(This is the last section of a 3 part post. Please see below. The order is inverted)
I gain no temporal blessings for my service as a missionary. We are not paid ministers. We serve as missionaries for two years and we are responsible for our own financial support. We leave all of the comforts of home, including family, friends, loved ones, and in my case, my girlfriend of five years, behind to serve our God and our fellow man. When we complete our service, we return to our normal lives.
I hope to be a pilot one day. I hope to marry my girlfriend, have two kids, a dog, a cat, and a goldfish and live happily ever after in my little white house (With just enough of a lawn to play catch with my kids). You see, we aren't so different from the rest of the world. Even "Mormon" missionaries have feelings and dreams.

I've probably rambled on enough for one afternoon and still haven't really made much of a point. But I want to make this known. We are not in the business of brainwashing and manipulation. When we offer service to individuals we do so without the expectation of payment or of conversion to our faith. Would we love to share our message with you? Certainly! But we are striving to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our motivation for service is love, not gain. Jesus taught us to love one another, and that is what we are attempting to do.

Don't be afraid of our ulterior motives when you come in contact with us. We are merely trying to follow the example of our Savior. And contrary to the popular perception of "Mormons," we do not have horns. We would encourage the citizens of Tuscola County to listen to what we have to say, if for no other reason than we will all understand each other a little bit better. And there is no reason why fellow Christians of different faiths cannot embrace each other on the streets and say, "We may disagree on certain issues, but we both believe in the Lord Jesus Christ." We can learn to agree to disagree. We can learn to come together on the premise of the common beliefs we do share, rather than divide ourselves over the beliefs that we do not. This is my prayer, that we can do as Christ taught, and love one another.

Randall James Law

(This is the second of a three part post, please see below).
Some of our methods may be different from other Christian faiths, but we truly do believe in Christ and we believe in following his teachings. Thus, our purpose is to share the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, with the world. We are not advocating the worship of man, but rather we are proclaiming that God in his infinite mercy has revealed more truth unto His children.
We invite all to read the Book of Mormon for themselves and many who have read from it have believed of its divine origins. Those who do believe oftentimes become practicing members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Those who do not believe typically do not become members of our faith, but they do gain a greater understanding of what some of their fellow men base their lives upon.
This is the true purpose of my letter today. As I have already stated, our purpose is to bring others closer to Christ by sharing with them another testament of the Son of God, The Book of Mormon. However, our secondary purpose is to correct misconceptions about "Mormons" and to share with the world that we are human beings just like everyone else. I share the Book of Mormon with others because it means so much to me. I do it out of a spirit of love, not out of a spirit of deceit. When something means the world to you, you share it with the world. And when you share that object, that idea with the world, you find that it no longer means the world to you, but that it now means universes more.

My name is Randall James Law and I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints assigned to the state of Michigan. I am currently serving in the general area of Tuscola county. I know that due to the general reputation of "Mormon" missionaries, many readers may already be completely disregarding anything I have to say. I ask the readers of this "Sound Off" section, to please consider what I have to share with an open heart and mind.

I am not originally from Michigan, and it is quite a hike to my home in Saint Anthony, Idaho. However, Michigan is a beautiful state, and I have made friends with many of its residents. I have been impressed, for the most part, by the kindness which has been shown to me and my fellow "Mormon" missionaries (I put Mormon in quotations due to the fact that it is a slang term, not an actual title for members of our faith). I wish to thank those of you who have treated us with courtesy and respect. I also wish to apologize to any whom we may have offended in our attempts to share our message. This certainly was not our intent.

My object in writing this letter today, is to briefly explain what our purpose as missionaries is. And to hopefully ease some of the tensions that exist in the surrounding communities in regards to our missionary service. My object in writing this is not one of proselytizing. However, it becomes necessary for me to share a few of our simple beliefs in order for the reader to understand what we as missionaries are seeking to accomplish. In no way am I trying to convert anyone to my faith by using subliminal communications or careful manipulation. The portions of our message that are included in this letter are merely intended to assist the reader in better understanding our purpose as missionaries.

We share a special message with the world that Jesus Christ lives and is our Savior. We share that there is an additional ancient testament of the divinity of our Lord and Savior called the Book of Mormon. We share that it does not contradict the Holy Bible, which we also revere as the word of God, but that it helps clarify the Holy Scriptures. It was translated through the gift and power of God by a Prophet named Joseph Smith. (These are my personal beliefs, and it is not my intent to advocate for the reader to accept them at this time.)

Our purpose as missionaries is to share this message with the world. The core of this message is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Almighty God. I state this because I wish to put aside all thoughts that "Mormons" are not Christians. Merriam-Webster.com defines Christian as, "One who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ"

(This will be split up into several parts due to the word limit).

chief,

First your for the city, then against, then for, then against.. make up your mind...

Second, if you know prodigal you cannot go to a meeting and demand records, you don't get to go in an ramble. Try calling the clerk ahead of time.. and while your there... get a copy of the charter so you can find out what is fact and what isn't fact. Find out what the city gov. can do without a resident vote and what they can't do. Get the facts.. The city cannot just come in and change everything. Not unless it's in the charter or a resident vote. The state made the boundaries, so now you think the city can go in and change what the state mandated? Wow, guess you give the city more power then they deserve.

Get the minutes while your add it, about the townships driving to dump the cemetery on the village and the village turning it down. They don't want it...Read the advertiser, it was in there. The townships kept giving themselves raises over and over till 65% of my village tax dollars went for their wages.. and what did the village get out of that? same thing the township will be getting out of us... nothing.

All anyone asks is you get facts and then base your opinion on facts. Not on what you think, or your neighbor thinks.. if its not true... then why talk about it.

Some residents continue to want to blame the VFW for the flag issue, I will be at the the next city meeting to look at the records. Their should be a written agreement on record between the city and the VFW. Their should also be an agreement of a siphon going directly to the VFW to support the flag program. I want to see these documents, before we put all the blame on the VFW. I doubt any of these documents exist.

Pat yourself on the back "Redrose" and the rest of the 10% of the city. I have talked to my fellow neighbors and they share my same concerns. I feel you don't want to hear our concerns at this point. You will just ride the bandwagon and keep telling us we are all just a bunch of fools. It is a shame where 10% of the population can get up on their soapbox and think they know everything and tell the rest of of us how we should live our lives. Enjoy your weak victory. Landside, what a joke. Nobody really cares one way or another in the new city. When the city residents want the support of me and my neighbors, you will not get it. I have talked to city and township resident and they think this is just a huge mess. Good city leadership can fix this, that is if they are willing to drop the status quo of thinking. Me Me Me thinking will never solve anything. Can the new city officials think outside of the box? They can't even get the flag problem sorted out in the last two years, but they all got paid this year. Problems get unanswered and they still get paid. City government at it's best. A few folks thinking they know everyting and continue to roll along at the taxpayers dollar. What a crock!

On he other hand, what's to say Caro won't turn into a big city? It'll be a lot easier now. All the people that run this village has done is tried to make it grow for decades. Guess what? You shouldn't live in Caro if you want everything to do and tons of jobs. Move TO the jobs, don't whine that they aren't coming to you. Most people live here because it's quaint and small, not becaue it's a city of economic opportunity. The general mood of the people in this area when it comes to making money is ignorant. Why are so many buinesses going out in the open land by the State Police post when a ton of existing buildings lay empty in town? Why are more and more apartment buildings going up when others that already exist are never full to capacity?

The sky is falling, The sky is falling!!!!!

Chief is up to his bag of tricks of false information yet again.

The City, does not want the cemetery... the township has tried to DUMP it on them before, and the answer was NO...
so not sure where you got this from.

