Why can't the school board tell us the truth? As tax payers we voted in the school board members to represent us, the town citizens. Not as a shield for teachers and administrators. Why should'nt it be on Mr. Duquette's record and Mr.Kuturin's record as to the reason they were let go of their position? Maybe if the school would have known of these people's past we would not had hired them, so why make it possible for them to go to another school without their knowing why exactly these two were asked to leave? If they know they can go somewhere else and not devolve their past, then they have no reason to right the wrong they have made, and work hard to prove themselves worthy of this new job.
As for Ms. Jones worry that this will affect the new budget vote, I would be more concern about what is in this new teachers contract signed just a few minutes before the District meeting on May 1st. Is this another contract that you have to pass to know what it entails? Is it a 1% raise for the teachers this year or is it in reality higher than that? With another promise of a 2% raise next year without the teachers having to show that the students have had any improvement. It must be nice to have a job knowing that it does not matter how you perform you will automatically get a raise.Will not this 2% raise assure us of another increase in our school budget next year. Teachers have been let go, clssses have been cut, we have an RSU, yet the taxes keep getting higher without any show of students improvements.
What happen to all the money voted last year for raises, wasn't that suppose to fix the problem? It's time the schoolboard starts answering to the people who put them in that position and tell the tax payers the truth. For without the truth there are alot of speculations, some real some false, but without the truth how are we to know which is correct? If this school board would be completely open and truthfull they would get more respect from the citizens. They must remember it is we the taxpayers who are supporting this school, not the teachers or the teachers unions or superintendents.
Just tell us the truth then and only then can we work together to solve this problem. Many may not remember a 1950's TV show call "who do you trust?". Well from this seat it is not our RSU 16, school board.
Is it demoralizing to show an ID when cashing a check? I have been doing it for years and never once felt demoralize, but grateful that someone was looking out for me to make sure I was the person on the check. Why would it be different for an EBT card? And as far as working to help in a shelter why not? If you stay in a hotel even the cheapest one, you would have to pay. You would think that even the poorest would have enough self respect as to think he should get anything for free and would want to help to keep a shelter's cost down so that it can continue to stay open to provide for others. There are no free lunches in this world some one is paying for these services, and those using these services should be expected to help out in reducing the cost.
What is demoralizing is for the tax paying public who are trying to keep their family going see the many who are unwilling to help themselves and demand or expect to be given all their needs and then complain about it. If you are able to push a broom, scrub a toilet, wash some dishes, make a bed, do it and do it with a smile for the bed that was provided for you, or the meal that you just ate, or the nice hot water shower you just took. Wouldn't you feel better about yourself knowing that some way you helped out? Ben Franklin once said make it easy to be poor and many will become poor. No one is denying that some need assistance, but they should do all they can to help themselves and those who are assisting them.
Ask your self what kind of help these people would get in a different country? Then pull up your booth straps and help others by helping out yourself.
Ms.Gagnon, no one is taking away your rights. If you want birth contol, or if you want to abort your child,(yes it is a baby) , the government gave you that right. But you should not force a church or organization or the rest of the population to have to pay for this right, If this is against their moral thinking. And if you think that a baby is a mistake or a disgrace your are wrong. A baby is a gift. The mistake is when foolish people have sex without thinking of the consequences. But government has made it easy for people to not think of their actions by making sure you will be able to rid them selves of this mistake over and over again if they choose. It's time that people wakeup and realize that this birth control contraversy is not about women's health but just another ploy by our current administration to break up religion and families in this country, and a push to get women's vote in the upcoming election so that he might take away more of your rights. Eventually one of these rights will affect you.
Had it been a democrat who had passed the bill ,all would be different. The people in this area do not like anything coming out of Augusta that has a republican name on it.
I too was present at the last meeting, and I too heard the disrespect directed to the Poland selectman. Nothing in his presentation would have cut any thing from your children.
School budgets have been the same for as long as I have been voting. We could give them millions every year and they will find ways of spending the money,and ask for more the following year. But in the end most children will still end up with a poor education. Our AYP test scores shows that every year. Those who go into teaching to become rich have gone into the wrong field. Those who go into teaching because they want to open up children's mind to the wonders of the world will do so with the love and joy they get in return. If you are afraid your child teacher will leave for a better paying teacher position then maybe her calling is not to be a teacher.
Teachers are being paid fairly with great insurances, sick day leaves, and many weeks off during the year to enjoy their families, hobbies or other pursuits.
Let us see improvement in test scores, let us see students fill out a job resume that is readable and understandable. Let them prepare children to be able to live in the real world, let us see some changes. Not all, if any will be great athlete, and make millions, that is a dream world. Many cannot even make money change without the help of the computerize cash register. School teaching system have to change. But right now we dont see that change in fact see a large population of students not being ready for the work force, or needing remedial help to get into college.
To quote an old commercial "show us the beef". Let us see an improvement, then maybe these pay raises will be justified.
With salaries for staff, substitutes, and stipend and cash- in- lieu adding up to $10,657,650.23 in fiscal year 2010 and $11,411,211.23 in fiscal year ending 2011, does not sound like any one is going without. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for most of the tax payers paying these salaries.
fiscal year for RSU16 ending 2010, staff, stipends, substitutes, and cash -in-lieu,$10,657,650.43.
fiscal year ending for 2011, staff, stipends, substitutes,and cash-in-lieu,$11,411,211.23. this is after having cut 74 positions. You do the math.
You go to the town hall for your car registration, your fishing/hunting license, you make time to do these task, there are never any problems. But when it comes to voting you don't have the means or the time to get there a few weeks early? You can even call your town office and they will mail you a registration card to fill out. You know election day is coming unless your living under a rock so there is no excuse. I work with many homebound elderly and they have no problems registrating or voting.
I have lived in many different states and they all had from 2 weeks to one month proior to election to registrate.
Same old budget, same old amount, same old raises that the board wants to pass. Yes they are trying to wear the voters down, or wait until the snow birds are gone south so that they can pass their agenda. We are already 2 months into the school year they have already hired new people, we are being used as idiots.
I hope that with these raises they are willing to help out the food pantries, and heating assistant that the 3 towns people are needing during this poor economy, many are loosing their jobs, others are taking pay cuts to keep their jobs, Seniors are struggling on their meager Social security, to pay for their needs, and many are behind in paying last years taxes. But school administrator with $100,000.00 plus salary will get their raises and we will end up with the bill.
More people have to come out to these budget meetings and make their voices be heard, I know it is difficult and many who are in opposition are often put off, with comments such as" come to my office and we'll discuss it later". When one speaks at these meetings they and the remainder of the peoples wants to hear he answers. And no more of these re hearsed speeches on how much other schools are being paid. So yes Ms. Leavitt we have a very arrogant school board, with the exception of a few who are against this budget, and the only way we will get rid of them is to vote them out. We the people never asked for a cut but to keep it a flat budget in line with the last year budget. How many would love to be able to get the same pay they had last year, instead of the layoffs and pay cuts they are now experiencing. And we are told to expect an even higher budget next year. Go out and vote and get as many of your friends and neighbors to do the same. I see nothing in this budget that will improve the students low test scores or anything else for the students. We have been told to stop buying "Dunkin Donuts coffee" by some school board member so that we may pay our taxes, others have suggested we not go out to eat, and one even complained that her house was not as nice as mine so I should not speak out. There has been talk about cutting down on road repairs and the list goes on. They ask what will I do with the $35.00 I will save by voting no, I have seen my Tax bill and let me tell you that I am paying way more than $35.00.
The school board have set their mind to not listening to the people who pay their wages. I wonder if this could be done in a private coperation? Does a teacher treat her/his students with the same dis-respect when they ask a question that differs from their point of view,same as the school board does to the taxpayers who ask questions at the budget meetings? I should hope not, if the question was asked respectfully.The towns are working hard to keep down taxes, people are struggling to keep their homes, feed their families, buy needed medication,buy fuel to go back and forth to work(if their lucky to have a job), and keep their homes warm. Many families would enjoy having the same income they had last year. That is all we ask, no increase until this economy can turn itself around. Have you checked your retirement fund lately?
