Comments on: Cecil County Council in Budget Home Stretch to Freeze Tax Rate; Schools Off Cutting Block but Some Wonder Why

By: Sid Coleman

Sid Coleman — Fri, 29 May 2015 22:31:13 +0000

THANK YOU George Patchell! CCPS needs to reduce it’s top heavy administration and come up with some real cuts that don’t affect students or teachers. Some of the things could start with not following federally mandated programs and working locally to come up with better solutions. Just because they are “Told” they have to do something that costs money, doesn’t mean they should do it if it doesn’t make sense. Send all ESL kids to one school (Like vo-tech)-you won’t need as many ESL staff! Reduce the number of ‘Booth St” staff (again-WHY do we need so many psychologists on staff??) Cut the fat at the top!

By: Harold McCanick

Harold McCanick — Fri, 29 May 2015 13:42:24 +0000

Dear Ms.Marm,

You are misleading on so many layers. The most glaring is your explanation of Democracy. Noble yes,but you described a REPRESENTATIVE REPUBLIC. Democracy is described as MAJORITY rule. Another socialist deception you give is “no such thing as small government”. WRONG-This country was founded on it. I am reminded of the “scariest words in the English language-I am with the government and I am here to help.”

Growing needs, other people’s priorities and slight tax increase? School enrollment is in decline, what about my priorities (I am an unsubsidized student) and WE ARE TAXED TOO MUCH ALREADY! …By the looks of your name you are either on a school district payroll or a pensioner which is fine and dandy unless you are preventing others from retiring which IS the case.

P.S.You are more than welcome to lead by example and contribute more than required to the county coffers. Hopefully in the future there will be a line on tax forms for this purpose. We’ll be able to track what it is really”about.” Have a nice day.

By: Ron Lobos

Ron Lobos — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:42:15 +0000

Dear SchoolMarm, you must understand that even if the increase in the school budget were turned down, the funding for FY16, based on Maintenance of Effort, would still be increased over last year. So your statement that public education funds will be cut is simply untrue. Students make up about 15% of the county population but we contribute 42% of our tax revenue to them.

Also realize that nothing is stopping you from sending more money out of your own pocket to the county to support your cause. All too often, special interests ask for a greater share of the pot but want the money to come out of other peoples pockets. I encourage you to lead by example and have like minded people contribute their own money to their own cause. That would be prudent.