:-) Pumpkin
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
In past years, we’ve done some elaborate pumpkin designs. This year, due to a busy week, we kept things simple and happy.
Archive for November 3rd, 2009
The ESPLOST: Why I voted no
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009Bibb County residents voted this morning on a continuation of the ESPLOST. I know that the ESPLOST will pass and in reality I could care less, but here is why I voted no:
- New facilities do not translate into better performing students. This is a fact.
- In all of the propaganda, Heard Elementary was supposedly at the top of the list. On the actual text of the ballot, Heard could not be found. Other schools were mentioned by name, but not my child’s.
- My local school board member visited Heard PTA last week to pitch the vote. It was warm in the auditorium, and she mislead the audience by telling them that a new building would provide comfort. The rednecks in the room may have bought that, but I know that classroom temperatures are strictly regulated by central office, regardless of the newness of the building.
- A significant portion of the money is going for technology upgrades. I believe that technology purchases should be included in a regular budgetary process. As a technology professional, I can’t imagine only getting new equipment when people feel like voting for it.
- For the past few weeks, proponents of the ESPLOST have continuously stated that 71% of sales tax in Bibb County is paid by non-residents. I worked for several months as a statistical analyst and I can tell you that 95% of statistics are fabricated (including this one!). Bibb County is no tourist mecca. If you told me that 71% of sales tax revenue in Vegas or Orlando was paid by non-residents, I might believe you, but not Bibb County.
