and educational programs that we wouldn't have because we didn't keep working for our kids and their education.
"NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!! They remind me of my kids. How many times do I have to say no before they quit asking? Grow up and face the fact we're not going to pass it!
Tired mom
10:23 AM, 6/27/2010"
Tired Mom; thank you for your comment. We will never quit asking until the funding system in Ohio gets fixed. As a board member who constantly questions our legislators to fix school funding. Until this happens, school districts around the state will need to go to the public to help fund schools. I would suggest the average voter in Ohio should step up to the plate and start questioning our legislators as to why they haven't fixed school funding in Ohio. I truly understand your frustration and the frustration of others, however, please understand that the school funding issue is the one thing that is causing schools to go to the voters for money.
"So when the levy for new buildings does fail the district can count on all you NO voters to vote Yes on new money for improvements on the buildings (stuff 30, 40, 50 years old does break) as well as the increase in operating expenses. Utilities, supplies, new technology etc. do increase in cost. Since the district will be "making do" with what it has, you can be counted on for helping out with that right?
All the No! voters
10:59 AM, 6/27/2010"
All the NO! voters: thank you for your comment. Good point and one well stated. I do not have the confidence that even the NO voter will support additional money to keep the current buildings operational. I do appreciate your comment.
"retirees and most other working people do not get raises as MR. KADEL DOES AND SOME OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEES DO WITH TAX PAYERS PROPERTY TAX'S AS WE ARE ONE OF THE HIGHEST TAXED COUNTY'S IN THE STATE MR. SODDERS WILL MAKE SURE YOU WILL PAY A LITTLE MORE do not be rail roaded by the $ PER 100.000 AS IT IS MUCH MORE VOTE NO
a no voter
11:34 AM, 6/27/2010"
a no voter: thank you for your comment. First sir or madam, you don't know my financial situation because I don't work for the district. I work for you. I have a separate job that I get paid from. First, I have not had a raise in 5 years, plus my hours were cut in half from last September until the middle of April. I fully expect my hours to be cut again this coming September through next April. Secondly, the school employees have not had a raise in the past two years. This is confirmed by contract that you can verify through the board office. Finally, Clark County is taxed below the state average. You obviously don't have the facts. Before you make public comments like this, please get your facts together. Your comment is wrong, untruthful and quite frankly, uncalled for. I will most definitely be willing to respond to your question if you have the courage to come to a community meeting or a board meeting and ask the question to me directly.
"yes we will have vacant homes. No one will want to come here because of the run down schools. No modern computers etc. Have you seen the rest rooms in the northridge school We have good teachers but if we do not have a decent school the good ones will not stay. We will have vacant homes and our property value will decrease more. The state will not give us any money if we do not support our community. Why not go to one of the meetings that the school board is offering and talk to them.
vote yes
2:49 PM, 6/27/2010"
vote yes: thank you for your comment. Very good points made. Thank you for your support. If only those who are negative or uninformed would come to meetings and voice their concerns, objections, and question for the facts, we would not be hearing many of these comments.
"RS, Your are rite. I do have sour nagitive attitude from still paying for the last 4 miill sweet tasting levy Kadel and the NELSB Spin mechine sold us, not buyining another.vote NO NO NO NO NO
Dave
9:40 PM, 6/27/2010"
Dave: thank you for your comment. Sir, you haven't paid for the last 4 mill levy since 2004! That's 6 years ago! By the way, I know you are smarter than to say something like that. There was no "spin machine" working on getting the PI levy passed in 2000. It was a case of the Clark County Combined Health District having to shut down Northridge school due to the roof problem that was causing severe health concerns for our children. We had similar problems with the roofs at South Vienna and Northeastern. Come to think of it, I don't believe you even lived in the district at the time.....HMMMMMMMMMM
"Once again they are showing just how little they care about the people's voice. They've been told
"NO" several times now and are still continuing to ask over and over. Much like a spoiled child...they will keep asking until they get the answer they want.
The people have already said no. Accept it and quit the bullying.
Choppie
11:58 PM, 6/27/2010"
Choppie: thank you for your comment. First, we don't bully people. We don't stand at the ballot box threatening people to vote yes. All we are doing is presenting the facts, the needs and the opportunity that the residents have to do something good for our children's education, property valuation in the district and strengthen the community. You have the right to make a choice. But remember that you have the right to choose, you don't have the right to choose the consequences of your choice. We need new schools now and have the opportunity for the OSFC to share in the cost. Failure of this levy will take the OSFC's share away and the voters will at some point have to fund the entire cost of new buildings.
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