As far a the voulenteering? I had just moved into this town from adifferent state, I made a telephone call to the school, they( I imagine was the secretary told me they DO NOT accept volunteers). In the 30 seconds or so that I was on the phone they could had not been able to verify my qualifications. Unless you were listening on the phone you have no knowledge of what was said. I also volunteered to donate a large amount of craft materials that I owned and that too was denied. The senior citizens group in Lewiston was happy to receive this items to help them make craft projects for their craft sales. I have 2 children with Master degrees, and value education, but am also fiscally conservative and do not feel that this is the time to raise taxes, or take money for our emergency fund to give raises.
I have no objection to kids getting an education, and any day care centers in the town will teach your children shapes,colors, how to use scissors safely,socializing skills. This is not the time to put extra burden on the tax payers. I have read reports that says by the time the children reach 3rd grade they all average out. For every study for the program you can find one against it. And eventually Mr. Griffith the tax payer will have to pay for this class, unless you and all are volunteering to run it at no expense. I volunteered 20 hours a week for 5 years, and 10 years actually working in the school systems, in the past, working with k-4 th graders, and in my time spent with these children I have found that family life and values were the important things to the children, and that is what kept them from being juvenille delinquent. Some kids will succeed and others will leave the schools, and get into trouble. Like I said previously it all depends on the family life.
In a time when families and seniors are struggling this budget is a slap in the face, if a few teachers have not had a raise in the last seven years give them the raise, it does not have to be across the board, and if Mr. Duquette is so intersted in helping out the kids let him give up his raise to help them. I was raised to believe that when times are difficult you buckle down and save, then when economics prosper you can spend . But to take money out of the emergency funds for raises is irresponsible.Maybe you come from the generation of I want it now and forget the price, but I sir am from the generation of, in hard time take it easy and stretch that dollar. You are entitled to your opinion and I to mine,lets put it in the voters hand and let them decide. I am not attacking any one, and I am not alone in my thoughts.
In my many years attending school budget meetings in this town and 2 other states, I have never encountered such arrogant people on the school board. These people are elected to represent the tax payers, not the teachers or teachers unions, to tell struggling tax payers to give up their Dunkin Donuts coffee to pay for these pay raises is an insult. To use emergency money to give themselves raises is destructive. But as the president of the national teachers union said, it's not the children, it's not the teachers, it's not the school that's important it's the POWER. They go ahead and implement programs before even a budget is voted on and approve, I must say that Mr. Holbrook school board member stated that he was oppose to this budget and voted against it, but majority rules thus he had to sign the budget. The people of this ridiculous RSU towns have to wake up and realize that their children's education are at stake.
They won't have to learn to spell, because of spell check, don't have to worry about grammar, that will be taken care of also, don't worry about math the calculator will do it. This is the future? Where children just push a letter or number and their answer shows up? They have no idea of the concept behind what the idea was to get to this answer. How many of you write on your computer and don't really care what your spelling looks like just push spell check it will do it? 20 years ago I complained to my child's teacher because his spelling was so bad, her response was "He does'nt have to know how to spell, just use a computer and it has a spell check". I find it so sad . He is a college graduate has a wonderful job, works with computers all day, can do very high math equasions with his calculator, but cannot add a simple column, or write a letter without the aid of a computer. Let's hope that the manufactures of batteries don't stop production, then all these kids will have lost an education.
The YES voters were herded by face book. The school has been in session for over a week, they have already implemented these new additions without voters approval, One hundred thousand taken out of the emergency fund to give themselves a raise, something must be done to rein in the cost of this school district. Now if an emergency happens NO money is available, that means a bond to help pay the cost, and a bond is just another word for aTAX, get out and vote SEPT.13 4-8 at your local town hall.
This budget vote should had come out before the start of school.
Yes, I am aware of the price of day care, since I worked in one. I also voulenteered 20 hours a week at my children's school. So I know what is involved with these children. I sent my children to nursery school, when they were younger at my own expense. Was it easy? No, did we do without? Yes. We didn't go on vacations, grew our own food made our own clothes and the interest rate on mortgages back then was 15%. I know what hard times are , same as my parents who went through the depression of the 1930's. We learned to do with little and was careful where the money went. I never asked the taxed payers to pay for my children's day care since that was my choice as to wether or not I wanted them to go. And you mention learning disabilities, I have a son with dislexia,( he just finished his masters in college) it was suggested in pre school that he be checked. Day Care are staffed by educated people who are on the look out for these problems. So yes I do know it is difficult parenting children, but these are things you should be aware of before you decide to have children. Since this preschool is only 1/2 day will you not have to pay for the care after they leave school? My husband worked 72 hour a week I worked part time cleaning other people houses, cleaning schools in the summer time, worked in nursing homes taking care of the personal needs of the elderly. I worked nights so not to have to pay a babysitter. Yes, I was home with my children during the day because that was important to me as a mother. I imagine you might have a cell phone, cable t.v. , computer connections all things you could do without if the need was there. I still do not feel that tax payers should pay for babysitting services. Every generation feels that their's is the hardest, we have to learn to cope.
You missed the point, I have nothing against teachers, or education. And in the many years I have been voting I have voted for teachers to get their raises. But during these hard economic times I feel that it is not feasible. The across the board raises is a slap in the face of those struggling to make ends meet. No one went without education last year and no one will go without this year if this budget is brought back to the level of last year.
If we were fortunate enough to have mills I can assure you many, even your college graduate, would be standing in line for a job applications, but instead they will work at a call center. Our politicians BOTH parties and the labor unions have made it impossible for mills and other companies to work in this country, so they are shipped of overseas. People are struggling to keep their homes and feed their children, to those on fixed income every penny counts,(and to have a member of the school board tell the voters to stop buying their DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE, so they can pay for this increase in taxes is as offensive as Marie Antoinette telling the citizens to eat cake, when they complained they couln't afford the bread.)
All summer long the school provided lunches for ove 100 families, are these people able to pay their taxes? You apparently have a good job and can afford to pay this increase in taxes, which is wonderful and I'm very happy for you. So you will go into the voting booth and vote YES. I on the other hand am against this year's budgetwill go into the voting booth and vote No. Isn't America great that we are able to do this?
As for the 4 year old classes, these children belong at home with their parents learning family values, if this is impossible, and both parents are working, there are many good day cares in all towns that will provide this care. The tax payers should not have to pay for babysitting services, or what will it be next year 3 year olds? Yes many mill workers in the pass provided for their families and we should be greatful to them for they are the ones who made this country great.
Legitimate government expenses? Who chooses what these expenses are? Our government so far has done one lousy job of it. Money wasted for programs that does not do the country a bit of good, but to look good on the politician record and to cause more lobbyist to come to him to ask for more money, and to increase the size of government, so we can pay more" LEGITIMATE" taxes. Who pays these taxes, the half of the country that is on welfare or some other government assistant programs? Or the other half that does have a job and is struggling to meet their needs, while assisting others who are in need? We have become an "I want it society and the government should pay for it" country. What happens when the money runs out before the people do? It's getting close to that now, and when that happens the communist take over, history is there to prove it to you. And we will all get the same, Niltz, no matter how long or hard you work, you will not get to keep more than your neighbor who does nothing, and soon all will be doing nothing, the people will riot and anarchy sets in is this the future you want?
So take it upon your self if you see some one in need, YOU do something, You feed him, You give him clothes, help him with other needs he may have. But only for a certain amount of time, because if you make it comfortable for people to rely on others for their needs, they will not try to help themselves and become a burden on others. this is what is happening in this state and country,people are becoming too dependent on the government to do things that they could do for themselves, if they really had to and knew no one else would do it,they would do it. If a family member or neighbor is sick and in need of help You supply that help. Do not make him a slave of the government,because they do not understand what legitimate expenses are, except those that will fill their ego or pockets. And the next time you vote really look into this persons background and find out what kind of moral teachings he has, and do not depend on the media to do it for you. for many are as corrupt as those you are voting for.
since the bible says the sabbath is on the seventh day, then if it would please all, let the stores be close on Saturday. The idea is to get a day of rest from your daily routine and to spend time with God and your family, make one of these days a special one. The Christian celebrate Sundays since the time of Constantine, to separate themselves from the jewish tradition, and because Jesus was resurected on Sunday.
I would not even try to think wich would be God's choice.
