PHASE TWO to SAVE $

Step One - Phase Two

In the past four blogs, the focus was dealing with the politicians and their unethical decisions regarding our money. This blog will look at the other end of the spectrum, the local school board and how they spend our tax money.

Three years ago, I attended a school board meeting at Octorara school district. At the point when the audience was invited to ask a question or make a statement, I raised my hand and was recognized. When I stood, I recounted how appreciative I was to God that I was healthy enough to continue to work. I further stated that I had to find a part time job in order to pay my property / school taxes. A school board member stood and stated, "We don't care". It was at that point that I realized it was a "them or me" scenario. I decided it was going to be a "me" scenario.

In 2007, a "Tax Summit" meeting was held at the high school. Seated on the stage was a collection of politicians, representatives from the surrounding boroughs, and an MC. There were approximately 600 folks in the audience. The MC introduced each of those on the stage and the meeting proceeded. The audience was told that any question they may have should be written on a 3" x 5" card and submitted to the group on stage. While some questions were answered, the fact that they had been written on cards gave the politicians on stage an opportunity to totally ignore other questions. All in all, the general meeting was a dismal failure in that we essentially were told that "this is the way it is and nothing will change".

After the general meeting, each politician retired to a separate room where folks were able to ask questions and some attempt was made to answer them. It was at one of these smaller meetings that I learned of the State wide organization The Pennsylvania Taxpayers' Cyber Coalition". I couldn't wait to get home and go to their web address to see what it was all about. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I began reading all the information on the web site!! The site address is www.PTCC.US

I began formulating a plan to alert folks in my area that there was something they could do about the tax situation other than complain to their relatives, neighbors, friends, and c0-workers. I made up an announcement sheet, had 500 copies made and posted them in all the local businesses, and slipped the rest under folks windshield wipers. I needed a place to hold the meeting I was advertising and a small local restaurant owner offered her place for our use. It was soon realized that it would not be large enough so she asked the local fire chief if the firehouse could be used.

We held our first meeting at the firehouse on 15 JAN 1007. A crowd of 150 folks attended and David Baldinger, the administrator of PTCC was the main speaker. Quite a number of folks had questions that were answered by David. The meeting was video taped by a local business. One of the attendees was the Octorara school district superintendent. He and David discussed the mission of the PTCC after the meeting. As a result of the meeting, a group was formed and accepted into the PTCC. We call ourselves CLASTA (Ches-Lan Anti School Tax Assoc.) WE were the 27th group in the organization. There are now 34 groups.

Shortly after, I realized that getting the politicians to change their ways was going to be a genuine challenge. It was then that I decided that perhaps I could begin looking at the other end of the money trail. I was given an opportunity to seek election to the school board this year and I began to work toward that end. I succeeded in getting my name on the ballot for the primary in MAY and just last Tuesday I was rewarded with 332 votes in the general election. One promise I will make to the first meeting of the school board and to the residents of the school district is that I will never respond to anyone, "I don't care". I do care. That's the reason I applied for the position on the board.

It is my intention to: question every proposition; understand all the details before giving my vote; consider those who were taxed and those on whom the taxes will be spent. I feel it is incumbent upon me as a board member to arrive at decisions that are considerate of all concerned. In this financial climate we all have to "tighten our belts".

If you feel so moved, perhaps you would be willing to consider becoming a board member of your local school district rather than assuming what you feel is an unjust tax burden and liken it to a penance for some sin(s). You will be on the "inside" and perhaps be able to influence the board not to simply "rubber stamp" every request made for more money without in depth consideration first.

Semper Fidelis

Nurse John