It is incredibly ironic that the Maine Republican Party, which preaches "personal accountability," is using bills like LD 1376 and LD 199 to try and inoculate themselves against being held accountable by the voters next November for their legislative choices. Our current Republican majority was happy to accept the results of the November 2010 elections, but are not courageous enough to stand before the voters in November 2012 without putting their thumbs on the scale. Only in Maine's GOP-controlled Legislature is high voter turnout in a participatory democracy a problem that needs to be cured.
Mr. Rodzen has identified a common trend in the world of "consolidation": administrations "offering up" instructional staff, but defending top-heavy administrative staff to the grave. People who truly care about the education of children understand that a classroom teacher with an appropriate student-to-teacher ratio and appropriate instructional materials can bring innovative learning and valuable instruction into the life of a child. Unfortunately, class sizes continue to grow as instructional staff are cut, creating more problems in the classroom and poorer outcomes, justifying, at least in the minds of superintendents and administrators, more central office staff to manage the system. Use a community's resources to invest appropriately in the actual classrooms of our children, and watch student progress take off. This would be the appropriate course of action.
Its amazing that we continue to see this story play out around the state and nation: school districts abandoning their commitments to communities, education and their children. How shortsighted of the SAD #44 Superintendent and Board to overlook the value of AES to the people and children of Andover. Its true that you can save $214,000 by closing this building, but at what cost? Education isn't just about money; its also about the impact on the lives of children, like the ones in Andover who are being sold out. When SAD #44 was formed, they made a promise to the people of Andover. Apparently, promises have a price tag... Very sad.
And here it is: the long-awaited attack on the right to unionize. Scott Walker started with the teachers; Maine Republicans are apparently going to start with some of the most unfairly-treated, oft-abused workers in the State, at a plant that is the poster child for why labor laws were first written. I guess this is what the LePage Administration means when it says, "Open for Business."
Good morning,
I agree with most of what Mr. Diconzo has said above. This news story is a bit disturbing, because, while ReEnergy's press release talks a good game about symbiosis, I think anyone who's been watching changes at the Rumford mill over the last 10 years or so realizes that NewPage isn't putting in to the area, but taking out and selling off. Mr. Diconzo is also correct to say that, should the mill close, the current level of services would not be sustainable for the community.
I believe, however, that characterizing people who want to maintain the current level of services, or who would like to try and provide services to the people of the community even if it requires tightening our belts, as "big spenders" is too simple. I think most people on the board, and those on the finance committee, understand the reality of the situation; they are not stupid people. They understand the bigger picture, and what the services in town mean to the community. Just like honest politicians at the national level warn of the dangers of reducing spending too quickly, we should have an honest discussion about how to gradually step things back without pulling the rug out from under people who utilize services, or depend on them to earn a living. Whether people like it or not, there are probably almost as many people in the area who work for the public sector as the private sector now. So, I appreciate Mr. Diconzo's concern for the community and the taxpayer. I believe his intentions are honorable, and he is interested in helping us realize savings before we face an even more dire fiscal situation. I simply hope we can all see the full picture, communicate, and work together.
To Mr. Diconzo's point about consolidating services between Mexico and Dixfield, I agree that this is something we should be considering. These kinds of changes are always compromises, of course, and would require some kind of "give-and-take" on everyone's part, but this is absolutely something that could help realize efficiencies over time.
I will not receive an additional 2% in my retirement by contributing an additional 2% to the system. Have you read the bill? The formula for calculating the amount of money I receive at the end of my career does not change under this bill. I will receive as much at the end of my career under the LePage Plan as I will now, the only difference is that 2% of my salary is absorbed by the State. If it is not a tax, what would you call it when I'm asked to "contribute" 2% of my gross salary for no additional benefit, so that the State can remove 1.6% from the retirement system and move it to the General Fund? I receive literally nothing for my money. The only argument for taxing teachers 2% is the one that goes "the pension system is insolvent, and we need to do this to save it." This simply is not true. An honest accounting of the assets in MePERS are sufficient to continue to fund retirements without the additional 2% tax.
Teachers already pay more than private sector workers do. While people receiving Social Security pay 6.2% of their salary toward Social Security, teachers currently pay 7.65% toward MePERS, and will be asked to pay 9.65% under the proposed bill.
