smitty

Koop, don't tell me periods were left out again?! ;D

Been out of town. But I'm back. Was there a johnny one-note tone and kumbaya-type atmosphere here while I was gone? Well, I'm ready to bring the other side of the debate. Bring it on! ;D ;D ;D

Friend, you haven't figured it out yet?! ??? Keep trying and get back with me. quote author=fbplayer999 link=topic=53152.msg566493#msg566493 date=1239176601] then why does smitty care so much,,,,,,,,

Have you come across anyone that is on the committee that is against the bond issue?? How about employed with the district?? But I wouldn't say it's impossible that some employees might be against it but it's HIGHLY unlikely. But, on the other hand, I hope some would be. As far as respecting the conversation, I wouldn't be on here trying to educate people and hoping others see that there is a bigger picture. One bit of advice: Watch out for the kool-aid. ;D ;D ;D

Let me educate you, my friend, in the definition of biased and unbiased. If you have first hand experience and no ties to the district as an employee or a member of the bond committee then this is an unbiased opinion. This is good. Those that I direct the term at is those that are on the committee and employees of the district. Therefore this is a biased opinion. What side do you think they are going to fall on on this debate? Nothing wrong with that, but, non-the-less, it should be understood. And I don't know who is or who isn't in one or both of these biased categories. But regurgitating the constant talking points and kool-aid, one might, just might, be able to make an educated guess. Clear?! ??? ??? Good! ;D ;D You continue to discredit those with first hand experience with a "bias" label. Your "unbiased" definition appears to be an opinion of those that may be the least knowledgeable. I respectfully ask; who much time and effort have you personally spent really access the need of the district? Agenda? Whats wrong with an agenda to improve school facilities, reduce utilities, improve technology, etc... and yes, improve athletic facilities. I also ask; are you a Nederland tax payer? Just wondering and on disrespect intended.

I'll say again, and agree with you: there is nothing wrong with this stadium. But I'm afraid there are those that wants to spend a ton of money on it just to keep up with the Jones'.

James, my friend, I'm afraid you might be right. Sad, but true! Voter apathy is a problem and I'm not sure how to solve it. Maybe if everyone would start reading these post, then maybe both sides of the issue would get fired up and vote. Anyway, good post. quote author=James Mosley link=topic=53152.msg566233#msg566233 date=1239162584] This post has been read 1339 times, that is more than voter turn out will be for this bond issue. ;D

Excellent post! Is it so hard for you to comprehend people that actually have the kids interest first? Does anyone that makes that statement have to have an ulterior motive? ??? ??? Those opposed to the bond also have the kids interest at heart. They just don't want to waste money on unecessary expenses(like a 1.8 million dollar pressbox) Why not put some of those things in a separate bond? I think most would vote for upgrading classrooms. The ulterior motive is, they want the bond passed(even with the wasteful spending) and they defend it by saying it's for the kids.

Good. Then your opinion is unbiased, the way it aught to be. But the people I'm talking about know who they are. I'm more interested in an unbiased opinion. We'll all debate the issue and see which side prevails. Again, good job.

Do I need to give another civics lessons here? Anytime tax dollars are involved anyone can attack/complain if one feels they aren't getting their money's worth. If your child was taught by a sorry teacher, would you complain or stay silent? As a taxpayer to any district, one has that right. Sounds like we have a bunch of sheeple here. This lesson is free of charge. Why is there a need to "attack a High School Football Coach" for ANY reason??

No, that's not what I meant at all. But how many are on the committee and how many are employed by the district? Was not thinking about any contractors.

So, when one disagrees with you this means the other has an evil agenda. And your thoughts on every subject is 100% right and agenda free. It appears here with you and some, that you and others and not opposed to other ideas. But what shocks you and others -- hence the rational comments, agenda rants -- is that there ARE other ideas. I attack were I feel attacks are warranted. And I applaud where praise is warranted. I praised Neumann more then I attacked him. Do I think he could have done some things different? Sure. But overall I feel he's done a good job. But I feel the true agenda -- someway, somehow -- is with you. I feel in some round-a-bout way you will benefit from the massive bond issue. I don't know how, I don't know where, but I think it's there. But to say someone like this and someone on the committee has objective views is, to say the least, a little disingenuous. But if you in noway benefit directly, then I stand corrected. But, on the other, if it is, then that's your business. And I'll defend your right to do whatever it is you feel is right. Check my picture out. It's a war eagle ready to do battle against those that attack our freedom. And this includes opinions.