The original message of the letter from Mr.Giroudwas to keep one of the days holy for God and family. Who knows maybe this world would change for the better, because it sure is in need of help.
I remember a Lewiston, when all department stores and large grocery stores were closed on Sundays, a few Mom and Pops stores where open for maybe half a day , only a few gas station here and there. Sunday was a day for church and family. Not bussiness. Yet it seemed that everyone got what they needed during the other six days, knowing the stores would not be open Sunday. Until greed and the Malls came in, and these bussiness felt they had to stay open on Sundays because the Malls were ,and they were in compettion. Then Sunday shopping became an entertainment, Im sure if we would go back to the older times, they would not find that the income would be less, because most who do go into these stores on Sundays buy very little, and they would make an effort to do their shopping on the other 6 days.
Maybe find time to go to church and spend quality time with family, make it a special day as it was designed to be.
When people are given everything, and do not have to work for what they have been given, there is no pride and no incentive to take care of their surrounding.Let the city, the state etc. take care of it, after all their the ones who put us in this position. But they never take the responsiblity or the will, and incentive to get themselves out of these situations, instead they will stay in their improvish state and in their filth rather than helping themselves by making their area cleaner free of garbage, take pride in what they have and be held responsible for the maintanance of these building.
To be illegiable for finacial and housing care they should be expected to give back to the community (unless disable) even by just keeping your area clean, not trashing the area, clean the snow away from your entry way. I'm sure that city official could come up with things for you to do, as a pay back for what they are getting. Because these jobs are being done by people who pay taxes to make it possible for them to live with out working for it. They can find money for their cigarettes and beer and cell phones and other luxury, yes these are luxury they are not needed to live. But they see this as a right, while many hard working taxpaying people are struggling and doing without. There is a quote from Benjamin Franklin that says something in this order, make it comfortable for people to be poor, and they will never try to improve their status.
Welfare should be short term help, in time of trouble, not a way of life
On Sun Journal Aug.5 2011 , a writting about school Chairman meeting with town officials, from Mechanic Falls, Minot , and Poland. Toward the end of the article,the Chairman invited all participant to the RSU#16 meeting on Monday Aug.8. Since the letter started off with the Chairman meeting with the 3 town's officials , and spoke about how they should had been more involve previouly , the last part of the article gave the assumption that the Aug.8 meeting was to be only open to these people and not to the public in general,the taxpayers of the school region. But surprisinly it seems that those in favor of this budget did get the word that they were invited.
Why wasnt some more imformation available for the taxpayers? You asume that all reads the Sun Journal, or did you not want those who oppose to this budget to show up and mess up your little party?The people voted NO twice to this budget, and to make it a neutral budget back to the year 2010-2011 budget.
but the school board will try to get around the taxpayers wishes and twist things around until they get their way. they seem to forget who is paying for these schools, the taxpayers of the town. but instead act as their own little government.
This country is still a republic, and the constitution is still the law of the land, and the public has a right to speak. If we do not, then we will loose all other rights. Are you willing to see this happen ?
If people would had known that this meeting was open to the public many more would had appeared. But the way it read in the paper , it sounded as it was suppose to be a meeting with town officials and the school board
there has to be a way of letting the public know what is going on.
Yes, the spelling was bad, I was having eye problems that day. But propaganda? The following quote from Mother Teresa is what I try to live by.
"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; Be kind anyways. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyways. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyways. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyways.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyways. Give the world the best you've have and it may never be enough; Give the world your best anyways. You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway."
Life is too short for bitterness, so I just shrug them off. Thank you for your kind words.
1.you cannot legistlate the poor into prosperity by legistlating the wealth out of prosperity.
2.what one person receives without working fo, another must work without receiving.
3.the government cannot give anybody anything that the government does not first take away from somebody else.
4. you cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.
5.when half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half will take care of their needs. And the other half gets the idea that it does not do any good to work, because somebody else will get what THEYhave worked for, that is when the beggining of the end of a nation.
Social security was set up to help those who had put money into it by working, not illeagles or those who never wanted to work. same for medicare, it is money taken out of our paycheck. Money that the government wasted for their own little pet projects. Medicare and WIc would not be needed if families took care of one another,as it should be, and always was until Roosevelt was president."Make it easy for people to be poor and they will take advantage of it" Benjamin Franklin.
because of my age I never did have a say about social security or medicare, should I had, I would had voted it down and kept the money and invested it for myself and be sure to have it when in need. When you become on government for your livelyhood you are no better than a slave.
Thank you, it is refreshing to see that some one on this paper reads and knows their history, there maybe hope for this country after all. Or else we will all be doom.
We have been sitting on our"keisters" too long, letting the government take care of it. We have become too lasy and complacent to help ourselves. This let the government do it mentality, has to stop. by keep giving them more power and athority, we loose our freedoms, but maybe many of you do not care you like sitting there and not have to do anything.
the Supreme court does not make laws,ie. abortion no school prayers etc. they can only give their interpretation. only congress can make laws, which then goes to the senate to be ratified and then to the president for him to pass it into law or veto it. How many of thse Judicial interpretation as been taken as law , and we all sit by and not complain. The president does not make laws but we have again in the pass not objected to any he so deems to make. the senate just recently gave the president more power by allowing him to hire a large amount of position without first being interviewed by the senate.(Because of course they are too busy for these task) and the list goes on.
We say the Government gives us this and gives us that, the government doesn't GIVE away anything, it TAKES it's our tax money providing for all of these FREE services. Government does not produce jobs it creates more jobs to use our tax money and to take away our freedoms. just look back at all the freedom we use to have and all that we have lost. And I'm not talking about one political party, they are all the blame. And so are we the people for letting them get away with it.
So if a day of prayer, where all are united to ask our God or your God for intervention and assistance in giving us strenght and willingness to change this country around, to one that was designed to be, then I am all for it. And on the other 364 days you pray on your own. Stop praying for your own personal needs, but ask God what can I do to help this country, to make myself a better citizen, to be a better watchman, so not to let some corrupt politician take awy our beautiful country, that you have blessed for so many years. And maybe one of you will get a reply and will do something and then the chain will begin and this country can once again be as it was suppose to be. God has given us so much, can't we just give Him one day?
( and for all you un believers, haven't you ever even just once, asked what if I'm wrong? just because things have'nt gone your way it not because of the lack of God , but in your lack of believing? Just ask and you just may recieve.)
I have lived in a few other states and none of them had same day voters registration, since you have had to live in that area at least 3months before voting you had plenty of time to register, why wait until the last minute, and yes these states were rural areas, most town halls or city halls are open every day, plus 1 month before election they would have special hours so what is the problem.
Every single American can give away all of their money to the Federal government, and it still would not pay off the debt. Does any one have any concept of how much a Trillion$ really is?
A large part of our Washington politicians Democrats and Republicans, are multi millionaire including John Kerry and even President Obama, who spends millions of our dollars flying around the country to give his political speeches to try to get more money, so that can stay in office for four more years and spend, spend spend, more tax money. Michellle and her entourage is $6 million a year, how much help does one woman need? When all of the other president's wives did well with 2 or 3?
And lets stop blaming Bush for everything, He was no angel I will agree, but he has been out of office for over 2 1/2 years and Obama has been spending trillions since then.
Everyone wants someone else to give away what they have worked for, but no one is willing to be the first.
This country is in deep trouble and we need to stop all unnessesary spending, no more perks no more hand outs to countries who are trying to kill us, no more hiring czars. just STOP the foolishness. I have just so much money coming in every month and that is all I spend, I dont have a little money machine that keeps on spewing out dollars at my whim, and neither should the government.
But that is the progressive agenda keep spending, make the people poor so they will come to them for help, and then Wham! when we are not looking we are a communist country, then all your wealth gets spread and we all live in poverty, and no one wants to work because there is no incentive, this has been in the works for years , yes even before the Bushes and Clinton , all the way back to Wilson slowly they get hold of our freedoms and chip away at them and raise taxes and waste them.
Those of you over the age of 50 think how many freedoms we have lost over the years, and its getting worst. We have to be careful when we go to the polls to vote , do background checks on your candidate, then keep his/her feet to the fire to make sure they do as they promise for the lenght of their terms. Then put a term limit on all so that they do not get too powerful.