The city has had one meeting, and already you have them picking out places to expand. next thing you will have them building sky scrapers.... One meeting and you already know the township and city are not working together. you base this on what already????

You really need to get a reality check, i don't think you were at the first city meeting, so i really cannot imagine where you came up with this. Probably the same place you came up the last information, when it was voting day.

It would be nice if would state facts and not a bunch of lies.

It hurts others when you are not even informed of the facts.

The village has paid for much of what should of been almers and indianfields responsibility, which should of been shared by all three. So guess what Chief..... you don't get our money any longer.

What a pandora's box the city of Caro has become. 10% of the population is going to dictate how the rest of the 90% of the population is going to live in the future. what a hoot, keep your arms and head in the cart at all times this could be a dangerous ride.

I have two options at this point. One start saving money to pay for the city water hook up (2500 dollars) and city taxes when they expand. The city will expand that is the nature of politics and government. It is only a matter of time. Second option is to sell my family home and move out of state. I'm thinking my second option is better at this point in time. I have put a lot of time and effort restoring the family home, but it wont be worth the money spent to come up with the extra funds the city will demand.

The Monopoly game has started as the townships liquidate their assets to pay off the city. It doesn't take much thought when the city will take over the Indiansfields cemetery, the Almer township cemetery and Darby Park in the future. It's just a matter of time. I wish the city would just state their plans instead of picking off one block and one resident at a time. The city has no intention to work nicely with the townships at this point. They will just wait to the townships fold under the weight of the fiscal responsibility and the city will step in to take over and expand the city limits again. Monopoly is a fun game to play, It really blows watching the government and politicians play it for real.

Dear honestabe,
I am very sorry if you took offense to my previous post. I will be the first to admit that I do my fair share of ranting. Anyone that knows me will tell you that. What I should have said was that I simply wanted to make a post about Mayville school's that shined more toward the lighter side of things and acknowledge a good cause and some very hard working young ladies. I am not trying to deter from any problems or concerns people have relating to the school on this site. Next time I WILL be more careful when choosing my words. Again you have my sincere apologies and a fair warning that come May 2010 I will be ranting about mosquito abatement again, please feel free to skip over them in your readings.

On behalf of the newly formed Caro High School Dance Team I would like to invite everyone out to a Tip Night at Pizza Hut on Tuesday, November 17 from 5pm-8pm. Please come out and help the team earn money for their uniforms. They will performing at home basketball games this winter!!

Tuscola County needs leaders like the Mayor of Lansing
Any elected person all the way from township governments to Washington that do not support buy American must resign or be voted out of office.

Buy American

Mayor Virg Bernero?s initiative to promote American-made products takes the basic idea of buying American a step further. More than just a belief, buying American is a necessity to stay competitive as a city, and even as a country. Lansing is a city that pulses on the hard working American workers who manufacture consumer products. It's time we started supporting our businesses the way our foreign competitors do. It's time for patriotic purchasing.

Please, use the links below to help keep jobs and profits in America:

Just click on the web sites below

http://www.americanmanufacturing.org/

http://www.americansworking.com/

http://www.shopforamerica.com/

http://www.buydirectusa.com/

http://www.madeinusaproductsstore.com/

http://www.findusmade.com/

Dear hollyharp
We all had to read your rants ,
So I am posting one of your rants.

Thanks for the info on the Cheerleaders. They are a very special group. Hats off to Mayville Cheerleaders.

Comments by hollyharp01
Posted on July 16 at 11:27 a.m.
Hey all, just wondering if anyone read the article in Wednesday's paper about mosquito abatement? I gotta tell you I did, and some of the "facts" Ms. Robb brought up, got me thinking. She claims that we have received 200% more rain compared to an average year. So I did some checking and according to enviroweather.msu.edu (A website I found thanks to the MSU extension office, really great helpful people there) our rainfall for this year isn't that extreme. In fact the average amount for January 1st through July 15th for the past 6 years has only been 13.41 inches per year for that time frame. Our rainfall as of July 15th of 2009 is only at 15.55 inches. Now maybe my math is wrong but that is NOT 200%!!! We are only 2.14 inches above the average. I then went ahead and checked the temperatures for the past few months and compared them to the averages. Overall, this has been a cool summer.When you combine those two bits of information there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON the mosquitoes are as bad as they are, other than the fact that Ms. Robb isn't doing her job. Where is she getting her information and numbers from anyway, SAGINAW!?
Now, I don't mean to nit pick but that wasn't the only problems I found in her memo. She claims that she has increased the number of trucks on the road substantially. Well how much is substantially? When I was an employee in the department we operated with about 6-8 people on night shift in years past.From what I have learned they only have 8 people on nights and occasionally 1 or 2 people from first will spray at night. I'm sorry but going from 8-10 people is NOT a substantial increase. Not when she has 16 trucks ready and equipped to do roadside fogging!!
I know this post is getting a bit wordy so I will make my last point. She claims to have thousands of requests for yard treatments, and can't possibly get to everyone in a timely matter. There about 60,000 households in this county, take out all the organic farmers, no sprays, and people who just plain don't call and that takes you down to about 45-50,000 households. In the past, with only 14 people on first shift spraying and 6 people on 2nd shift we were able to do 100-130 yard treatments PER DAY! It was hard work, but we did it. We kept the wait time down, the mosquitoes down, and the public HAPPY!! We gave them the services they voted for. We never had a waiting list months long. In fact, our worst year was 2005 or 2006. Our then director said we could no longer take calls, that we had a back log till September. We were able to get that backlog DONE COMPLETELY in 2 weeks, and were able to take requests again. Why can't this woman let the technicians do the job they were hired to do.

I'm getting a little tired of the negativity surrounding Mayville schools. (No offense to ANYONE involved in it, but I can only handle so much.) So, I have decided to write something on the positive side. I just came back from the pancake breakfast held by the Mayville cheerleaders. It was wonderful! All of the girls, coaches and supporters were friendly, and polite. The food was delicious and there was PLENTY of it for everyone. I took my 6 year old daughter and she LOVED the Santa Claus pancake and my 15 year old nephew walked away full. (Anyone who knows 15 year old boys knows that this is quite the accomplishment!) Kudos to all of the girls on a job well done, and I do hope you enjoy your trip to the gator bowl. You've all worked very hard and you deserve it!! Ps Katelyn, your pancakes were PERFECT:)

Ok, well I'm going to go off that subject because i have a small question.. Does anyone know whats going into the Farmer Jack building here in Caro

Postmaster,

Perhaps you should read this from http://www.masb.org/LinkClick.aspx?filet...

Indicators of Effective Boards and Board Members
Ethics are essential to the successful operation of the educational system. The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) has developed indicators of effective boards and board members that encompass the most important responsibilities of a board of education. Ethics are intended to ensure that the conduct of a school board holds the respect and confidence of the community, staff, students and all constituents. It’s the belief of MASB that high ethical standards translate into a focus on student achievement, culture and conduct at board meetings and consistent accountability.
Michigan Association of School Boards

LeadStrong

Focus on Student Achievement Board members:
• Ensure the district has a comprehensive, performance-based plan for improving student achievement.
• Advocate for and support a strategic plan.
• Set the agenda, seek information and ask questions consistent with the plan.
• Focus on issues that improve student achievement.

Accountability Board members:
• Are informed about the issues before the board.
• Play an active role in committee meetings and work sessions.
• Seek information and ways the board and community can be better informed about the district’s progress through an objective analysis of data.
• Base decisions, comments and questions on objective data.
• Visit schools and other community events, in accordance with district policy, to hear from stakeholders and to help shape a positive public opinion about the district.