It's only rational when one persuades someone else to have his/her money taken away from their family with a huge tax increase of 126 million dollars? But those say here, "do it for the kids." But with that, then these same people would have supported a 500 million bond issue. Ridiculous amount you say? Well to some people and their families 126 million dollars is a ridiculous amount. So, where would the kool-aid drinkers draw the line? Bizarre, so say the least. But I'll defend your right to say it. But, I hope this so-called "rational" logic is strictly on this board, on the bond committee and employees of the district. I've made a lot of valid points concerning this and were completely ignored. Which I will be the first to say this bunch here does not stray far from the talking points. Sometime being a good soldier is commendable. But, on the other hand it could be disastrous, hence the kool-aid.

Not now in this economic down-turn. And they would have to be a lot worst off then they are now. Students are doing just fine with what they got. Bru said he lost 55% in his 401-k, but willing to tack on more debt for his family. This is what people are going to have to decide. Dishing out 126 million dollar tax increase when people are losing their jobs and seeing their retirement accounts suck the big one is a little bizarre. But, if you still don't mind this hefting tax bill -- well you are about to get a new hospital tax levied. But hey listening to some, bring it on, more the merrier. Then on top of that your home evaluations (tax increase) will be going up. Plus taxes are about to go up on the Fed level with that socialist President we have. It's those of us who look at the bigger picture while some scrabble in their on little world. If they would have ask for 1/4 of the amount and cut out the athletic stuff and used this for repairs, there probably would be no conversations here. But, as most taxing entities do, they got greedy. IMHO. So, we shall see come election day. ]

Is that so?! What's gonna happen if it fails? The end of the world? Kinda sounds like it according to you. I have to disagree.

This is my point all along. When the pro-bonders say "do it for the kids" then you know they feel they are fighting a losing battle. They've lost the intellectual battle now they have to try and tug on your heart strings. Just stick with he facts.

Anyone for the bond issue will give you all kinds of good reasons -- which these will be up for debate -- for a massive tax increase. First one has to look at who'll benefit, and I'm not talking about the kids, from these expenditures and who won't. As I've said before, one can't just listen to someone who's on the bond committee or someone who's employed by the district because they are only going to give you reasons why this huge tax increase is the next best thing since kool-aid, huh, no pun intended. Trust me, if this massive tax increase fails, Nederland will continue as an excellent school district. And THEN, these so-called problems need to be addressed. But not the way you think. The taxpayers of Nederland publicly need to ask these people that were responsible for fixing these problems originally, why these problem weren't addressed when they arose and why they weren't taking care of their business. And if they aren't asked, then maybe the problems weren't so big after all. But, again, trust me, the world will not end if/when this fails, irregardless what the doom and gloomers on this board say.

And you too, my friend.

We shall see. The final decision -- as always -- will be those financing this huge expenditure -- the taxpayer. So, again, we shall see...

So, basically you agree: These bond issues are wants and not needs. A bad teacher is a bad teacher, no matter what they are housed in. I believe the Ned students are doing just fine with what they have. I doubt their scores or motivations will change if 126 million dollars is spent. Think about it, all this money for stadium improvements (1.8 million dollars) is a want because it won' t make a team play any better or worst. Example: How many games have the Injuns won in their fine new stadium? Um, I'm wondering here: Is Ned trying to keep up with the Injuns. Something to ponder on.

As an educator you should know better than that. It's the quality of the teachers that count NOT the buildings. I've seen kids expertly taught in portable buildings. And with no A/C, I might add. So, no, this is all a ruse by the pro-bonders to try and get this passed with toucy-feely, "do it for the kids" cover.

Another point: With all these problems you state, my salient question is: Who was asleep at the wheel that let all these problems grow without fixing them as they arose?? And don't say they didn't have the money. Nederland has one of the highest tax rates in the area, if not the state. So, in your zeal you unwittingly gave ammunition to the anti-bond crowd. How? If they can't take care of what they have, you and others want to give them more money? Bizarre! This must be some dang good kool-aid the pro-bonders are being served. IMHO. ??? ??? ???

Kool-aid's dripping everywhere. Put your boots on folks, it's a gettin' deep.

Now that's an idea!! ;D ;D ;D

Well, we'll see if the "shortsighted" taxpayer wants to be bled anymore. As in all matter of taxes, the taxpayer will have the final say-so. By the way, Dawgnuts, are you a taxpayer?