Have you thought that many of these rich people you speak about, did come from a poorer background, and they got their riches by working long hard hours building bussinesses to help hire others and give them jobs, Many of these "rich" people sacrifed their time they could had spent with family , or many lost everything to start a bussiness, but did not give up and started over and over again, Are you willing to do the same? Are you willing to put in the time and investment to become rich? Or would you rather stay poor keep buying things you cannot afford, depend on the government to provide for you from the taxes paid by these rich. We each have the same opportunity, if we have the will to do it, education is not always the answer the answer is the will to try and keep trying when you fail, for only by failing do you learn what works or does not work.
"Rich ' people are the tax payers that make it possible for those who are unwilling or unable to work, to stay home and complain about the rich, while watching their wide screen T.V's smoking cigaretts drinking their beer, and enjoying their monthly check that makes it possible. Yet they still keep complaining. If you want to quote the bible "Jesus said the poor will always be with us" what do you suppose he meant by that. there will always be people who want but do not want to put in the effort. Also the commandment of not coveting our neighbors possesion. Who do you suppose provides jobs? rich people or the poor? Who gives to charities to help the poor the man without a job, or a working person. Even the poorest person in this country is richer than most in poorer countries.
You should visit the library of Congress to learn the history of our country which was based on Christian beliefs, by people leaving Europe to get away from the oppression of their rights to religion.
I will not waste my time quoting all, for time and space are valuable to me. But. 29 of the 56 signers of the "Declaration of Independence" were trained minister with seminary degrees. The book they most relied on for the Declaration was "Two Teaties of Government" by John Locke. In which he sights the bible 1500 times, to show proper government.
11 years later at the Constitunional Convention they had difficult time coming to an agreement.Ben Franklin then spoke and made a call for prayer.George Washington recorded in his diary " They took 3 days off and went to church and prayed on those 3 days they listened to Reverend Rogers. After the 3 days they re con vine and al
though they did not right away come to a conclusion 11 weeks later we had a constitution, then it went out to the states to be ratified and in most states it was sent to the church.
Thomas Jefferson: The sum of good government are
1. acknowledge and adore God.
2.exercise frugality
3. restrain the infliction of injury
4. Encourage entrepreurship and free enterprise.
5. protect the property and earning of citizen.
all thought in the Bible Although many founding Fathers were very religious, but the least maybe Franklin and Jefferson, but they each promoted the church and God as a Divine Diety.
Written in stone on the Jefferson Memorial are the words;
" Can liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis?
It is a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God- that they are not to be violated but with his wrath.Indeed ,I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever."
Are these the words of a non believer?
To end, I wonder why we the God fearing people always have to defend our moral defenses. What is it in non believers of God that makes them so scared, to let us worship where and when we like, if it is not to your liking no one demands your participation, but should you want to God's arms are always open to embrace you.
The purpose of the 1st admenment was to keep government out of the church not the church out of government. For at that time each state had its own religion and Jefferson felt that having a Federal religion was not proper , as this was a state responsibility.
When are we Americans going to learn the Constitution?
Admendment1.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, OR prohibiting the free exercise thereof:Or abridging the freedom of speech, or the pressor the right of the peoplepeacefully to assemble,and to petition the Government for a redress of griveances.
NO one in Congress has passed any law , saying that a religion must be observed. The separation of church and state was and is not ever in the constitution. That phrase from taken out of context from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to a pastor in CT. assuring him that the Government would not meddle in the practice of this pastor's church.
For years the state house in Washington was used as a church on sundays and encouraged its members to attend Sunday services and many did, sometime attending services of different denomination which was being held in that building several times on Sundays. Also there is a chapel even now present in the state house for prayers should any of our fine politician wish to make use of it.
No law has been broken in asking for a day of prayer by any Governor , all they are asking is for a day where like minded people pray to God, Whatever religion you may be to help this country in these hard times.
There are books with hundreds of laws that if broken will get you in jail, but there are only 10 short one that if followed will keep you safe. This country was based on Bible and we should return to its teachings, if some are offended about the removalof a certain mural many others are offended of the removal of prayers in school and public places and the removal of the 10 commandments in public places. If you do not want to paticipate in the day of prayer, dont that is your God given right. But do not take away the rights of others who do.
What is the price of a good teacher? will a teacher getting $80,000.00 do a better job than a devoted teacher who gets $30,000.00.
When one chooses teaching as a proffession do they go into it with the idea how much can I make and, wow! I will get all my summer off alot of sick or personal days? I would hope not for that would not be a teacher I would want to teach my child.
A teacher should be one who enjoys learning and teaching children how to learn not just throw facts at them from a book and expect them to memorize dates etc. Teaching should get the children involved and interested into pursueing more of the subject they are learning about. It should then be re inforced by their parents at home. When a teacher gets a job and is told what his/her salary will be , and then accept the job, then we should assume that 100% of this person will be devoted to this job while at school.Not just work for a few hours and then say well I dont get paid enough to do any more today.
When a child leaves school he should have a basic understanding as to what it will take to make it on hi own once out there, budget , prepare food how to do hosehold task that are part of living.College should that be their choice, although not all are willing or need to go to college,
The person who is willing to learn will find many resourches to learn what ever is needed, if he was taught properly to do so.
No one in these three town are trying to deny children of a decent education, but at this time money is a problem, people are out of work, prices on food go up almost weekly, and growing children do eat,and grow out of clothes quickly, it is difficult for many families to make ends meet, and then add the burden of paying taxes only increases their burden. Now is not the time for any more budget increases and the 3 towns have agreed. The school board on the other hand are acting more like teacher union organizer in the interest of teachers, and not of the citizen which have voted them in.they say that pay raises must be for all to bring them all at the same level. They worked last year without this, cnat they do the same? My husband has not seen a raise in 10 years. or an increase in social security benefits in 3 years.
I once lived in a state where town and school taxes came in separately, one bill for the town and one for the school. One year the school tax bills did not get paid because the people had voted them down, and like our town the school board could not come to an agreement, They got the message.
older people are struggling(yes there are seniors living in our towns, and are tax payers) many are worried about the high cost of fuel oil, and food. and the extra dollars a day they will have to pay for school is a
big problem to them. We voted no , but that does'nt seem to be understood, could it be a lack of education?
that's what the school board counts on, let enough time go by and people will forget, and we can put in place what we like. They never planned on cutting anything to begin with, and even one of the members said that she would not vote for any cuts. Just like the federal government they turn things around and stall and then do as they plan. It's democracy they want, but our country was based on a republic, democracy, eventually turns into anarchy. Look at greece and other countries as to what democracy looks like
there has never been a demand to cut, just to go back to last years budget and work with that. The teachers want a raise? Well so does'nt everyone else, but when they get their raise the community has to take a cut in their income to pay for these raises. And at this time the people of the 3 towns do not feel they can afford these raises, when many are having a hard time to make ends meet. At the last budget meeting at PHS. on school board member suggested that we cut out our cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts, maybe they and the teachers do the same. Everyone wants a good education for their children, I did when my children were growing up, and many programs that the school did not provide was paid for out of my own pocket, not the tax payers. Is this a good time to start a 4 yrs.old class in Minot? Many feel not. This would mean hiring a new teacher and maybe aides to look out for these children. A $26,000.00 renovation of the Elm St school for adult ed. where did they hold those classes before, and why not this year? It was mentioned that the free lunch program has increased because of the hard times, town selectman report people are back in their tax payments. Does not these statement register as to what the problem is. Maybe the teachers Union dues should be cut, thus allowing them to keep more of their income.
Is it fair to everyone? No, but then life has never been fair to every one , I believe we have all been through hard times and easier times. Well this is a hard time period and we should all act accordingly.
We need more people like this, not being afraid to sing the national anthem, or say the pledge of allegienge to the flag, come on america show some pride in your country, and be a role model for your kids.
Recent Comments
RSU 16,BUDGET
Why can't the school board tell us the truth? As tax payers we voted in the school board members to represent us, the town citizens. Not as a shield for teachers and administrators. Why should'nt it be on Mr. Duquette's record and Mr.Kuturin's record as to the reason they were let go of their position? Maybe if the school would have known of these people's past we would not had hired them, so why make it possible for them to go to another school without their knowing why exactly these two were asked to leave? If they know they can go somewhere else and not devolve their past, then they have no reason to right the wrong they have made, and work hard to prove themselves worthy of this new job.