By educatefirst, unverified — Tue, 11/16/2010 - 12:19
It is amusing that you equate the quality of a school system with the number of expulsions. While expulsion should never be taken lightly, it is an important tool that a district must exercise from time to time, considering the amount of violence, hazing and drug abuse that takes place in schools every day. As a teacher and former school board member, I recognize that the most important function of our schools is to keep our students safe while they are learning. It is hard to explain to a parent whose child is assaulted (in some cases, with weapons) why the assailant is allowed to stay in school. In fact, it isn't right to allow that student to stay. Obviously the person who made the previous comment is trying to get a reaction by making such an off-hand comment without thinking it through. I support Superintendent Ward and his decision to move for expulsion.
By educatefirst, unverified — Thu, 07/29/2010 - 11:12
Its amusing that a writer blames the government when a private corporation takes advantage of their situation. In my opinion, a bank has the right (as a private company) to charge a premium for exchanging currency, a service that they provide, and if you are willing to pay it, pay it; if you are not, don't.
There is no way, as the writer claims, that banks are "required" to charge a premium for exchanging currency. Its probable that the Treasury charges the banks a premium on the exchange, and therefore the banks pass the cost onto the customer (a common and smart business practice). Again, the purpose of a bank is to make money, and they will usually do it any way they can. I don't see how a bank attempting to profit from a private currency exchange with a customer is the fault of the U.S. government.
We are in the process of consolidating on a regional level, but not on a county level. Unfortunately, we are seeing little savings because the Boards and Superintendents typically hire more administrators to do the same work in a bigger District, so teachers are still getting cut at an alarming and irresponsible rate. The law that mandated consolidation was only designed to get the State off the hook. They've passed the costs onto the local taxpayers, which is resulting in severe cuts, hurting students and educators alike.
Yes, I understand what you are saying, I guess I just never saw recreational facilities that provide opportunities for our young people to take part in healthy and positive activities year-round and attract thousands of people to our community to spend money at our businesses as a luxury. I always thought it was part of intelligent and meaningful development for a community that is interested in surviving into the 21st century.
Of course, you by all means have the right to your opinion. If taxpayers don't see the return they are getting on their individual pennies-on-the-dollar commitment to Black Mountain (after all, its not like each of us is spending $51,000 each--in fact, NewPage continues to fund the vast majority of the Rumford budget), then by all means, cease funding Black Mountain. But, I don't see what is wrong with allowing the individual citizens who have asked for a new vote an opportunity to vote a single dollar amount up or down, instead of splitting the vote between two amounts which obviously let to an unintended consequence at the ballot box.
Its not right or fair to use this forum as a way to personally attack individuals the way that KNSaisi and NotInMyTime are doing. To actually suggest that a local businessman, who, whether you folks like it or not, gives considerable time to many philanthropic causes in the area, is stealing money from the people of Rumford is shameful.
Additionally, to suggest that Black Mountain is circumventing the proper process for requesting funding is shortsighted, and shows a lack of knowledge about the topic. It is clear by looking at the vote on the issue on the original primary ballot that about 2/3 of voters intended to provide at least $51,000 to Black Mountain. But because of the way that the ballot was designed, whether accidentally or intentionally to confuse the issue, the vote failed. I think this exact situation is a perfect example of why we in America believe in democratic processes, including the right to petition for a redress of grievances, because sometimes the system breaks down. We all have the opportunity of exercise our due process rights. Don't begrudge others their God-given rights as American citizens to request that the Selectmen follow the clear will of the people and fund Black Mountain.
Selectmen need to recognize the value that Black Mountain adds to the community. As the Sun Journal Editorial Board pointed out last week, Black Mountain isn't just important to people who ski. The major national Nordic ski meets, college championships, and other events that are held in Rumford every year generate income for the community, not only through ticket sales and other fees at Black Mountain, but in our grocery stores, at our gas stations, in our restaurants and at our inns and other lodgings.
Ask the Selectmen to support Black Mountain's petition for funding.
Its hard to imagine that Sen. Collins is so openly hostile to the cause of education and educators in this State. This so-called "Moderate" Republicans is a wolf in sheep's clothing. She won't support a plan to "borrow and spend an additional $23 billion to send back to the states and local governments because it is not paid for?" First of all, it isn't $23 billion, its $10 billion. Second, whose money is it? Shouldn't the American taxpayer have some say in where their own money goes? Isn't educating our children a priority worth spending money on? If you want to "pay for" the spending, cancel a few Stealth bombers and try educating kids instead of killing them. Sen. Collins had no problem giving HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of your tax dollars to fat cat bankers on Wall Street. I think she can stomach helping teachers stay in work until the economy recovers. God knows the people in this country need more teachers.
Recent Comments
Excellent article
My friend speaks my mind.