Culture and Conduct at Board Meetings
Board members:
• Value differences of opinion and don’t let differences degenerate into personality conflicts.
• Focus the board agenda and meeting on issues related to improving student achievement.
• Publicly support the superintendent and staff.
• Seek to build consensus and an environment of trust and respect among their fellow board members.

Ethics Board members:
• Ensure that familial or business relationships or special interest group affiliations don’t contribute to a bias in decisions.
• Ensure that solicited or received money, services, or other items of value from vendors or special interest groups don’t influence decisions or public perceptions.
• Ensure that commitments and directives are in the best interest of the entire board and district and not the individual board member.
• Create an environment that discourages micromanagement or undermining of the superintendent.
February 28, 2009

Postmaster,

In your last post you stated "My term as a board member ends June 30, 2010. I do support the current recalls; Mayville does needs four “legitimate board members”." Does this mean you support recalling all four board members up for recall? Or are you calling yourself a non-legitimate board member? If so, then perhaps you should resign at the next board meeting and allow the voters of Mayville a chance to elect a "legitimate board member" sooner rather than later.

After speaking to someone who lives in Mayville and has students in the district, I am embarrassed for them to have a board member on the board with such distain for your own school district. I did ask this parent if they have ever felt that the superintendent has in your words “resisted all positive changes”, and was told many positive things about you superintendent. I was told he lives in Mayville, his children attended Mayville, and that he has worked in the district for more than 30 years. I find it hard to believe that someone with his apparent loyalty to Mayville and its school district has “resisted all positive changes”. Perhaps I should attend board meetings in your district to see for myself. I have no doubt you will post more degrading comments about your district in response to this post.

MR. DeCOE has NEVER SAID that he wanted Mayville School SHUT DOWN.

JoeT, wherever you got your known fact (via hearsay?) that he did, is TOTALLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY FALSE.

I hope everyone will get out to the radio station on Saturday and support the Big Brothers, Big Sisters garage sale. It is a great cause, with good Caro people runing the show.

I gave the city of Caro enough time to correct the flag issue. I was told that it would be corrected. There was an article in the local paper about how city officials were "shocked" that the flags were not posted over the July 4th weekend and how they would look into it.
The City still continues to push the blame on the VFW. We as a community saw a problem with this agreement last year. There are still missing flags and a lack of a good plan for the future. The flags are only posted between Frank St. and Sherman St. If the city is so proud of the whole city, one would think the flag zone should between SpeedWay to SpeedWay. I'm not going to hold the VFW accoutable, when the city will just sit by and do nothing to support them. I am very interested to hear the city's plan for Veterans Day this year.
I wish people would get off the VFW blame wagon. The VFW is not responsible for posting of the flags in any city or village in the State of Michigan. Some cities and villages don't even have a VFW post. It is the responsibility of the cities and villages of the state of Michigan to post the flags, this city has chosen to negliect their resposibility and blame a third party for their lack of good judgement and planning. It's amazing to me that every other community in the county can get it done right and this city government still sits by and plays the blame game.

Your right "Redrose" The city government should do something so Chief Myers will stop bitching and complaining.

I will continue to raise this issue. I do it for a reason. A reason that the majority of this community will never be able to understand. It is a reason worth fighting for as long as it takes to see a proper display of the United State's flag.

We wouldn't have a problem with the flag postings if the President of the United States was coming through town. It is up to our city officials and what their priorities are for the city. How do they want this new city to be represented in the eyes of their residents and veterans?

Do right for this community and veterans, and I will stop posting on this issue.

Quote; from JoeT, “However, there are far more questions as to your motivation for being so vocal. The fact that you align yourself with Bob DeCoe, who OPENLY ADMITS IN A PUBLIC FORUM THAT HE WANTS MAYVILLE SCHOOLS CLOSED DOWN, brings into question your credibility. Neither of you deserve a place on the Mayville School Board. Bob DeCoe has defrauded the voters that elected him and you are pursuing an obvious smear campaign against the district. Neither of you are effective board members, and it is time you step aside and let the district move forward by electing legitimate board members.” In addition, I don't make accusations based on heresay. I have been to board meetings, I have listened to what you have said - and the way that you have said it - in addition to listening to other board members. I was not impressed - at all - by any of them. Issues are not addressed, changes are not made.
Positive changes need to be made. You are not capable of doing so.

slan•der n.
1. Law Oral communication of FALSE statements injurious to a person's reputation.
2. A FALSE and MALICIOUS statement or report about someone.

The very thing you are accusing me of, is actually what you are doing, but taking it to new level. Shades of hypocrisy.

Quote; from JoeT, "Mr. Hamilton, You have proven your point. Mayville has atrocious testing problems. There are issues with staff and performance. There are many questions as to the competency of the Superintendent”

That would have sufficed.

But you choose to launch a bitter smear attack against me making statements that were false.

Quote; from JoeT. “move forward by electing legitimate board members”.

Using your own words “move forward by electing legitimate board members” is my only goal. I want the Community to know the facts and have four board member elected that will assume the responsibility to represent the community’s needs not the Superintendent personal desires.

Quote; JoeT. “Positive changes need to be made. You are not capable of doing so.”

No one person is capable of doing so, it take four board members. The main reason some positive changes did not get made was because the Superintendent resisted all positive changes. I could not always muster up four votes. His cliques were, “That’s the way Mayville has done it for over 30 years” and “if it’s not broken, it doesn’t need fixing”. That generally was good enough for four board members to vote against many positive changes. One board member admitted (when I was present) that she would not vote for anything that Mr. DeCoe favored. Records will show she always voted the same way that another particular board member voted.

My term as a board member ends June 30, 2010. I do support the current recalls; Mayville does needs four “legitimate board members”.

MAMATIGER

Unless you are sitting in Volleyball games where there isn't much to comment on, Being in the stands at countless football games you hear degrading of both officials and the coaches....
hookemhorns makes some good points also...

MAMATIGER
I dont know what games you've been at, but sitting in the stands at multiple sporting events, countless times are fans heckling officials... yea it may happen at other schools, but no where near as much or as low as Caro fans do...
REDROSE
why was there only 3 home games and not the 4th??? do you know the answer?? i highly doubt it... so stop blaming the AD for what wasn't in her control.......
also REDROSE, how does a basketball program get built when the guys are now entering there 4th coach in the last 5 years... how does that show that the AD is not pushing the support to build the program???
THIS COMMUNITY HAS VERY LITTLE SCHOOL SUPPORT!!! THAT'S A HUGE PROBLEM.....

If you hire someone to do a job, one would expect they do the job it shouldn't take a few years to figure out things, not at the wages the AD is being paid.

This is nothing new to for the football team, the coaching has struggled for years. Just because we don't agree, with the AD, or coaching is not a reason to say we don't support the kids playing. I have been to many sporting events and have not seen much heckling at all that the AD has to worry about.

Other towns do work hard at the athletic programs, this is something Caro lacks. So where does the blame lay?? coaching??

Perhaps we need to wait a few more years for the AD to figure that out?

Mr. Hamilton,

First of all, I don't hate you. That is actually a very juvenile thing to say, to be honest. I would have expected more from an adult. I disagree with you. It is a commonplace occurrence among adults. I'm surprised you haven't experienced it prior to this.

As to your insinuation of slanderous and demeaning behavior, what exactly would you call your verbal attacks directed at others in this district over the last few weeks?

I support a dialog among parents and educators. I believe that parents should be aware of issues in the district and that they should demand more from their educators and school administrators. I will agree with you that that has not happened. However, this pointless campaign that you are leading is ludicrous. It is obvious that you are a stone-thrower. You have no idea how to fix these problems, you just stand up on your soapbox trying to make everyone as angry as you are.

In addition, I don't make accusations based on heresay. I have been to board meetings, I have listened to what you have said - and the way that you have said it - in addition to listening to other board members. I was not impressed - at all - by any of them. Issues are not addressed, changes are not made.

