Letter to the Editor, Dems Chair Speaks Out

I attended my first school board meeting albeit I have been a resident of Forsyth County approximately 33 years. Their rehearsed delivery of business items felt as though we were at a used car lot being given a sales pitch for a tax increase. Many public participants were financial experts, each giving numerous scenarios saving millions of dollars. The only song the board of education knew: we must seek the highest tax increase allowed by law to prepare ourselves for the potential short falls not of the 2011-2012 school year but 2012-2013, and it is unconscionable to ask our employees to go another year without a salary increase because it has been 3 years, we have tightened our belt all we can and there are loans that must be paid because we can't seem to live within our means.

This song was led by Nancy Roche still attempting to drum in to our intellect that the public just didn't comprehend the concept of balancing a budget by collecting revenues as if we were all simpletons, never mind the fact we are an educated population and capable of comprehending plan English. There was no misconception, the citizens of this community were taking the Board of Education at their word. Our community understands the value of a good education, they overwhelmingly supported the SPLOST increase this past March for education to prevent a property tax increase. A sale tax is the most non-discriminatory, fair-minded means for the entire county to support it's greatest asset and future, a well educated youth.

I tip my hat to Ms. Kristin Morrissey. She stood alone with her conviction of honesty, fairness, tempered with reason and compassion. She shone as a lone star in the night, as she repeatedly reminded the board it had given it's word to the citizens not to increase property taxes and to only increase the bare necessity to balance their budget.

Here is a concept, adjust the expenditures to accommodate the income like every responsible party does.Some items must be bought as name brand, while others are equally if not better under the store label.

My husband had a novel idea for these loan payments they apparently are struggling with. Businesses as well as individuals have renegotiated their loans due to a major change in circumstances, perhaps the BOE should renegotiate their loans. In this economy, banks had rather adjust terms for some revenue than receive no payment.

The board doesn't want their employees to go another year without a raise and apparently there is no question Ms. Roche will see to it they all get one. The citizens of this county also deserve a raise but count themselves blessed to have a job, even when their pay and hours have been reduced to prevent a layoff. The citizens of this county do not build or redecorate their homes when they must decide between gas in the car or food on the table. We don't make 10 trips to town.  

The extravagance of the BOE has put them in this position. The Norton agency evaluates school systems nationally. It is their opinion Forsyth County has the most expensive, elaborate schools in the nation. So much so, they state Forsyth County doesn't build schools, they build colleges. When times were affluent, they rewarded themselves quite generously. It's time for an independent efficiency evaluation of job descriptions, performance and pay grades because their tunnel vision doesn't allow them to see the elephant in the room. I anxiously await our next election process. The only candidate I will support for re-election is Kristin Morrissey.

This is my personal opinion and I am not speaking for any other person nor the Forsyth County Democratic party.  

Sharon Gunter

Editors Note: Sharon Gunter is Chairwoman of the Forsyth County Democratic Party.