It is incredibly ironic that the Maine Republican Party, which preaches "personal accountability," is using bills like LD 1376 and LD 199 to try and inoculate themselves against being held accountable by the voters next November for their legislative choices. Our current Republican majority was happy to accept the results of the November 2010 elections, but are not courageous enough to stand before the voters in November 2012 without putting their thumbs on the scale. Only in Maine's GOP-controlled Legislature is high voter turnout in a participatory democracy a problem that needs to be cured.
Students first
Mr. Rodzen has identified a common trend in the world of "consolidation": administrations "offering up" instructional staff, but defending top-heavy administrative staff to the grave. People who truly care about the education of children understand that a classroom teacher with an appropriate student-to-teacher ratio and appropriate instructional materials can bring innovative learning and valuable instruction into the life of a child. Unfortunately, class sizes continue to grow as instructional staff are cut, creating more problems in the classroom and poorer outcomes, justifying, at least in the minds of superintendents and administrators, more central office staff to manage the system. Use a community's resources to invest appropriately in the actual classrooms of our children, and watch student progress take off. This would be the appropriate course of action.
Schools, communities, and commitments
Its amazing that we continue to see this story play out around the state and nation: school districts abandoning their commitments to communities, education and their children. How shortsighted of the SAD #44 Superintendent and Board to overlook the value of AES to the people and children of Andover. Its true that you can save $214,000 by closing this building, but at what cost? Education isn't just about money; its also about the impact on the lives of children, like the ones in Andover who are being sold out. When SAD #44 was formed, they made a promise to the people of Andover. Apparently, promises have a price tag... Very sad.
True Colors Showing
And here it is: the long-awaited attack on the right to unionize. Scott Walker started with the teachers; Maine Republicans are apparently going to start with some of the most unfairly-treated, oft-abused workers in the State, at a plant that is the poster child for why labor laws were first written. I guess this is what the LePage Administration means when it says, "Open for Business."
I agree
Good morning,
I agree with most of what Mr. Diconzo has said above. This news story is a bit disturbing, because, while ReEnergy's press release talks a good game about symbiosis, I think anyone who's been watching changes at the Rumford mill over the last 10 years or so realizes that NewPage isn't putting in to the area, but taking out and selling off. Mr. Diconzo is also correct to say that, should the mill close, the current level of services would not be sustainable for the community.
I believe, however, that characterizing people who want to maintain the current level of services, or who would like to try and provide services to the people of the community even if it requires tightening our belts, as "big spenders" is too simple. I think most people on the board, and those on the finance committee, understand the reality of the situation; they are not stupid people. They understand the bigger picture, and what the services in town mean to the community. Just like honest politicians at the national level warn of the dangers of reducing spending too quickly, we should have an honest discussion about how to gradually step things back without pulling the rug out from under people who utilize services, or depend on them to earn a living. Whether people like it or not, there are probably almost as many people in the area who work for the public sector as the private sector now. So, I appreciate Mr. Diconzo's concern for the community and the taxpayer. I believe his intentions are honorable, and he is interested in helping us realize savings before we face an even more dire fiscal situation. I simply hope we can all see the full picture, communicate, and work together.
To Mr. Diconzo's point about consolidating services between Mexico and Dixfield, I agree that this is something we should be considering. These kinds of changes are always compromises, of course, and would require some kind of "give-and-take" on everyone's part, but this is absolutely something that could help realize efficiencies over time.
Spin?
Mr. Elliot:
I will not receive an additional 2% in my retirement by contributing an additional 2% to the system. Have you read the bill? The formula for calculating the amount of money I receive at the end of my career does not change under this bill. I will receive as much at the end of my career under the LePage Plan as I will now, the only difference is that 2% of my salary is absorbed by the State. If it is not a tax, what would you call it when I'm asked to "contribute" 2% of my gross salary for no additional benefit, so that the State can remove 1.6% from the retirement system and move it to the General Fund? I receive literally nothing for my money. The only argument for taxing teachers 2% is the one that goes "the pension system is insolvent, and we need to do this to save it." This simply is not true. An honest accounting of the assets in MePERS are sufficient to continue to fund retirements without the additional 2% tax.
Reality
Mr. Fogg:
Teachers already pay more than private sector workers do. While people receiving Social Security pay 6.2% of their salary toward Social Security, teachers currently pay 7.65% toward MePERS, and will be asked to pay 9.65% under the proposed bill.