Positive changes need to be made. You are not capable of doing so.

I believe i do have my facts correct, there were only 3 home games and one of them was before school started.

Second, how many years does it take to pay someone before change happens.. it isn't rocket science to see what has been happening to the football team, basketball team, softball team or see how some of the coach's treat the players. I think if you take on a job, it shouldn't take a few years to get your feet wet.

EXJOCK and REDROSE
"It is on the AD to make Caro winners again. If shes not up to the job find someone who is."
"This is the fault of the AD, She is too young and immature to handle coach's who have been around forever and need to leave. "

Here you both are bashing the AD... She's in her 2nd year of being an Athletic Director for Caro Schools, and you expect everything to change like that, now you are starting to sound like the same people who WANT RICH ROD'S head at UM!! Change isn't going to happend overnight, or in 1 or 2 years, it takes time to build programs..
REDROSE
"How about the AD who only schedules a few home football games and one of those are before school's starts" Before you start going on about how the AD only schedules 3 home games, you might want to get facts around.. Every other year it switches between 4 and 5 home games.. So Caro was short only 1 home game, and that wasn't the fault of caro

I sure wish the city would storm the VFW, take those flags from them, and put them up themselves, because i sure am sick of hearing chief complain about how it's the village's fault who allowed the honor to the VFW for the placing of the flags, and the VFW believes on each corner is good enough.

The CITY made sure ALL the flags got placed.

hookemhorns

I think you are missing my point. I completely support Caro sports. During the good times and bad times. But there have been to many years of bad times.

It is time to make some changes to our programs to make them better, more consistant, and to get more student involvement. It starts at the top with the AD. The last AD didnt want to make any waves. He wanted to be buddies with all the coaches instead of their boss. He always found the easy way out. Our new AD is young, educated, and can make the department sucessful. Why continue with the same coaches and their losing programs year after year. Are you telling me we can't do better? We can and should. What is wrong with varsity coaches who work with the lower school programs and the youth programs? What is wrong with helping the parent volenteers to teach the kids the things they will need to know in the higher levels? Arn't you tired of the same old thing year after year? Why should we keep a coach who doesnt produce? Why are we rewarding 10,15,20 year losing records by keeping the coach? Why do we reward coaches who dont put out the effort to improve their program. Is it to much to ask for imporvement?

In response to exjock's comment "Take a look at Frankenmuth, North Branch, USA, and others."

You talk about how these programs are successfull and the AD's have made them that way, and how Caro's AD isnt doing anything to build the programs and such... You must be getting all of this from hands on experience, because otherwise how would you know what Caro's AD is doing to build these programs????? She has to worry about people like you in the stands heckling the officials about every call they make, and how the coach keeps doing this wrong, and isnt playing this kid and how this one deserves more playing time than this another one....
One thing that i would love to see from you guys who want to get on here and rip the system/coaches/athletic director... Support the KIDS who are playing the game.. BECAUSE AS FAR I UNDERSTAND THIS GAME IS ABOUT THE KIDS AND NOT YOUR EGO!!!
Kids these days have no motivation or drive to show up everyday and put effort in.. That's the difference is schools, and its not the coaching/athletic director, ITS THIS COMMUNITY!!!! NO ONE SUPPORTS CARO SPORTS, ohh wait yea you do when there making the playoffs and winning, but as far as i'm concerned, what message are you sending the kids.... You get on here and rip Caro Athletics, INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING THE ONES WHO ARE INVOLVED!!! If you don't want to support Caro Athletics that's fine, thats your right, but stop ripping the ones who are putting in ALL THE EFFORT, while the only that you are putting in is to CRITICIZE those involved in Caro Athletics....

Mayville Community School District is run terribly. All you have to do is spend one day walking around the school and observing how it is ran. There is an appalling “Good Old’ Boy” network between certain administration staff and certain school board members. Certain people in administration have broken step with the teachers and now there is not a united front for the students to feel secure in. That means the kids are going to work the system for there benefit, because that is what kids do! School is about education, not about making money. I have worked in the Mayville School System and the language the kids use, the clothing they are aloud to wear, and their general behavior (apathy has run ramped) is dreadful. True a lot of it has to do with parents trying to be their child’s best friend instead of being their parents. People like Mr. Hamilton know exactly what is going on and have the true interest of the students at heart. As a community we need to take a long hard look at ourselves and ask what we want out of the school and demand it. Remember no child is perfect, but each child deserves a chance to learn, right now they are not getting that. It’s not because the teachers don’t care, it’s because parents are not acting like parents and certain people in administration look at the school like a business, so if they stay in the “Black” they have done their job. I graduated from Mayville and I am who I am because of that institution. I look at it now and my heart it sadden. Honesty and an open dialogue along with fortitude will get us out of this mess. Kids deserve nothing but the best!!!! With out our best not only do the kids lose out, but Mayville will die as a community!

Dustin Blackwell
Alumnus �01

JoeT, I am not a puppet and never will be. Sadly to say. some people allow themselves to be. I am who I am, I am not somebody you assume I am. Unlike many people, I keep an open mind and see good where there is good. DeCoe has some points and so do you, despite your unfounded hatred toward me. I don't like many many things that are occuring around me, but that's life and I can cope with it.

I believe that, I and everyone else is entitled to voice their opinions, not only Bob DeCoe but you as well. I don't slander people. I don't try to demean anyone unless they truly deserve to be, without facts to back up my reasoning to do so. I don't believe in rumors or spread rumors without seeking the truth behind them. I don't make accusations on hearsay or on appearance sake alone as you seem to be are doing. Have you ever heard me utter anything that didn't pertain to any issue that was not school related at any meeting?

As far as that post you claimed was made by Bob DeCoe, it was not made by Bob DeCoe, but that post does exist just as you claim. I checked further and found that the usernames are different. Someone posted just once as w a n n e r 55 the posted comments you have, that is making readers believe it was Bob DeCoe.

Bob DeCoe's usersname is; w a r n e r 55 with 57 posts to his credit. Look at the spelling. But a different password than DeCoe's had to be used to complete that post. Check it out.

President Bush spoke today on education and addressed the accountability lacking in schools on part by School Administrators (a concern of mine). re: The Bush Institute opening.

To MLD, what does MLD stand for? Just curious because there is a board member with those initials.

MLD, I am not speaking for the board, I am speaking about the board, the Superintendent, etc.. I am not acting on the behave of the board, I am acting on the behave of the community to make them aware of problems that needs to be resolved

JoeT,

We the community of Mayville appreciate your last comment. We will never move forward as a district until board members like these two are removed and the community elects individuals with the ability to work for the children. I know that the school district has issues but I'm willing to over see my child's education to the end. If at anytime I see my child's education suffering to the point you have seen, I will change schools. Thanks

Please Read:
No member of the Board of Education shall engage in, or be a party to, any of the following activities:( comes from Board policy book)
Representing his/her opinion as that of the Board of Education or making commitments on behalf of the School District or the Board. No member shall have the power to act in the name of the Board outside Board meetings unless that person has been specifically designated to do so by official Board action.

Mr. Hamilton,

You have proven your point. Mayville has atrocious testing problems. There are issues with staff and performance. There are many questions as to the competency of the Superintendent. However, there are far more questions as to your motivation for being so vocal. The fact that you align yourself with Bob DeCoe, who OPENLY ADMITS IN A PUBLIC FORUM THAT HE WANTS MAYVILLE SCHOOLS CLOSED DOWN, brings into question your credibility.

Neither of you deserve a place on the Mayville School Board. Bob DeCoe has defrauded the voters that elected him and you are pursuing an obvious smear campaign against the district. Neither of you are effective board members, and it is time you step aside and let the district move forward by electing legitimate board members.