As for Ms. Jones worry that this will affect the new budget vote, I would be more concern about what is in this new teachers contract signed just a few minutes before the District meeting on May 1st. Is this another contract that you have to pass to know what it entails? Is it a 1% raise for the teachers this year or is it in reality higher than that? With another promise of a 2% raise next year without the teachers having to show that the students have had any improvement. It must be nice to have a job knowing that it does not matter how you perform you will automatically get a raise.Will not this 2% raise assure us of another increase in our school budget next year. Teachers have been let go, clssses have been cut, we have an RSU, yet the taxes keep getting higher without any show of students improvements.
What happen to all the money voted last year for raises, wasn't that suppose to fix the problem? It's time the schoolboard starts answering to the people who put them in that position and tell the tax payers the truth. For without the truth there are alot of speculations, some real some false, but without the truth how are we to know which is correct? If this school board would be completely open and truthfull they would get more respect from the citizens. They must remember it is we the taxpayers who are supporting this school, not the teachers or the teachers unions or superintendents.
Just tell us the truth then and only then can we work together to solve this problem. Many may not remember a 1950's TV show call "who do you trust?". Well from this seat it is not our RSU 16, school board.
poverty
Is it demoralizing to show an ID when cashing a check? I have been doing it for years and never once felt demoralize, but grateful that someone was looking out for me to make sure I was the person on the check. Why would it be different for an EBT card? And as far as working to help in a shelter why not? If you stay in a hotel even the cheapest one, you would have to pay. You would think that even the poorest would have enough self respect as to think he should get anything for free and would want to help to keep a shelter's cost down so that it can continue to stay open to provide for others. There are no free lunches in this world some one is paying for these services, and those using these services should be expected to help out in reducing the cost.
What is demoralizing is for the tax paying public who are trying to keep their family going see the many who are unwilling to help themselves and demand or expect to be given all their needs and then complain about it. If you are able to push a broom, scrub a toilet, wash some dishes, make a bed, do it and do it with a smile for the bed that was provided for you, or the meal that you just ate, or the nice hot water shower you just took. Wouldn't you feel better about yourself knowing that some way you helped out? Ben Franklin once said make it easy to be poor and many will become poor. No one is denying that some need assistance, but they should do all they can to help themselves and those who are assisting them.
Ask your self what kind of help these people would get in a different country? Then pull up your booth straps and help others by helping out yourself.
women's rights
Ms.Gagnon, no one is taking away your rights. If you want birth contol, or if you want to abort your child,(yes it is a baby) , the government gave you that right. But you should not force a church or organization or the rest of the population to have to pay for this right, If this is against their moral thinking. And if you think that a baby is a mistake or a disgrace your are wrong. A baby is a gift. The mistake is when foolish people have sex without thinking of the consequences. But government has made it easy for people to not think of their actions by making sure you will be able to rid them selves of this mistake over and over again if they choose. It's time that people wakeup and realize that this birth control contraversy is not about women's health but just another ploy by our current administration to break up religion and families in this country, and a push to get women's vote in the upcoming election so that he might take away more of your rights. Eventually one of these rights will affect you.
no big deal
Had it been a democrat who had passed the bill ,all would be different. The people in this area do not like anything coming out of Augusta that has a republican name on it.
I was present
I too was present at the last meeting, and I too heard the disrespect directed to the Poland selectman. Nothing in his presentation would have cut any thing from your children.
School budgets have been the same for as long as I have been voting. We could give them millions every year and they will find ways of spending the money,and ask for more the following year. But in the end most children will still end up with a poor education. Our AYP test scores shows that every year. Those who go into teaching to become rich have gone into the wrong field. Those who go into teaching because they want to open up children's mind to the wonders of the world will do so with the love and joy they get in return. If you are afraid your child teacher will leave for a better paying teacher position then maybe her calling is not to be a teacher.
Teachers are being paid fairly with great insurances, sick day leaves, and many weeks off during the year to enjoy their families, hobbies or other pursuits.
Let us see improvement in test scores, let us see students fill out a job resume that is readable and understandable. Let them prepare children to be able to live in the real world, let us see some changes. Not all, if any will be great athlete, and make millions, that is a dream world. Many cannot even make money change without the help of the computerize cash register. School teaching system have to change. But right now we dont see that change in fact see a large population of students not being ready for the work force, or needing remedial help to get into college.
To quote an old commercial "show us the beef". Let us see an improvement, then maybe these pay raises will be justified.
With salaries for staff, substitutes, and stipend and cash- in- lieu adding up to $10,657,650.23 in fiscal year 2010 and $11,411,211.23 in fiscal year ending 2011, does not sound like any one is going without. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for most of the tax payers paying these salaries.
raises
fiscal year for RSU16 ending 2010, staff, stipends, substitutes, and cash -in-lieu,$10,657,650.43.
fiscal year ending for 2011, staff, stipends, substitutes,and cash-in-lieu,$11,411,211.23. this is after having cut 74 positions. You do the math.
same day registration
You go to the town hall for your car registration, your fishing/hunting license, you make time to do these task, there are never any problems. But when it comes to voting you don't have the means or the time to get there a few weeks early? You can even call your town office and they will mail you a registration card to fill out. You know election day is coming unless your living under a rock so there is no excuse. I work with many homebound elderly and they have no problems registrating or voting.
I have lived in many different states and they all had from 2 weeks to one month proior to election to registrate.
Budget
Same old budget, same old amount, same old raises that the board wants to pass. Yes they are trying to wear the voters down, or wait until the snow birds are gone south so that they can pass their agenda. We are already 2 months into the school year they have already hired new people, we are being used as idiots.
I hope that with these raises they are willing to help out the food pantries, and heating assistant that the 3 towns people are needing during this poor economy, many are loosing their jobs, others are taking pay cuts to keep their jobs, Seniors are struggling on their meager Social security, to pay for their needs, and many are behind in paying last years taxes. But school administrator with $100,000.00 plus salary will get their raises and we will end up with the bill.
More people have to come out to these budget meetings and make their voices be heard, I know it is difficult and many who are in opposition are often put off, with comments such as" come to my office and we'll discuss it later". When one speaks at these meetings they and the remainder of the peoples wants to hear he answers. And no more of these re hearsed speeches on how much other schools are being paid. So yes Ms. Leavitt we have a very arrogant school board, with the exception of a few who are against this budget, and the only way we will get rid of them is to vote them out. We the people never asked for a cut but to keep it a flat budget in line with the last year budget. How many would love to be able to get the same pay they had last year, instead of the layoffs and pay cuts they are now experiencing. And we are told to expect an even higher budget next year. Go out and vote and get as many of your friends and neighbors to do the same. I see nothing in this budget that will improve the students low test scores or anything else for the students. We have been told to stop buying "Dunkin Donuts coffee" by some school board member so that we may pay our taxes, others have suggested we not go out to eat, and one even complained that her house was not as nice as mine so I should not speak out. There has been talk about cutting down on road repairs and the list goes on. They ask what will I do with the $35.00 I will save by voting no, I have seen my Tax bill and let me tell you that I am paying way more than $35.00.
school budget
The school board have set their mind to not listening to the people who pay their wages. I wonder if this could be done in a private coperation? Does a teacher treat her/his students with the same dis-respect when they ask a question that differs from their point of view,same as the school board does to the taxpayers who ask questions at the budget meetings? I should hope not, if the question was asked respectfully.The towns are working hard to keep down taxes, people are struggling to keep their homes, feed their families, buy needed medication,buy fuel to go back and forth to work(if their lucky to have a job), and keep their homes warm. Many families would enjoy having the same income they had last year. That is all we ask, no increase until this economy can turn itself around. Have you checked your retirement fund lately?
the facts
As far a the voulenteering? I had just moved into this town from adifferent state, I made a telephone call to the school, they( I imagine was the secretary told me they DO NOT accept volunteers). In the 30 seconds or so that I was on the phone they could had not been able to verify my qualifications. Unless you were listening on the phone you have no knowledge of what was said. I also volunteered to donate a large amount of craft materials that I owned and that too was denied. The senior citizens group in Lewiston was happy to receive this items to help them make craft projects for their craft sales. I have 2 children with Master degrees, and value education, but am also fiscally conservative and do not feel that this is the time to raise taxes, or take money for our emergency fund to give raises.
