Referendum musings
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor: I will vote in favor of the referendum on April 4th and I want to share what I want for my vote.
Having administered “tough” programs undergoing strategic planning, often forced, I sought to assuage my negative reaction(s) to scope of the fall 2022 ask. Surveys not done to scientific standards are qualitative at best. Moving processes and asks forward without including other governmental units, policy makers, and institutions is process deficiency at best. Approving plans prior to implementation monies being available is poor leadership at best. At best they have created, in my opinion, a credibility deficiency.
Local decision makers face a difficult fiscal and policy environment, perhaps intentionally. I can attest no one expects “the locals” to un-silo and initiate cross collaborative planning and decision making. I hope to see decision makers undertaking efforts that are inclusive and technically sound. It results in good process(es) and credibility. It creates leaders who defend the process and its outcomes. It makes others, at all levels, want to be part of the efforts and outcomes.
It is no ones job to undertake these efforts. None the less, we will be back in the same but more un-favorable situation soon. The community has demonstrated an un-replicable level of engagement. Recognize that is rare and priceless. Ask for the right type of help, from the right place(s), even if that isn’t in an existing job description. Accountable employee(s) and teachers are better than consultants.
Adam Murkowski Athens
To the Editor: I voted against the Athens School District referendum in November. It was recurring, included two questions, operational and capital, inflation was rampant, and the information presented was confusing.
In April though, I’m voting yes. This is a non-recurring operating referendum. The district has proposed painful budget cuts totaling $900,000. We are unable to seek another referendum till April 2024 per state statute. The board and district have made it clear they will consider consolidation with neighboring schools or closure if the referendum fails.
I live on a fixed income, as many in the Athens School District do. I have no kids, why would I want my taxes to go up? Pass or fail my taxes will increase, period! The only difference is they will not go to Athens, but rather to whatever district they parcel my property off to or whatever district we become. If I’m paying taxes anyway, which we all are, why not have them stay in our community!
The operating referendum was defeated by approximately 300 votes in November. For it to pass in April, we need 150 of those no votes to vote yes, that’s a lot. With me voting yes, we’re down to 149. Who else is with me?
Wally Orlikowski Athens