For clarification: the comments that I had copied and pasted that were negative were mostly directed at me, Tom Hamilton, AKA Postmaster. The messenger bearing bad news.

DEFINITION - The term mean.

The most common expression for the mean of a statistical distribution with a discrete random variable is the mathematical average of all the terms. To calculate it, add up the values of all the terms and then divide by the number of terms. This expression is also called the arithmetic mean.

These are the 2008-2009 MEAP’s mean averages:

1 REESE.................... 78.40%
2 CASS CITY............. 78.30%
3 USA ........................76.90%
4 CARO .................... 77.00%
5 MARLETTE ................76.20%
6 NORTH BRANCH.. 76.10%
State's Mean Average 73.50%
7 KINGSTON ................72.40%
8 VASSAR ................70.60%
9 MILLINGTON ........72.30%
10 AKRON-FAIRGROVE 67.80%
11 MAYVILLE ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,66.00%

November 4, 2009 - 10:19 a.m. EST
How dare you? Mr. Robinette, as president of the Mayville Educational Association, stand before your fellow colleagues (who applauded you), your Superintendent (who surprisingly shared some of your views) and the full board of education and denounce the value of the MEAP testing. The board president (a school teacher in the Flint area) chimed in with his negative comments about the MEAP. No wonder Mayville MEAP results are among the worst compared to our surrounding area schools.
Where is your pride to excel to do your best?
It is a state mandate. Why not do the best that you can, instead of fighting it?

concernedparents (Anonymous) says... Why would you talk so badly about the school you are in charge of promoting?

Agent1 (Anonymous) says... I remember what a "joke" the MEAP test was back in the 80's.

Jonjones (Anonymous) says... how about letting me sign that recall petition for you.

go back to Beecher you job here is done,

stacypooh (Anonymous) says... I have heard of teachers talking on cell phones while supposingly teaching class, i have heard of subs talking about there personal lives with students, that have nothing to do with teaching the class.

I also had a former teacher that taught at Mayville Schools tell me that 90 percent of the teachers that are there just dont care about the students in that school.

mld (Anonymous) says... I'm sorry you child is struggling, it's very frustrating as a parent. I'm hoping I can help you out.

not one person can fix them (problems) by themselves

concernedparents (Anonymous) says... I'm sorry I did not read your statement correctly, I was just very angry,

Jonjones (Anonymous) says... I can't believe it is possible everytime your write something you make less and less sense.

WILLIAMENDERT (Anonymous) says... So you need to stop talking so bad about are (our) school and have pride for are (our) Mayville School..

Jonjones (Anonymous) says... Also, thank you for acknowledging my competency and your incompetency.

concernedparents (Anonymous) says... WOW, now we have a board member picking on students and posting falsehoods. Good job Mr. Hamilton do you feel proud of what you have done?

wethepeople (Anonymous) says... I now asked all citizens, parent and students to come together at the next regular Mayville School Board meeting and asked Tom Hamilton to resign.

Jonjones (Anonymous) says...I get bored with debating issues with lesser people,

I hope these back and forth messages, at least prove one point, that Mr. Hamilton is ignorant to issues that he complains about.

JoeT (Anonymous) says... The boy has atrocious grammar and struggles to formulate a sentence - which is typical for students of the district. The responsibility for this falls squarely on the shoulders of the arrogant, overpaid, unionized teachers employed by this district.

As to the MEAP scores, well Mr. Robinette, they were indeed indicative of what those children were NOT learning over the years.

Only in Mayville could a child graduate top of the class in the NHS and still have to take REMEDIAL MATH courses when they get to college because they are so far behind.

The Mayville School District is beyond repair. The teachers care only about their pay and benefits - which are ridiculously high for this area and what these "teachers" actually do - the children are an afterthought.

It's nice that some "concerned" individuals got off their duffs and chose to try and effect a change, but it really is too little too late. Mayville has the reputation of being the School of Last Resort in Tuscola County - if not the entire Thumb - and that is not likely to change.

for_real09 (Anonymous) says... You complain about the MEAP scores. Maybe they are not the greatest, but the teachers are working to improve them.

I am proud of Mayville Schools. My child is excelling. In fact his teacher was concerned that his work was too easy for him,

I will not be voting for you again when your current term is up. In fact I didn't vote for you to begin with!

JoeT (Anonymous) says...Your child is "excelling"? By Mayville's standards, no doubt, which are tragically behind the rest of the state. Call me a dreamer, but I expected my children to receive a better education than would be expected from an inner-city district such as Pontiac or Grand Rapids.
Nice try, though. Mayville's standards are substandard at best. Embarrassing and inexcusable.
wethepeople (Anonymous) says...JoeT, What a joke you are. You have know (no) ideal (idea) about the family i'm (I’m) taking about.
JoeT (Anonymous) says...And these comments from "wethepeople" and "concernedparents" prove my point about the type of people that have to be dealt with in this community.
The idea that we the tax payers owe mediocre teachers a living is ludicrous! If they can't do their jobs and teach students what they need to learn - as is indicated by the laughable MEAP scores in this district - then they need to be fired.
This district may get my tax money to squander, but it doesn't have my children to handicap
One last point for the night, you call me a joke because I voiced an opinion that was in contrast to the meaningless drivel that you spew. How ironic is it that your spat of temper so easily proved my point? You are the type of influence that I feared my children would be exposed to. I chose to pull my children out of this district because I wanted better for them. Being demonized for that decision only supports it further. You don't want to hear an opposing viewpoint because it is contrary to the view you have taken - a faulty view at that.
It is really sad that the lack of knowledge in this community will have such a long term negative effect on the children being educated in this district, but it is easy to see that it has been that way for a long, long time. That is, perhaps, a large part of the problem. The people here have a very difficult time perceiving themselves in the way that the surrounding areas do. Too bad really, but a fact nonetheless.

CapedCrusader (Anonymous) says... The district needs to catch up with its neighbors, and if the students are not trying hard enough, find out why.

Again, I believe that you are correct in saying that the time for excuses is over and for test scores to rise. That is a message that should unite the community, and if you focus on only that, it will.

Again, I believe that you are correct in saying that the time for excuses is over and for test scores to rise. That is a message that should unite the community, and if you focus on only that, it will.

JoeT (Anonymous) says... There is no unity in this community - especially where the schools are concerned. The mentality here is "cover it up and ignore it and no one will ever find out". In order to fix a problem, you have to admit that there is a problem - that will never happen here.

for_real09 (Anonymous) says...I agree that not every teacher will work for every child! But your bad experience does not mean that the entire school should be written off!!

JoeT (Anonymous) says... The comments made by Postmaster on November 6th were far from insulting to this academically challenged young man, so no apology is necessary. Obviously the boy needed some direction, and he apparently isn't getting it at school.

unverifiedvoracity (Anonymous) says... I have not seen a single positive change or idea directly attributable to Mr. Hamilton, he has instead focused on drastically expanding administrative costs and pursuing an anti-bullying agenda, that while noble, is not a crucial issue to the overall education of students.

These voracious (veracious?) and indiscriminate attacks do nothing but contribute to the negative image of our school district.

wethepeople (Anonymous) says...Do you know that Flint Schools has an adminstration position for every hundred students. Mayville runs its district with three adminstrators for 880 students. Do the math, see the problem.

Jonjones (Anonymous) says...Don't worry about MEAP scores, that doesn't mean anything for the future of students.

Mr. Hamilton, in my opinion you are useless, I wish you would disappear from the school scene. You obviously aren't qualified for the position.

charliesangel (Anonymous) says... Here is a Board member from Mayville sounding off .... Please sign his recall petition. The school doesn't need a member of the Board sounding off like this.... How did he ever get elected?

