Knowledge is Power

One of my many frustrations in dealing with some public servants is that they don’t realize they are public servants until September of their election year. It seems that decisions are made before our elected officials walk into their respective meetings. The reality is much information regarding issues is discussed out of the public eye amongst our elected officials and their administrators and department heads. Constituents’ views are rarely consulted before a vote is taken. Which in turn leads to anger and complaining to elected officials after the fact, who in turn admonish you for not attending the meetings and speaking during "public comment" time.

I understand that most people today work full time jobs and have family, church, civic, volunteer, as well as numerous other obligations that make attending regular, though important, meetings difficult. I understand that I was elected because the voters want a change. I hope this forum will keep enough people connected to what is going on in our district to allow that change to happen. I feel it is my duty to you to keep you informed of what is going on in our district as well as the proper procedure to direct your concerns, compliments, and complaints. My hope is that an informed public will become a strong voice in our districts decision making process.

I do not want to see a repeat of the 04/05 crisis. We all must take part responsibility for not paying attention how our money was being spent. Our money was being spent and the people we elected weren’t informing us how it was being spent. The people they hired didn’t want us to know how it was spent. But at the end of the day, it is taxpayer money and we should know how it is being spent. All taxpayers whether you are a voter or not have a right to demand fiscal accountability for your money. I am pushing for a survey of our entire district. I think it is important to know what all taxpayers want and expect from us. After all, the district depends on all taxpayers for funding, not a committee, and not groups of concerned citizens at an under-publicized forum. Many people/taxpayers will be to shy, sick, working, doing homework with kids, etc….. to attend the Plan for Excellence forums. Districts that have conducted surveys receive impartial feedback from across the district. It tells school boards what the community wants, where you see problems, and where to place priorities.

I do want to encourage you to attend one of the forums. This may be your only chance to have a say in the future of your schools. Changes will take place with or without your input. People with agendas and motives will "stack the deck" with their ideas for our schools and this will become the basis of what our "community" wants. Make an effort to tell one or two people about these meetings and the importance of voicing their opinions. Decisions will be made. I implore you to be a part of the process.

Cuyahoga Falls High School Library Wed., Jan. 25th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Silver Lake Village Hall Thurs., Feb. 9th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Quirk Cultural Center Tues., Feb. 21st from 7:00 to 8:30 PM