Opinion
TIMES EDITORIAL: Time for county to make a decision on school tax
At first, we applauded members of the Cullman County Commission for taking their time deciding whether to raise a sales tax to help fund county schools.
After all, it’s a big decision, one that is likely to be controversial no matter what they decide. If they pass the tax, they’ll be roasted for raiding their constituents’ pocketbooks in the middle of a deep recession. If they don’t raise the tax, they’ll be vilified for not taking care of the county’s schoolchildren. Either way, they’re going to make a lot of people mad.
We’re glad we’re not on the county commission right now.
But three people sought that job, ran for office and won it. As much as we don’t envy their seats in times like these, the public didn’t elect commissioners with the intention of filling a cushy, easy job. No, it’s an incredibly difficult job at times, one that requires the commissioners to exercise leadership and good judgement on important issues facing our community.
What could be more important than taxes and schools?
Since the issue was first raised publicly in January, commissioners have had plenty of time to think about the tax. They’ve heard the pros and cons, seen a lot of numbers and heard emotional pleas on both sides. They were slow to move at first, which is a smart idea given the nature of this complex and controversial issue. They need to think through it carefully and methodically.
But more recently, it seems like they’re just stalling.
Their latest objections are merely splitting hairs. Two commissioners say they’d be more open to passing the tax if 100 percent of the proceeds went to county schools.
We don’t buy that logic. If the tax were passed today, the Cullman County schools would get 80 percent of the money, while the city schools would get a paltry 20 percent. We hope the commissioners aren’t serious about depriving all the county’s students of funding just because city schools would get a small portion of the funds. That doesn’t make any sense, assuming there’s a legitimate need for the money.
And really, that’s the big question. Do the county schools actually need the money, or will it simply be subsidizing an inefficient bureaucracy?
The time has come for the county commissioners to get all the information they need and then make their decision quickly.
It won’t be easy, and a lot of people won’t be happy with it. But we elect leaders to solve problems exactly like this.
That’s their job, and it’s time for them to do it.
- Opinion
-
-
TIMES EDITORIAL: City made mistake backing out of mediation plans
If the City of Cullman's Duck River plan really is the slam-dunk case they say it is, the city shouldn't have anything to fear from a mediator.
-
TIMES EDITORIAL: City made mistake backing out of mediation plans
If the City of Cullman's Duck River plan really is the slam-dunk case they say it is, the city shouldn't have anything to fear from a mediator.
-
TIMES EDITORIAL: Steady hand needed on water supply
When two county commissioners showed up at The Cullman Times office Monday to propose a new long-term water plan for the county — taking water from Smith Lake instead of putting a dam on the Duck River — it came as a shock to us.
-
Government doesn’t create jobs
On Friday, the Obama administration released its figures on jobs “saved or created” by the government’s stimulus package. They came up with the number 650,000, but what’s it matter? We’re talking about a completely fictitious calculation.
-
We’re all Americans
My dad was a Democrat and my mom was a Republican. In the past, I have voted as follows: 1960-J.F. Kennedy, 1972-Richard Nixon, 1976-Jimmy Carter, 1980-Ronald Reagan. There were and are different issues facing our nation at different times. Why so much flip flop?
-
We’re responsible for what happens in war
We all know someone who has fought for our country. They come from us. They are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and friends. They are fighting right now. They do their job. They do not have a say in where or whom they fight. They follow orders with courage and love of country. They try to get home again.
-
Thanks for a successful event
We thank and appreciate all of the wonderful volunteers and demonstrators who made our 2009 Farm Day a big success.
-
Concerns about water regulations
I would like to recommend to those in charge of the proposed new water system that they adopt strong and enforceable rules and regulations for the protection of the water supply.
-
Fight for freedom
The late Paul Harvey wrote in 1952, “But free men, free to do anything, are also free to do nothing. Apparently that is our choice. We said we no longer wanted “opportunity.” We wanted “security.” And they gave us chains.
-
A broken PACT
State Treasurer Kay Ivey has notified families who purchased Alabama Pre-Paid Affordable College Tuition Contracts (PACT) that the fund is in financial trouble.
-
Obama spreading socialist agenda
A majority elected Obama, the lifelong Socialist. Some didn't know. Some didn't care. Some still don't care but most now know. He has governed from the left, with massive government spending and borrowing, more control of banks, lending and even car companies, a so far failed attempt to cap and trade energy, a so far failed attempt to nationalize health care and a far left Supreme Court appointment.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
TIMES EDITORIAL: City made mistake backing out of mediation plans