JoeT (Anonymous) says...Jonjones, First of all, nobody is useless, so your final comment in your last post was totally uncalled for. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Hamilton has brought up good points. The problem is that NOBODY on this school board is doing ANYTHING to rectify these problems. Don't just single out one individual just because he is the most vocal.

Now, as to the situation with Hartzel holding so many positions, it is the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard of. One man should never be "indispensable" in any position, and this never should have happened in the first place.

The Journal reported. The new health plan is expected
to save up to $3 million.

MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST
Volume XI, No. 45
Nov. 10, 2009 JUDGE: FLINT CAN LEAVE MESSA
---------------------------------------------------------------
FLINT, Mich. - Flint Community Schools can change health
insurance providers despite teacher protests, a Genesee County
judge has ruled, according to The Flint Journal.
Judge Joseph Farah said that the district is within its rights
to end its current contract with the Michigan Education Special
Services Association, an insurance administrator affiliated with
the Michigan Education Association, and instead purchase
insurance from HealthPlus of Michigan.
United Teachers of Flint had sought to block the move, saying
the switch would constitute a change in benefits. The district
contended that the new program provides the same benefits at a
lower cost, according to The Journal.

DEFINITION - The term mean
The most common expression for the mean of a statistical distribution with a discrete random variable is the mathematical average of all the terms. To calculate it, add up the values of all the terms and then divide by the number of terms. This expression is also called the arithmetic mean.

These are the 2008-2009 MEAP’s mean averages:

1 REESE.................... 78.40%
2 CASS CITY............. 78.30%
3 USA ........................76.90%
4 CARO .................... 77.00%
5 MARLETTE ................76.20%
6 NORTH BRANCH.. 76.10%
State's Mean Average 73.50%
7 KINGSTON ................72.40%
8 VASSAR ................70.60%
9 MILLINGTON ........72.30%
10 AKRON-FAIRGROVE 67.80%
11 MAYVILLE ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,66.00%

Chief: Once again, please get your facts straight before you post. The City offices were open yesterday. There were flags waving all thru downtown Caro. Granted, they were just on the corners in the a.m., but after a phone call to those at the VFW that were in possession of the flags, they were all put in place. An agreement was in place between the City and the VFW regarding the flags. The VFW has possession of all the flags and are supposed to have them posted on federal holidays such as Veterans' Day. If a finger needs to be pointed, it needs to be pointed in that direction.

Sports at all levels give kids an outlet for their natural energy and is beneficial to their growing bodies and minds. It gives them something physical and fun to do. It teaches them how to be good winners and losers. It gives them the opportunity to belong to something. Teaches them teamwork,responsibility, and commitment. Not to mention the enjoyment they get. It doesn't matter if they become pros or not. What matters is what they get out of it now.

A big Thank-you goes out to the "Oven" for honoring our veterans. It's nice to see a business with a flag waving proud and owners that take care of veterans in this community.

Thank you Indianfields Township for recognizing veterans. The cemetery was full of flags and looked very sharp.
As for the new "city", different name, but still brown paper bag. Missing flags and just a lack of concern to represent veterans today. They will just blame others for the poor display again. They just don't get it, but they will get the Christmas decorations up on time for some reason. I have posted for a year now about the flags downtown Caro and the village said they would work on a solution. Yeah right! 7 years to get the charter passed, It will probably take 20 years to get all of the flags posted right downtown. Does the city of Caro not want to represent the veterans in this community the right way? The city officals all took the day off for Veterans Day, can't they at least honor those who gave them the day off, with a little respect for our Flag? A Flag that means so little to them and means the world to the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for it? I didn't take the day off. I spent it with other veterans in this community that will still stand up today and take up arms to defend our flag again. This new "city" government embarasses me and all veterans. They got the day off and they really don't why they really got the day off. The flags downtown looked like a riff raff last minute idea. Only 19 more years to we get it right.

Parents let the kids have fun in sports again. The chances for a pro player to come out of thumb are abot 100,000 to one. Your child has a better chance to be a doctor or a lawyer. An athletic director at the high school level is just stupid and a waste of money. An extra math or English teacher would be a better bet. Sports before education? Come on posters! Is high school sports in thumb more important than a good education? What message are we sending our children?

snowlover has some great points and I agree.

The AD hires and fires coaches. Sets policy and direction. Does evaluations and holds coaches accountable. The AD can make sure all coaches operate in the same way. The AD can require varsity coach involvement with the lower level coaches in their program. The AD can require involvement with the youth programs. How about coaching clinics for the parent coaches? How about teaching the same things from the bottom up? The varsity coaches can help make the youth programs better and keep the process going through school programs. Most of Caro varsity coaches dont pay any attention to the lower programs or care what the kids learn until they are at the varsity level. That is no way to build a program. If they dont want to put in the work they should either move on or be moved.

Take a look at Frankenmuth, North Branch, USA, and others. Those schools are winners because of the programs the athletic department set up. Set up by the AD. Caro can do the same thing if they want to.

tenure...

How about the teacher who was allowed to call students, stupid, ignorant, that was going on for years, and yet, nothing happened.

You would be hard pressed to find many teachers who would be willing to actually stay after school to help out a student, Ask, the councilors and you will get the same answers.

How about the AD who only schedules a few home football games and one of those are before school's starts, Perhaps that had something to do with player morale. Too many players on the field? Same plays over and over. great coaching??

How about the softball coach who was allowed to add a player to the varsity team when they were ineligible to play or practice with the team, what does this show?? you can do bad in school and still make the varsity level? Never should of happened.

What about the coaching staff that is allowed to humiliate players on the field, Take down their self esteem, The team plays better when he is not around, and yet... he comes back again and again.
This is the fault of the AD, She is too young and immature to handle coach's who have been around forever and need to leave. Plus we actually pay them for this. Its sad, when coach's lose good varsity players, over playing favorites, the only thing that suffers is the team.

I'd like to comment on exjock's comments. Why do you feel it's the AD's job to make Caro winners again? That job belongs to the coaches, players AND parents! The AD should be there to support each team by providing adequate facilities and equipment.

With both my kids in Varsity sports, I have seen the feeder programs at their best and worst. I know that my kids achieved more athletically when they felt the coach was invested in them as a person first, athlete second. When every player feels that way, you'll have a better chance at being a winning team. A winning team is only as good as the weakest player!

I've seen way too many parents try to coach from the sidelines. That simply does not work as it undermines the coach's authority. Nor should a parent downtalk a coach after the game to their child.

There are only a very few feeder programs at Caro that work and that's because they are acutely aware that they need to build future JV/Varsity teams. They work very hard to make sure that every player learns their sport inside & out! They take their losses early to ensure that everyone has a chance to play and develop. The feeder programs that are hell-bent on winning tend to discourage kids that want to play, but aren't the star players (or popular name, nosey parent, etc.,) and therefore tend to get benched for most of the game.

Unfortunately, it takes many years to develop winning teams. I'm thankful for the coaches that Caro does have, as it takes a great deal of time and commitment to coach for a nominal stipend from the school. Bashing of coaches (and refs too) may just lead us down the road of having teams without people willing to coach - not a good thing either!

Its about time some changes are made with sports at Caro high school. We hired a new AD a couple years ago but still have some of the same losing programs and coaches. What, winning doesnt matter anymore? Take the easy way out and dont make any waves? Is that fair to the athletes? We can be so much better than we are.

