Why don't we trust those we elect? In response to Jodi Foster and Don Campbell regarding the SPLOST:

I see the problem in a different light. The thing that amuses me when I read of your concerns about the SPLOST, is that you always want to add responsibilities on the Fayette County Board of Education's shoulders that they are powerless to address — issues of annexation, approval of new construction developments, further expansion of the population base in Fayette County.

It would seem to me that you would be a little more appreciative of what the board is and has been doing. Fayette County is number one in the state in SAT scores. We are lowest in high school dropouts. We have more of our high school graduates that go on to higher education. In short, somebody's doing an outstanding job.

Not to burst your bubble; you may be doing a great job with your own kids, but I don't think your influence covers all of Fayette.

Here's how I see the problem: We're in a boat, 25 miles off shore, when it springs a leak. You want to talk about, “We should have bought a different boat,” or “Maybe we shouldn't go out so far next time,” or “I don't like this captain, I think we should elect a new one.”

I on the other hand think we should take our resources and get to work just as quickly as possible to caulk the leak. For you see, it is only a leak at this time. But, if we continue to put off the inevitable, the schools needing repair, new schools and, yes, Martha, new sports facilities, then at some time and point down the road we will find ourselves going down with the ship, unable to repair the leak in a timely manner. The cost increases due to delay of implementation.

In your letter, Don, you mention the kids being “well-rounded,” and turn right around and say, “What items could be cut from the budget without hurting the academic needs of our children?”

In order to be well-rounded, one needs more than just academics; ask any college counselor what they are looking for in a “well-rounded student” and in what areas other then academics they are issuing points for admittance.

You mention “expensive computer systems which most of the teachers are unable to use.” So, because some of the teachers don't take the time to learn on the new equipment, we shouldn't teach our children how to use the computers, especially in light of where we are headed in the technological age?

And then you go on to say, “The system commits to excellence through continued improvement, instructional innovation and high expectations,” with more students in the system and more on the way, using fewer dollars per student and the improvements needed already, cannot be met let alone, “continued improvements”?

Don, the board of education of Fayette County doesn't determine the number of schools in our county, nor the size nor how they will share facilities between middle and high schools; the state does. Those large complexes are designed to reduce the overall cost of the schools. As more and more students, along with their families, come to this truly great place called Fayette County, Don, we are going to have to do something more than just criticize. We must act, and we must act now!

The delays in implementation of SPLOST have already cost us millions. The repairs must be made. The facilities must be built. The classroom space must be provided, if we are to continue to enjoy the prosperity of how well our children are doing in life, compared to the rest of the state.

People, wake up! Why are we the number one county in the state? Why do we have one of the most desirable places in which to live? Because the people we elected at the board of education are doing a great job.

Are they infallible? No! Are you? No! And it is not the nay-sayers who are delaying the inevitable and pushing the ultimate cost higher and higher, it is you, Fayette County! You are the ones who are letting this great county slide backwards. All of you, the 7,000 plus registered voters who never even went to the polls to exercise your hard-earned right to vote!

I applaud the nay-sayers for exercising their rights. I hang my head in disgust and confusion over those of you who didn't vote, and who are content to allow someone else to determine the future of your children and ultimately, you!

Buzz Clarke
Peachtree City
buz@dellnet.com

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