No pre school
I have no objection to kids getting an education, and any day care centers in the town will teach your children shapes,colors, how to use scissors safely,socializing skills. This is not the time to put extra burden on the tax payers. I have read reports that says by the time the children reach 3rd grade they all average out. For every study for the program you can find one against it. And eventually Mr. Griffith the tax payer will have to pay for this class, unless you and all are volunteering to run it at no expense. I volunteered 20 hours a week for 5 years, and 10 years actually working in the school systems, in the past, working with k-4 th graders, and in my time spent with these children I have found that family life and values were the important things to the children, and that is what kept them from being juvenille delinquent. Some kids will succeed and others will leave the schools, and get into trouble. Like I said previously it all depends on the family life.
In a time when families and seniors are struggling this budget is a slap in the face, if a few teachers have not had a raise in the last seven years give them the raise, it does not have to be across the board, and if Mr. Duquette is so intersted in helping out the kids let him give up his raise to help them. I was raised to believe that when times are difficult you buckle down and save, then when economics prosper you can spend . But to take money out of the emergency funds for raises is irresponsible.Maybe you come from the generation of I want it now and forget the price, but I sir am from the generation of, in hard time take it easy and stretch that dollar. You are entitled to your opinion and I to mine,lets put it in the voters hand and let them decide. I am not attacking any one, and I am not alone in my thoughts.
school board
In my many years attending school budget meetings in this town and 2 other states, I have never encountered such arrogant people on the school board. These people are elected to represent the tax payers, not the teachers or teachers unions, to tell struggling tax payers to give up their Dunkin Donuts coffee to pay for these pay raises is an insult. To use emergency money to give themselves raises is destructive. But as the president of the national teachers union said, it's not the children, it's not the teachers, it's not the school that's important it's the POWER. They go ahead and implement programs before even a budget is voted on and approve, I must say that Mr. Holbrook school board member stated that he was oppose to this budget and voted against it, but majority rules thus he had to sign the budget. The people of this ridiculous RSU towns have to wake up and realize that their children's education are at stake.
SAT's
It's OK just as long as they are as uneducated as the rest of the state?
not just financial
They won't have to learn to spell, because of spell check, don't have to worry about grammar, that will be taken care of also, don't worry about math the calculator will do it. This is the future? Where children just push a letter or number and their answer shows up? They have no idea of the concept behind what the idea was to get to this answer. How many of you write on your computer and don't really care what your spelling looks like just push spell check it will do it? 20 years ago I complained to my child's teacher because his spelling was so bad, her response was "He does'nt have to know how to spell, just use a computer and it has a spell check". I find it so sad . He is a college graduate has a wonderful job, works with computers all day, can do very high math equasions with his calculator, but cannot add a simple column, or write a letter without the aid of a computer. Let's hope that the manufactures of batteries don't stop production, then all these kids will have lost an education.
isn't face book wonderful
The YES voters were herded by face book. The school has been in session for over a week, they have already implemented these new additions without voters approval, One hundred thousand taken out of the emergency fund to give themselves a raise, something must be done to rein in the cost of this school district. Now if an emergency happens NO money is available, that means a bond to help pay the cost, and a bond is just another word for aTAX, get out and vote SEPT.13 4-8 at your local town hall.
This budget vote should had come out before the start of school.
how much it cost
Yes, I am aware of the price of day care, since I worked in one. I also voulenteered 20 hours a week at my children's school. So I know what is involved with these children. I sent my children to nursery school, when they were younger at my own expense. Was it easy? No, did we do without? Yes. We didn't go on vacations, grew our own food made our own clothes and the interest rate on mortgages back then was 15%. I know what hard times are , same as my parents who went through the depression of the 1930's. We learned to do with little and was careful where the money went. I never asked the taxed payers to pay for my children's day care since that was my choice as to wether or not I wanted them to go. And you mention learning disabilities, I have a son with dislexia,( he just finished his masters in college) it was suggested in pre school that he be checked. Day Care are staffed by educated people who are on the look out for these problems. So yes I do know it is difficult parenting children, but these are things you should be aware of before you decide to have children. Since this preschool is only 1/2 day will you not have to pay for the care after they leave school? My husband worked 72 hour a week I worked part time cleaning other people houses, cleaning schools in the summer time, worked in nursing homes taking care of the personal needs of the elderly. I worked nights so not to have to pay a babysitter. Yes, I was home with my children during the day because that was important to me as a mother. I imagine you might have a cell phone, cable t.v. , computer connections all things you could do without if the need was there. I still do not feel that tax payers should pay for babysitting services. Every generation feels that their's is the hardest, we have to learn to cope.
send them to mill
You missed the point, I have nothing against teachers, or education. And in the many years I have been voting I have voted for teachers to get their raises. But during these hard economic times I feel that it is not feasible. The across the board raises is a slap in the face of those struggling to make ends meet. No one went without education last year and no one will go without this year if this budget is brought back to the level of last year.
If we were fortunate enough to have mills I can assure you many, even your college graduate, would be standing in line for a job applications, but instead they will work at a call center. Our politicians BOTH parties and the labor unions have made it impossible for mills and other companies to work in this country, so they are shipped of overseas. People are struggling to keep their homes and feed their children, to those on fixed income every penny counts,(and to have a member of the school board tell the voters to stop buying their DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE, so they can pay for this increase in taxes is as offensive as Marie Antoinette telling the citizens to eat cake, when they complained they couln't afford the bread.)
All summer long the school provided lunches for ove 100 families, are these people able to pay their taxes? You apparently have a good job and can afford to pay this increase in taxes, which is wonderful and I'm very happy for you. So you will go into the voting booth and vote YES. I on the other hand am against this year's budgetwill go into the voting booth and vote No. Isn't America great that we are able to do this?
As for the 4 year old classes, these children belong at home with their parents learning family values, if this is impossible, and both parents are working, there are many good day cares in all towns that will provide this care. The tax payers should not have to pay for babysitting services, or what will it be next year 3 year olds? Yes many mill workers in the pass provided for their families and we should be greatful to them for they are the ones who made this country great.
don't care
You do pay for the New York schools and all other schools in this country , through Federal taxes.
short sighted savings
Legitimate government expenses? Who chooses what these expenses are? Our government so far has done one lousy job of it. Money wasted for programs that does not do the country a bit of good, but to look good on the politician record and to cause more lobbyist to come to him to ask for more money, and to increase the size of government, so we can pay more" LEGITIMATE" taxes. Who pays these taxes, the half of the country that is on welfare or some other government assistant programs? Or the other half that does have a job and is struggling to meet their needs, while assisting others who are in need? We have become an "I want it society and the government should pay for it" country. What happens when the money runs out before the people do? It's getting close to that now, and when that happens the communist take over, history is there to prove it to you. And we will all get the same, Niltz, no matter how long or hard you work, you will not get to keep more than your neighbor who does nothing, and soon all will be doing nothing, the people will riot and anarchy sets in is this the future you want?
So take it upon your self if you see some one in need, YOU do something, You feed him, You give him clothes, help him with other needs he may have. But only for a certain amount of time, because if you make it comfortable for people to rely on others for their needs, they will not try to help themselves and become a burden on others. this is what is happening in this state and country,people are becoming too dependent on the government to do things that they could do for themselves, if they really had to and knew no one else would do it,they would do it. If a family member or neighbor is sick and in need of help You supply that help. Do not make him a slave of the government,because they do not understand what legitimate expenses are, except those that will fill their ego or pockets. And the next time you vote really look into this persons background and find out what kind of moral teachings he has, and do not depend on the media to do it for you. for many are as corrupt as those you are voting for.
read the book
since the bible says the sabbath is on the seventh day, then if it would please all, let the stores be close on Saturday. The idea is to get a day of rest from your daily routine and to spend time with God and your family, make one of these days a special one. The Christian celebrate Sundays since the time of Constantine, to separate themselves from the jewish tradition, and because Jesus was resurected on Sunday.
