"Easy Come, Easy GO"

OK, it's time to count the times we called our local politicians since last week. Don't know what I'm talking about? Perhaps you did not get to read blog #1 (Are You Fed Up Yet?- 9 OCT) and /or blog #2 (Receiving Objective Criticism" - 16 OCT). I suggest you read them before continuing with this one. You can read them by looking to the left of this blog. You'll see a heading "Blog Archives". The titles of each of the first two blogs are listed under the heading. Just click on either of them and you will be able to read each of them.

OK, now for question #2. Did you access the web address www.PTCC.US noted in Blog #2? It is loaded with info including a means by which you can determine who your local politicians are and their phone numbers.

As of the last census, there were 12,448,279 residents in our state. Of that number, 22.2% were less than 18 years old. That means there were possibly 9,648,761 voters in our state. Admittedly, there were certainly some number of those who were medically unable to vote (perhaps as many as .5% or 482,438. This leaves us with roughly 9,166 folks who could call their local politicians!! If every one of those folks called, each of the 50 Senators would receive 183,326 calls and each of the state Representatives would receive 45,378 calls each day!!! How long do you think they would ignore us?

It is imperative we stay focused. When you call, stay "on track". The number ONE complaint must be regarding property/school taxes!!! At this point, it should be the only one!! The way to get out from under the antiquated and unconscionable property/school tax is for House Bill 1275 to be passed into law (go to www.PTCC.US for more info)!! Remember, 2012 is relatively, "just around the corner". If you've survived this long , you just may not make it when 2012 arrives. Don't allow yourselves to be forced from your homes because the politicians expect us to rectify their error(s). Remember, the current rise in property/school taxes in 2012 is 20 -30%!!!

The boys and girls in Harrisburg think that property tax is the "way to get more money". They believe this is the "Easy Come" part of this blog. The "Easy Go" part is the way the money is spent by the local school boards. How can you influence the school boards? The easiest way is to attend the school board meetings. It doesn't matter that you do not have any children going to school in that district. You still have to pay school taxes!! Listen to what is being discussed and be ready to give your input. The more folks who attend the meetings and let their concerns be known, the better chance we all have to be rid of this yoke that has been dragging us down.

A more time consuming way to influence the decisions of the school board is to become a member. Unfortunately, much of the money allocated for the schools is mandated by either the Federal and/or State government. Just a small portion can be spent by the school boards. The folks on the school boards are not paid but they still wield a lot of power. If I'm successful in my bid to be a school board member this year, I intend to question every expenditure requested by the district superintendent.

Please, let me hear from you. You can reach me via e-mail at johnjhere@gmail.com . Let me know of any problems reaching your local Representatives or if you are rebuffed by whoever answered their phone.

Semper Fidelis

Nurse John