Cass City just fired the whole football coaching staff after 10 years. They got tired of losing. Caro has had the same football coach for what 20 years. We had a few winning seasons. 2 because of an outstanding QB who was pretty much the whole offense. How can we keep a coach who makes such poor calls? The average fan could do a better job. The only player making consistant yards is the QB from running to the sidelines every play. No wonder hes tired by the 4th. Ever hear of signals? We must not be tired of losing yet. How about the baseball program? We waste talent year after year. Why? So the coach can get in the Michigan Hall of Fame? He should have retired when he quit coaching in 1999. Why do you think our JV coaches postion is like a revolving door? Even worse is girls basketball. Have they ever had a winning season with this coach? How can you keep a coach who gives these kinds of pep talks? "I dont have anything for you" Who sits on the bench and doesnt coach when theyre losing? Who doesnt even have a clue whats going on with his program. He should have been fired when he was sitting on the bench reading a book during a game. The only reason they won districts last year is because one player scored 27 points over her average in one game. Why do we keep rewarding losing coaches. It like an epidemic.

The AD needs to get control of these teams. She needs to get control of Caro sports. Why is wrestling and swimming sucessful and not some other sports. Wrestling and swimming and soccer work with the youth programs thats why. The coaches actually care about being winners. Its not good enough to just show up. When was the last time the varsity football, baseball, or girls or boys basketball coach worked with the youth programs or the youth coaches? They should be working with these kids and the coaches from the 4th grade up. No wonder we lose when we teach our high school athletes things other schools teach at the grade school level.

I know there are those who will think Im just complaining and am part of the problem. But the problem is Im sick and tired of Caro losing to most everyone year after year and making excuses.

It is on the AD to make Caro winners again. If shes not up to the job find someone who is.

FORREAL,

I would have to agree with your observation. There are many energetic and talented young teachers that suffer from this set of circumstances. I believe that our schools tend to suffer from stagnation and lack of motivation. These tenured teachers are disgruntled and ambivalent, and it shows in their performance. Some districts suffer from this more than others, and that is clearly linked to the administration and Board of Education of the district. Teachers working in poorer districts definitely seem to resent their counterparts in better funded districts, and this shows in their job performance as well. To further add to this quagmire, many teachers in poorer areas demand more pay and benefits in their contracts to assure that they get their piece of the budgetary pie before it is wasted on other expenses - such as textbooks, support staff, transportation, athletics, etc. The less there is to go around, the higher the teachers' demands. No person should be assured of a job that they clearly cannot perform well in, and that is all a union does nowadays.

hihosilver,

I agree that personal bashing in this anonymous forum is an ongoing problem. Community issues have become fodder for personal resentments, and nothing gets resolved. However, I will disagree with you in commending all people that have run for an elected position in our community, be it a school board position, etc. That used to be the case, granted, however things have degraded over the years. In many cases we see situations in which an individual ran for office under the guise of affecting a positive change, only to be elected and create chaos and cause far more problems. With these elected positions comes a great deal of responsibility, and unfortunately some electees are not capable of that responsibility.

Just some food for thought.

I have heard a number of opinions over the years that tenure has ruined public education. Once a teacher is tenured there is no accountability. Their performance doesn't matter. You can't get rid of them no matter what kind of job they do because the MEA union is to strong. There are all kinds of young talented teachers out there who won't get a chance.

Is this true? Sounds like it has some merit.

JoeT: Thanks for your comments. I as well value everyone's comments and opinions that is what makes our country and community strong. Maybe I went to far in saying Retired should stay in Florida but I am really tired of the personal bashing that has been going on this site for a long time. From the current board members and to all those board members who have served any of the school districts. I for one give them alot of props for standing up and running for office and putting themselves out there to take the heat. (Regardless of how I feel personally about them) We need more people that care about their community and that are willing to take a stand for what they believe is right!

If Retired really feels that way about the folks on local boards than he should address his concerns directly with the folks involved instead of bashing them on this site. This goes for everyone else that loves to bash specific people. Give them a call, write them a letter, find them out and have a conversation with them. That would definitely be the most constructive thing to do.

Sumer23,

To address your comments, it really is the teachers' fault if the students in their class are not performing well. Perhaps they need to look at the lesson plans that they develop, at the atmosphere in their classroom, at their ability to actually teach the material that is required by the state and not simply what they see fit to teach. These are only some of the issues. I agree that the administrators need to be held accountable for not holding the teachers accountable, but they are limited by union contracts as to what they can really do.

The teachers are on the front line of education. They are trained to educate our students, yet quality of education has steadily declined over the last two decades. Teachers need to be held accountable for their own successes and failures, and these are demonstrated by state testing, i.e. the MEAP. Our students are the ones that are suffering at the hands of teachers that don't do their job correctly and have no motivation to change that.

hihosilver and Brother:

It has long been a pet peeve of mine that when people hear an opposing view they automatically respond with "if you don't like it, leave 'cause we don't want you or your opinion here anyway". Maybe that isn't the exact phrase, but the meaning is there. Telling a member of the community to "stay in Florida" or to "take their kids to another school district" because someone has an opposing viewpoint is a horrible thing to do. We are a community, and all voices and opinions should be valued and respected. That, unfortunately is not always the case. There are many posters on this site that bring their personal bias in to view and refuse to acknowledge the feelings and opinions of others, and attitudes like this really only end up hurting each and every one of us because issues never get resolved.

In my career, I am required to act swiftly on issues and to address infractions clearly and decisively. I apologize if that carried over too strongly in that post. And I am not a member of any ole' boys anything. I do value free speech, and I believe everyone has a right to it without being driven out of twn for it.

JoeT: Was responding to Retired's comments which were "Hard to believe the good people of Mayville voted you for the school board Mr. Decoe. But then again Caro still has Offenbecher, Downing, and Graff."

But since you said your peace it is time for me to say mine, Like Retired I also have a right to state my opinion regardless of whether you you like it or not... methinks you must be one of those people that like the "good ole boy's club" running things that don't allow for disenting opinions or ideas, just do it like it's always been done regardless of whether its right or wrong or in the best interest of our community.

The old saying still holds true "Absolute power corrupts absolutely!

JoeT

"In addition, failure breeds more failure, laziness breeds more laziness, it is a trickle-down effect. One laissez-faire teacher that succeeds in mediocrity sets the example for ten more to follow. It is the same with any profession, especially in a unionized environment. If poor behavior is deemed acceptable, others will follow suit. Why try harder if you can get away with so little effort? What is the motivation when they think nothing can be done to them?"

I agree with these comments I just think that it is not just the teachers faults - there are good teachers with bad administrators - it not just the teachers fault for the falling MEAP scores and so forth - it is the districts fault as a whole - teachers, parents, students and administrators.

JOET: I totally agree with your latest post regarding teachers. What I don't understand is your response to HiHoSilver? How did you get all of that out of 2 sentences? Citizenship being negated? Maybe I read it wrong?!

Sumer23,

I don't think anyone is truly upset that teachers only work 3/4 of the year. That is really a rhetorical statement. Also, it is important to note that intelligence doesn't necessarily have a lot to do with choosing teaching as a vocation.

What people are upset about is that some districts are not staying ahead of the curve, so to speak. Too much money is being paid out in salary and benefits, primarily due to a union that protects all members, regardless of performance, and not enough money is being invested in programs and the betterment of the district as a whole. Like it or not, not every teacher that is employed is an asset to the profession, unfortunately. Yet, their jobs are still protected and they continue to receive the same pay and benefits as more competent teachers, simply based on thier ability to show up for work each day. That is deplorable.

I don't blame teachers for everything tha goes on. Most people don't. What I do is call out people that clearly are not living up to the expectations set for them. A teachers' success at their job is determined by the success of the students they teach. Failing MEAP scores are an indication of a failing teacher. I know that is very difficult for some people to face, but it is true, nonetheless. In addition, failure breeds more failure, laziness breeds more laziness, it is a trickle-down effect. One laissez-faire teacher that succeeds in mediocrity sets the example for ten more to follow. It is the same with any profession, especially in a unionized environment. If poor behavior is deemed acceptable, others will follow suit. Why try harder if you can get away with so little effort? What is the motivation when they think nothing can be done to them?