I would not even try to think wich would be God's choice.
The original message of the letter from Mr.Giroudwas to keep one of the days holy for God and family. Who knows maybe this world would change for the better, because it sure is in need of help.
take time to relax
I remember a Lewiston, when all department stores and large grocery stores were closed on Sundays, a few Mom and Pops stores where open for maybe half a day , only a few gas station here and there. Sunday was a day for church and family. Not bussiness. Yet it seemed that everyone got what they needed during the other six days, knowing the stores would not be open Sunday. Until greed and the Malls came in, and these bussiness felt they had to stay open on Sundays because the Malls were ,and they were in compettion. Then Sunday shopping became an entertainment, Im sure if we would go back to the older times, they would not find that the income would be less, because most who do go into these stores on Sundays buy very little, and they would make an effort to do their shopping on the other 6 days.
Maybe find time to go to church and spend quality time with family, make it a special day as it was designed to be.
garbage protest
When people are given everything, and do not have to work for what they have been given, there is no pride and no incentive to take care of their surrounding.Let the city, the state etc. take care of it, after all their the ones who put us in this position. But they never take the responsiblity or the will, and incentive to get themselves out of these situations, instead they will stay in their improvish state and in their filth rather than helping themselves by making their area cleaner free of garbage, take pride in what they have and be held responsible for the maintanance of these building.
To be illegiable for finacial and housing care they should be expected to give back to the community (unless disable) even by just keeping your area clean, not trashing the area, clean the snow away from your entry way. I'm sure that city official could come up with things for you to do, as a pay back for what they are getting. Because these jobs are being done by people who pay taxes to make it possible for them to live with out working for it. They can find money for their cigarettes and beer and cell phones and other luxury, yes these are luxury they are not needed to live. But they see this as a right, while many hard working taxpaying people are struggling and doing without. There is a quote from Benjamin Franklin that says something in this order, make it comfortable for people to be poor, and they will never try to improve their status.
Welfare should be short term help, in time of trouble, not a way of life
RSU 16,BUDGET
On Sun Journal Aug.5 2011 , a writting about school Chairman meeting with town officials, from Mechanic Falls, Minot , and Poland. Toward the end of the article,the Chairman invited all participant to the RSU#16 meeting on Monday Aug.8. Since the letter started off with the Chairman meeting with the 3 town's officials , and spoke about how they should had been more involve previouly , the last part of the article gave the assumption that the Aug.8 meeting was to be only open to these people and not to the public in general,the taxpayers of the school region. But surprisinly it seems that those in favor of this budget did get the word that they were invited.
Why wasnt some more imformation available for the taxpayers? You asume that all reads the Sun Journal, or did you not want those who oppose to this budget to show up and mess up your little party?The people voted NO twice to this budget, and to make it a neutral budget back to the year 2010-2011 budget.
but the school board will try to get around the taxpayers wishes and twist things around until they get their way. they seem to forget who is paying for these schools, the taxpayers of the town. but instead act as their own little government.
This country is still a republic, and the constitution is still the law of the land, and the public has a right to speak. If we do not, then we will loose all other rights. Are you willing to see this happen ?
RSU 16
If people would had known that this meeting was open to the public many more would had appeared. But the way it read in the paper , it sounded as it was suppose to be a meeting with town officials and the school board
there has to be a way of letting the public know what is going on.
propaganda
Yes, the spelling was bad, I was having eye problems that day. But propaganda? The following quote from Mother Teresa is what I try to live by.
"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; Be kind anyways. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyways. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyways. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyways.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyways. Give the world the best you've have and it may never be enough; Give the world your best anyways. You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway."
Life is too short for bitterness, so I just shrug them off. Thank you for your kind words.
political labels
1.you cannot legistlate the poor into prosperity by legistlating the wealth out of prosperity.
2.what one person receives without working fo, another must work without receiving.
3.the government cannot give anybody anything that the government does not first take away from somebody else.
4. you cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.
5.when half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half will take care of their needs. And the other half gets the idea that it does not do any good to work, because somebody else will get what THEYhave worked for, that is when the beggining of the end of a nation.
Social security was set up to help those who had put money into it by working, not illeagles or those who never wanted to work. same for medicare, it is money taken out of our paycheck. Money that the government wasted for their own little pet projects. Medicare and WIc would not be needed if families took care of one another,as it should be, and always was until Roosevelt was president."Make it easy for people to be poor and they will take advantage of it" Benjamin Franklin.
because of my age I never did have a say about social security or medicare, should I had, I would had voted it down and kept the money and invested it for myself and be sure to have it when in need. When you become on government for your livelyhood you are no better than a slave.
history always repeats it's self
Thank you, it is refreshing to see that some one on this paper reads and knows their history, there maybe hope for this country after all. Or else we will all be doom.
may be that is the problem
We have been sitting on our"keisters" too long, letting the government take care of it. We have become too lasy and complacent to help ourselves. This let the government do it mentality, has to stop. by keep giving them more power and athority, we loose our freedoms, but maybe many of you do not care you like sitting there and not have to do anything.
the Supreme court does not make laws,ie. abortion no school prayers etc. they can only give their interpretation. only congress can make laws, which then goes to the senate to be ratified and then to the president for him to pass it into law or veto it. How many of thse Judicial interpretation as been taken as law , and we all sit by and not complain. The president does not make laws but we have again in the pass not objected to any he so deems to make. the senate just recently gave the president more power by allowing him to hire a large amount of position without first being interviewed by the senate.(Because of course they are too busy for these task) and the list goes on.
We say the Government gives us this and gives us that, the government doesn't GIVE away anything, it TAKES it's our tax money providing for all of these FREE services. Government does not produce jobs it creates more jobs to use our tax money and to take away our freedoms. just look back at all the freedom we use to have and all that we have lost. And I'm not talking about one political party, they are all the blame. And so are we the people for letting them get away with it.
So if a day of prayer, where all are united to ask our God or your God for intervention and assistance in giving us strenght and willingness to change this country around, to one that was designed to be, then I am all for it. And on the other 364 days you pray on your own. Stop praying for your own personal needs, but ask God what can I do to help this country, to make myself a better citizen, to be a better watchman, so not to let some corrupt politician take awy our beautiful country, that you have blessed for so many years. And maybe one of you will get a reply and will do something and then the chain will begin and this country can once again be as it was suppose to be. God has given us so much, can't we just give Him one day?
( and for all you un believers, haven't you ever even just once, asked what if I'm wrong? just because things have'nt gone your way it not because of the lack of God , but in your lack of believing? Just ask and you just may recieve.)
hard to vote
I have lived in a few other states and none of them had same day voters registration, since you have had to live in that area at least 3months before voting you had plenty of time to register, why wait until the last minute, and yes these states were rural areas, most town halls or city halls are open every day, plus 1 month before election they would have special hours so what is the problem.
billionaire
Every single American can give away all of their money to the Federal government, and it still would not pay off the debt. Does any one have any concept of how much a Trillion$ really is?
A large part of our Washington politicians Democrats and Republicans, are multi millionaire including John Kerry and even President Obama, who spends millions of our dollars flying around the country to give his political speeches to try to get more money, so that can stay in office for four more years and spend, spend spend, more tax money. Michellle and her entourage is $6 million a year, how much help does one woman need? When all of the other president's wives did well with 2 or 3?
And lets stop blaming Bush for everything, He was no angel I will agree, but he has been out of office for over 2 1/2 years and Obama has been spending trillions since then.
Everyone wants someone else to give away what they have worked for, but no one is willing to be the first.
This country is in deep trouble and we need to stop all unnessesary spending, no more perks no more hand outs to countries who are trying to kill us, no more hiring czars. just STOP the foolishness. I have just so much money coming in every month and that is all I spend, I dont have a little money machine that keeps on spewing out dollars at my whim, and neither should the government.
But that is the progressive agenda keep spending, make the people poor so they will come to them for help, and then Wham! when we are not looking we are a communist country, then all your wealth gets spread and we all live in poverty, and no one wants to work because there is no incentive, this has been in the works for years , yes even before the Bushes and Clinton , all the way back to Wilson slowly they get hold of our freedoms and chip away at them and raise taxes and waste them.