Clearly not in education
It is amusing that you equate the quality of a school system with the number of expulsions. While expulsion should never be taken lightly, it is an important tool that a district must exercise from time to time, considering the amount of violence, hazing and drug abuse that takes place in schools every day. As a teacher and former school board member, I recognize that the most important function of our schools is to keep our students safe while they are learning. It is hard to explain to a parent whose child is assaulted (in some cases, with weapons) why the assailant is allowed to stay in school. In fact, it isn't right to allow that student to stay. Obviously the person who made the previous comment is trying to get a reaction by making such an off-hand comment without thinking it through. I support Superintendent Ward and his decision to move for expulsion.
Amusing
Its amusing that a writer blames the government when a private corporation takes advantage of their situation. In my opinion, a bank has the right (as a private company) to charge a premium for exchanging currency, a service that they provide, and if you are willing to pay it, pay it; if you are not, don't.
There is no way, as the writer claims, that banks are "required" to charge a premium for exchanging currency. Its probable that the Treasury charges the banks a premium on the exchange, and therefore the banks pass the cost onto the customer (a common and smart business practice). Again, the purpose of a bank is to make money, and they will usually do it any way they can. I don't see how a bank attempting to profit from a private currency exchange with a customer is the fault of the U.S. government.
not exactly
We are in the process of consolidating on a regional level, but not on a county level. Unfortunately, we are seeing little savings because the Boards and Superintendents typically hire more administrators to do the same work in a bigger District, so teachers are still getting cut at an alarming and irresponsible rate. The law that mandated consolidation was only designed to get the State off the hook. They've passed the costs onto the local taxpayers, which is resulting in severe cuts, hurting students and educators alike.
luxury?
Yes, I understand what you are saying, I guess I just never saw recreational facilities that provide opportunities for our young people to take part in healthy and positive activities year-round and attract thousands of people to our community to spend money at our businesses as a luxury. I always thought it was part of intelligent and meaningful development for a community that is interested in surviving into the 21st century.
Of course, you by all means have the right to your opinion. If taxpayers don't see the return they are getting on their individual pennies-on-the-dollar commitment to Black Mountain (after all, its not like each of us is spending $51,000 each--in fact, NewPage continues to fund the vast majority of the Rumford budget), then by all means, cease funding Black Mountain. But, I don't see what is wrong with allowing the individual citizens who have asked for a new vote an opportunity to vote a single dollar amount up or down, instead of splitting the vote between two amounts which obviously let to an unintended consequence at the ballot box.
shameful
Its not right or fair to use this forum as a way to personally attack individuals the way that KNSaisi and NotInMyTime are doing. To actually suggest that a local businessman, who, whether you folks like it or not, gives considerable time to many philanthropic causes in the area, is stealing money from the people of Rumford is shameful.
Additionally, to suggest that Black Mountain is circumventing the proper process for requesting funding is shortsighted, and shows a lack of knowledge about the topic. It is clear by looking at the vote on the issue on the original primary ballot that about 2/3 of voters intended to provide at least $51,000 to Black Mountain. But because of the way that the ballot was designed, whether accidentally or intentionally to confuse the issue, the vote failed. I think this exact situation is a perfect example of why we in America believe in democratic processes, including the right to petition for a redress of grievances, because sometimes the system breaks down. We all have the opportunity of exercise our due process rights. Don't begrudge others their God-given rights as American citizens to request that the Selectmen follow the clear will of the people and fund Black Mountain.
support Black Mountain
Selectmen need to recognize the value that Black Mountain adds to the community. As the Sun Journal Editorial Board pointed out last week, Black Mountain isn't just important to people who ski. The major national Nordic ski meets, college championships, and other events that are held in Rumford every year generate income for the community, not only through ticket sales and other fees at Black Mountain, but in our grocery stores, at our gas stations, in our restaurants and at our inns and other lodgings.
Ask the Selectmen to support Black Mountain's petition for funding.
Hard to imagine
Its hard to imagine that Sen. Collins is so openly hostile to the cause of education and educators in this State. This so-called "Moderate" Republicans is a wolf in sheep's clothing. She won't support a plan to "borrow and spend an additional $23 billion to send back to the states and local governments because it is not paid for?" First of all, it isn't $23 billion, its $10 billion. Second, whose money is it? Shouldn't the American taxpayer have some say in where their own money goes? Isn't educating our children a priority worth spending money on? If you want to "pay for" the spending, cancel a few Stealth bombers and try educating kids instead of killing them. Sen. Collins had no problem giving HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of your tax dollars to fat cat bankers on Wall Street. I think she can stomach helping teachers stay in work until the economy recovers. God knows the people in this country need more teachers.