Sans question mark, that is the title of an op-ed in today’s Daily Times. Unfortunately, the title is as disingenuous as the rest of the piece.
A concerted effort by the Wicomico County Board of Education, with the aid of the Daily Times, would have us believe:
… that tonight's vote is not about committing the county to any specific amount of spending. Tonight's vote is about keeping the project alive while board members and county officials work together to find adjustments that will make the project more affordable. To stop now will have financial ramifications, but more importantly, will add years to the process.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Tonight’s vote is PRECISELY about committing our county government to more debt; debt that will have to be paid off at some point with our (probably higher) tax dollars.
As we noted yesterday, there is little argument that we need a new Bennett Middle School. There is also no argument from me that the WCBOE did present the proposal for a new Bennett High School as a “package deal”; replacing both the high school AND middle school. There is also little question in my mind that the county council will, and should, move forward with the BMS proposal once certain conditions are met:
- How will we pay for it?
- When will the BOE present a realistic plan that makes WISE use of the taxpayers’ money, rather than the current white elephant that is more monument than school.
That said, the argument that this is not about committing the county to funding the project this year is, at best, a HALF TRUTH. There is no doubt that the county’s financial situation will not improve between now and August – when the annual bond bill will come before council for a vote (the assessments for the next budget are in). If the council approves this measure tonight, refusing to borrow $16 million (we’re now hearing the BOE wants $21 million) in August simply puts the project in the same position that it would be in if the council strips a new BMS from the CIP tonight.
So … what angle is being worked by the BOE and the Daily Times? If the vote tonight were to borrow the money, it would fail. This gives them 5+ months to lobby council members to be fiscally reckless. They already have the County Executive firmly in their pocket – look no farther than his refusal to allow citizens to vote on an elected school board. If this measure passes tonight, expect lots of talk about “private sources of funds”.
One thing you can take to the bank – it will all be smoke and mirrors. Conning our elected officials into betting on the come has become a registered trademark of the Wicomico County Board of Education.
7 comments:
I need a new roof on my home and after looking at my finances for this year I really can't afford it now. I know I need it though---With that said I've decided to put it off for another year and hope my finances are a little better then.
Sure, I could take a loan out but then I would be living pay-check-to-pay-check to pay the loan back.
I say to the council--move it forward a year and don't borrow money today. Be wise with my money--I am.
Exactly where in the process does the county executive have veto power over "allowing" citizens the right to vote on this? I thought the process was getting the legislature to approve the straw ballot which the council has asked them to do, then county residents vote and if approved, back to the legislature to come up with a bill outlining the workings of such a process. Did I miss something or is this just typical GA? He may be absolutely correct that the County Exec prefers the appointment process, but that is a far cry from "refusing to allow citizens to vote." Wish we could have "the facts, maam, just the facts," and leave the personal prejudices out of the discussion. I have come to learn reading this blog to expect news from Joe, but slant from GA. Folks, remember to check who is authoring these posts before you put too much stock in them. GA, you could be 100% correct in your entire analysis, but with that one statement, you cast doubt on everything else you say. And for the record, I did not vote for Pollitt, so don't even go there.
Bennett Middle looks like it should be in a 3rd world country. It is badly needed.
I don't think there is anyone who is denying that BMS needs to be replaced. The problem is....There is no money, or should I say people are not willing to part with their money so easily now a days.
There are many schools all over that are old, and in disrepair. HOWEVER, the facility itself cannot help or hinder ones desire to learn or teach.
The facilty itself cannot help or hinder ones desire to learn or teach.
You're right. The facility won't hinder the desire but its condition will effect the ability and the outcomes.
Great results require great failities.
1:52
I don't buy it.
There are many great people who come from modest, even poor schools. For example, Geoffrey Canada, he came from nothing and talk about crappy schools, look and see where he attended middle school. The one thing I believe hindering our children in this area is desire. Most come from homes that do not foster this value, and without it, NO school or facility will help.
Anon 1237 -
Are you for real? I right OP-ED (that means OPINION/EDITORIAL). I don't right news; don't claim to.
As for the comment about Pollitt, it is a fact that he refused to sign Council's resolution to allow voters to decide. This has held up getting the bill before the legislature. Fortunately, the bill has now been introduced in the House and we should have a bill number tomorrow. The fact remains that Rick does not want the voters to have the opportunity to decide.
Anon 1621 -
AMEN! I want to see all of our children given the opportunity of a great education. However, building a $75 million white elephant isn't the answer.
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