Those of you over the age of 50 think how many freedoms we have lost over the years, and its getting worst. We have to be careful when we go to the polls to vote , do background checks on your candidate, then keep his/her feet to the fire to make sure they do as they promise for the lenght of their terms. Then put a term limit on all so that they do not get too powerful.
first will be last
Have you thought that many of these rich people you speak about, did come from a poorer background, and they got their riches by working long hard hours building bussinesses to help hire others and give them jobs, Many of these "rich" people sacrifed their time they could had spent with family , or many lost everything to start a bussiness, but did not give up and started over and over again, Are you willing to do the same? Are you willing to put in the time and investment to become rich? Or would you rather stay poor keep buying things you cannot afford, depend on the government to provide for you from the taxes paid by these rich. We each have the same opportunity, if we have the will to do it, education is not always the answer the answer is the will to try and keep trying when you fail, for only by failing do you learn what works or does not work.
"Rich ' people are the tax payers that make it possible for those who are unwilling or unable to work, to stay home and complain about the rich, while watching their wide screen T.V's smoking cigaretts drinking their beer, and enjoying their monthly check that makes it possible. Yet they still keep complaining. If you want to quote the bible "Jesus said the poor will always be with us" what do you suppose he meant by that. there will always be people who want but do not want to put in the effort. Also the commandment of not coveting our neighbors possesion. Who do you suppose provides jobs? rich people or the poor? Who gives to charities to help the poor the man without a job, or a working person. Even the poorest person in this country is richer than most in poorer countries.
Mr.Albrecht
You should visit the library of Congress to learn the history of our country which was based on Christian beliefs, by people leaving Europe to get away from the oppression of their rights to religion.
I will not waste my time quoting all, for time and space are valuable to me. But. 29 of the 56 signers of the "Declaration of Independence" were trained minister with seminary degrees. The book they most relied on for the Declaration was "Two Teaties of Government" by John Locke. In which he sights the bible 1500 times, to show proper government.
11 years later at the Constitunional Convention they had difficult time coming to an agreement.Ben Franklin then spoke and made a call for prayer.George Washington recorded in his diary " They took 3 days off and went to church and prayed on those 3 days they listened to Reverend Rogers. After the 3 days they re con vine and al
though they did not right away come to a conclusion 11 weeks later we had a constitution, then it went out to the states to be ratified and in most states it was sent to the church.
Thomas Jefferson: The sum of good government are
1. acknowledge and adore God.
2.exercise frugality
3. restrain the infliction of injury
4. Encourage entrepreurship and free enterprise.
5. protect the property and earning of citizen.
all thought in the Bible Although many founding Fathers were very religious, but the least maybe Franklin and Jefferson, but they each promoted the church and God as a Divine Diety.
Written in stone on the Jefferson Memorial are the words;
" Can liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis?
It is a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God- that they are not to be violated but with his wrath.Indeed ,I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever."
Are these the words of a non believer?
To end, I wonder why we the God fearing people always have to defend our moral defenses. What is it in non believers of God that makes them so scared, to let us worship where and when we like, if it is not to your liking no one demands your participation, but should you want to God's arms are always open to embrace you.
The purpose of the 1st admenment was to keep government out of the church not the church out of government. For at that time each state had its own religion and Jefferson felt that having a Federal religion was not proper , as this was a state responsibility.
day of prayer
When are we Americans going to learn the Constitution?
Admendment1.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, OR prohibiting the free exercise thereof:Or abridging the freedom of speech, or the pressor the right of the peoplepeacefully to assemble,and to petition the Government for a redress of griveances.
NO one in Congress has passed any law , saying that a religion must be observed. The separation of church and state was and is not ever in the constitution. That phrase from taken out of context from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to a pastor in CT. assuring him that the Government would not meddle in the practice of this pastor's church.
For years the state house in Washington was used as a church on sundays and encouraged its members to attend Sunday services and many did, sometime attending services of different denomination which was being held in that building several times on Sundays. Also there is a chapel even now present in the state house for prayers should any of our fine politician wish to make use of it.
No law has been broken in asking for a day of prayer by any Governor , all they are asking is for a day where like minded people pray to God, Whatever religion you may be to help this country in these hard times.
There are books with hundreds of laws that if broken will get you in jail, but there are only 10 short one that if followed will keep you safe. This country was based on Bible and we should return to its teachings, if some are offended about the removalof a certain mural many others are offended of the removal of prayers in school and public places and the removal of the 10 commandments in public places. If you do not want to paticipate in the day of prayer, dont that is your God given right. But do not take away the rights of others who do.
RSU16 budget
What is the price of a good teacher? will a teacher getting $80,000.00 do a better job than a devoted teacher who gets $30,000.00.
When one chooses teaching as a proffession do they go into it with the idea how much can I make and, wow! I will get all my summer off alot of sick or personal days? I would hope not for that would not be a teacher I would want to teach my child.
A teacher should be one who enjoys learning and teaching children how to learn not just throw facts at them from a book and expect them to memorize dates etc. Teaching should get the children involved and interested into pursueing more of the subject they are learning about. It should then be re inforced by their parents at home. When a teacher gets a job and is told what his/her salary will be , and then accept the job, then we should assume that 100% of this person will be devoted to this job while at school.Not just work for a few hours and then say well I dont get paid enough to do any more today.
When a child leaves school he should have a basic understanding as to what it will take to make it on hi own once out there, budget , prepare food how to do hosehold task that are part of living.College should that be their choice, although not all are willing or need to go to college,
The person who is willing to learn will find many resourches to learn what ever is needed, if he was taught properly to do so.
No one in these three town are trying to deny children of a decent education, but at this time money is a problem, people are out of work, prices on food go up almost weekly, and growing children do eat,and grow out of clothes quickly, it is difficult for many families to make ends meet, and then add the burden of paying taxes only increases their burden. Now is not the time for any more budget increases and the 3 towns have agreed. The school board on the other hand are acting more like teacher union organizer in the interest of teachers, and not of the citizen which have voted them in.they say that pay raises must be for all to bring them all at the same level. They worked last year without this, cnat they do the same? My husband has not seen a raise in 10 years. or an increase in social security benefits in 3 years.
I once lived in a state where town and school taxes came in separately, one bill for the town and one for the school. One year the school tax bills did not get paid because the people had voted them down, and like our town the school board could not come to an agreement, They got the message.
older people are struggling(yes there are seniors living in our towns, and are tax payers) many are worried about the high cost of fuel oil, and food. and the extra dollars a day they will have to pay for school is a
big problem to them. We voted no , but that does'nt seem to be understood, could it be a lack of education?
RSu !6 budget
that's what the school board counts on, let enough time go by and people will forget, and we can put in place what we like. They never planned on cutting anything to begin with, and even one of the members said that she would not vote for any cuts. Just like the federal government they turn things around and stall and then do as they plan. It's democracy they want, but our country was based on a republic, democracy, eventually turns into anarchy. Look at greece and other countries as to what democracy looks like
RSU16 budget
there has never been a demand to cut, just to go back to last years budget and work with that. The teachers want a raise? Well so does'nt everyone else, but when they get their raise the community has to take a cut in their income to pay for these raises. And at this time the people of the 3 towns do not feel they can afford these raises, when many are having a hard time to make ends meet. At the last budget meeting at PHS. on school board member suggested that we cut out our cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts, maybe they and the teachers do the same. Everyone wants a good education for their children, I did when my children were growing up, and many programs that the school did not provide was paid for out of my own pocket, not the tax payers. Is this a good time to start a 4 yrs.old class in Minot? Many feel not. This would mean hiring a new teacher and maybe aides to look out for these children. A $26,000.00 renovation of the Elm St school for adult ed. where did they hold those classes before, and why not this year? It was mentioned that the free lunch program has increased because of the hard times, town selectman report people are back in their tax payments. Does not these statement register as to what the problem is. Maybe the teachers Union dues should be cut, thus allowing them to keep more of their income.
Is it fair to everyone? No, but then life has never been fair to every one , I believe we have all been through hard times and easier times. Well this is a hard time period and we should all act accordingly.
A magical moment
We need more people like this, not being afraid to sing the national anthem, or say the pledge of allegienge to the flag, come on america show some pride in your country, and be a role model for your kids.