Letter: Clearing the air
To the Editor:
Staff writer Kathy Hageman did a fine job of covering the March 16 school board meeting. Many people took the opportunity to speak up about their concerns over budget cuts, and taking notes was undoubtedly an exercise in futility at times. I would like to clarify my remarks at the meeting, since my impromptu speech was not quoted in its entirety — the article was long enough without that!
First, I said that I agree with administrators in this regard: my part-time job is a logical place to cut cost, and I was not depending on this position to support a family. My greater concern is about young teachers who move here, buy homes, and become citizens and taxpayers in Marion. They trusted you, board members and administrators, when they accepted your offer of a teaching position. Is USD 408 a trustworthy employer?
Second, I hope I did not say "We've paid our taxes here long enough. We'll be leaving." Indeed, that is quite contrary to my beliefs. We have appreciated the education our children have received here and will not complain about paying our share of taxes to continue educating the children of Marion. I love this town, and if we must leave Marion it will be for job proximity, not to escape paying taxes here.
Taxes are painful for people on low or fixed income. Taxes are impossible for people with no income. Cut jobs, lose people, lose students, lose taxpayers, lose customers. We need to create jobs, not eliminate them.
Carolyn Moore
Marion
