- November 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Address school needs with tax rate, not special vote
Dear Editor:
Voters, you have seen thoughtful letters addressing both sides of the Flagler County school budget requirements.
We have an elected School Board whose job it is to gather the requirements to run an effective school system. They then must come up with a budget to support those requirements. The School Board has the power to assess each property owner a millage rate to meet the school system budgetary needs.
What the School Board has proposed is a special voted tax to provide an additional yearly income for mostly ill-defined additions to the school system requirements. If any of these additions are of significant priority, it is difficult to understand why they have not been included in the yearly budget, made part of the equation for the millage tax rate and incorporated in our yearly tax bill. That is the proper procedure.
Surely there must be some cloudy reason to conduct a costly, off-schedule, voted tax referendum when few people will vote, many will be out of town and a vigorous majority may carry the day. One must wonder what is the rationale for the School Board to go outside their normal budgetary process, which should encompass all the necessary components of our well-respected school system.
The School Board would do itself proud if they recognized that they have erred and withdraw their request for a special voted tax. It takes strength of character to face an error and go back to the right track. Let us hope the School Board shows us that strength of character.
Skipper Hanzel
Palm Coast
Old Kings Road North should be four-laned
Dear Editor:
The city is to be congratulated for widening these important roadways to facilitate travel in Palm Coast. However, Old Kings Road North needs more than just turning lanes; it should be four-laned from Palm Coast Parkway to the proposed extension, especially since the buildings on the west side of the road are just about filled with tenants.
Ever try making a left turn from one of those buildings and going north on that road? A member of our group was severely injured while trying to make one of those turns in his vehicle.
There is so much land on the east side of the road that two lanes can easily be added with a wide median separating the four lanes with very little traffic disruption during construction. If there is no money presently available, perhaps Mr. Landon can use some of that $10 million he found several years ago for the new City Hall.
David W. DiNardi
Palm Coast
Relay for Life canceled early, but will continue June 6
Dear Editor:
On Saturday, May 11, hundreds of volunteers, survivors and caregivers came out to Town Center to participate in the largest volunteer fundraising event in the world to help celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer. Every smiling face in attendance had been planning for this all year and really looked forward to participating. We had a great start with a touching opening ceremonies, survivor lap and some really great entertainment.
Unfortunately, only a few hours into our event, a huge storm came in and forced us to make a tough decision. Please understand that this decision was not taken lightly and was a decision that was based on the current facts that we had at the time. I just recently lost my stepmother from cancer and the event meant as much to me as it did many of the people who have lost loved ones or are still battling this horrible disease. It was based on our concern for the safety of all of the people at the event. The lightning and wind that accompanied the storm were so intense and severe that there was no other recourse except to cancel the event.
I would ask that you join us for the continuation. On June 6, our plan was to have a wrap-up party to close the event at the Knights of Columbus. The volunteers have come together to try and bring some of the components we missed and make sure that the survivors, caregivers, and the loved ones that we have lost realize that we will never give up. Please join us for what will be the continued momentum of what we have started and planned for this year.
Robert Gamblain
Chairman, Relay for Life of Flagler