It is sad to read this morning's blogs are about how "some" think that are teachers do not deserve the pay that they receive. I think this is funny and before I finishing writing this blog I am not a teacher, no one in my family is and this is not what my career will be when I am done with school!

So, why are our teachers not worth their pay - because they were smart in choosing a field in an area where they could work only part of the year and have the rest off - and the people who are complaining about their work schedule were not smart enough to choose this field of work?

Do they not deserve their pay because they do not go out of their way to try and help any student that is trying to help themselve by staying after school or coming in before school for extra help?

Do they not deserve their pay because most of them take their work home with them and correct papers and make their lesson plans up after a long day of teaching our kids plus their caring to their own families?

I think it is sad how quick "some" are to blame our teachers for everything that goes wrong. These people go to work everyday to teach our children the things they need to become successful in the real world. If teachers could just teach that would be different but, teachers now a days have to be social workers, counselors, parents and teachers all together. There is no price tag that should be put on a teacher especially by people who are just mad that they are not one. Maybe you should volunteer in your child's classroom for a week before you decide what a teachers worth should be.

My children have had teachers from both the Caro and Mayville Districts and I have not met a teacher yet that didn't go out of their way to help my children and our family when we needed it. I think teachers earn every penny that they make and if you are jealous of their work schedule, health benefits or pay scale than you should have been one! The fact that our state has the highest paid teachers should show everyone that educating our children is a priority here in Michigan and that we respect the people who have chose this line of work - not take away from it!

hihosilver,

I am so tired of people like you that try to run anyone that doesn't agree with you right out of town. You have absolutely no right to attempt to negate someone's citizenship and involvement in their community because you don't care for their opinion. If you don't like the opposing viewpoint, why don't you go somewhere else where you don't have to hear it or read it instead of making others feel unwelcome in their own community? Problem solved. There is no need for the type of arrogance and disrespect that you displayed in this forum. You were insulting and degrading.

Plenty of people come to this website to read the different views and opinions - and we don't all agree. Still, we all have the right to express our views without being bullied. This isn't third grade, and you aren't on a playground.

"Retired" has as much right to his or her opinion as you do, and we have the right to listen to that opinion and agree or disagree. Kindly keep your nastiness to yourself - it adds to your credibility when you do.

Yet, I haven't seen a poor teacher. Teachers make a great salary.I wish I could work 180 days a year and get paid for a year worth of work. figure it up they work 6 months a year, You, me, and everyone else has to work 363 days a year to a salary that the teachers make, great career move for them,wish I was a teacher.

Retired...It is amazing how Caro and the surrounding area still has you as well! Stay in Florida, please.

Johnqpublic,

You are right JoeT gave me great ideas. My husband has gotten involved as far as he knows everything that has happened. I contact this persons spouse and left a message on the events that took place instead of just showing up on their doorstep out of respect for their children. So, no my husband has not made any visits and I am hoping by leaving a message on the other spouses voicemail would ahve been enough but, there has been no return phone call from the spouse but, I am also assuming that is because I did say on my message that I was going to the police and the police were nice enough to take my report so, I could at least have a complaint number incase anything every happened again!
And to answer your other question yes people at school know but, it is still very uneasy. It is amazing how you meet people and you think you know them! The scary thing is the amount of time that has gone by since I have even seen this person or spoke to them - it has been well over a year and things didn't end well then. Some people are just so arrogant - I have decided that I am going to sign up for a self defense class - I never want to feel that helpless again!

Sumer23: JoeT gave you some great advice. You mentioned that you have a husband. Has he gotten involved in this at all? Have you let people know what is going on where you take classes? The more people that know, the better. I would be calling the police everytime this person came around. Document each and every event.

Sumer23,

1. Document everything. Carry a notebook and document each and every time you observe this knucklehead in your vicinity without cause. One or two incidents he could explain, 27 he can't.

2. Learn how to use the record feature on your cell phone and always have it in your hand and ready to use. Videotape can rarely be successfully suppressed. A picture says a thousand words.

3. If you fear for your safety, buy a handgun and take the CCW course and apply for a CCW permit. You have the constitutional right to bear arms - use it.

4. Always have a witness present. If an incident takes place, immediately make contact with anyone that witnessed it - even if they are strangers to you. Get names and numbers and document the time of the incident - to the minute.

5. Be aware - always. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don't put yourself in a position in which you could be harmed. Stay in the pulic and surround yourself with family and friends. Make phone contact with somesone if you cannot have someone with you physically.

That is the best advice that I can give you, and it is more effective than a PPO that will be ignored by law enforcement in this area anyway.

JoeT or Chiefmyers,

So, then what do you do if you know they know where you live and you didn't hand that information out, they know that my husband is only gone on certain day a week, they know I only go to school one certain night a week and where that is! It is so frustrating I do not even feel safe to be alone in my own home or to even go to my class because I never thought this person had this type of mentality the scary part is that I have not seen, heard or talked to this person in at least 12 months - that is creepy to me because then that means this person had to learn my whole routine on their own.
And from what I understand this I am not the first - but it doesn't matter because at the end of the day this person still knows everything I do

I agree with "JoeT"
PPO's are like locks on your doors, they only keep the honest people out. They really serve no purpose and take a lot of paper work and time to get one, but really do little to protect anyone.

“Firenza” and “Redrose”

Both of you are both correct in your postings on City hood. I did go a little over the top in my opinion to get a response.
Time will only tell if voters made the right choice. To call it a landslide victory is stretching it a lot. The latest census (2008) estimates the population of the “city” at 4020. There were 613 total votes, 437 voting yes and 176 voting no on city hood. I think the “landslide” is in the number of “city” residents that didn’t care to vote. I don’t know how many residents of the “city” were eligible to vote, but a little more than 10% of the population dictated the outcome of the election for the whole “city”. Furthermore, As a community, having 176 unhappy voters and neighbors is a concern that I would not just brush off. This is a small community that relies and depends on everyone.
I hope “Firenza” and “Redrose” and the rest of this community will keep up their concerns for a better government. I hope that everyone will stay active and vigilant of their government. Just being concerned and active in your wants doses not take care of the needs of the whole community. Winning one battle and not the war would be pointless and a waste of time.
Keep the postings coming, I read them all. I don’t agree with some of them, but they make for interesting reading. They are just opinions that everyone is entitled to.

Sumer23,

It really wouldn't matter if you got the PPO or not. You have no idea how many cases I have seen in Tuscola County in which an individual has a valid PPO and law enforcement and the Prosecutor's office won't uphold it.

The only thing a PPO is good for is adding additional charges after a violent altercation has taken place. It isn't a deterrant for someone that really wants to get to you, and law enforcement views it as a nuisance. I'm sure there will be others that will argue this point, but the sad fact is that this is the way of it.

Well, it has been awhile again and this is probably going to be last or close to it. It is not against anyone on this site but, this post is probably not going to make some happy!

So did you know that in order to receive any sort of personal protection order you ahve to have reported and documented two different incidences. This is severly frustrating to me because for the last two weeks I have been being harassed by someone. Today, I found out who it was and when confronted and things didn't go the way they expected it got physical until they took all of my evidence.
Tried filing something but, because they took my evidence and nothing like this has been reported on my behalf I cannot do anything. Even, though this person made it clear that they knew what day I was home alone and what day I had class and right down to the point that I get coffee before class.
This system is completely messed up so, they get two tries and now that this person is probably hearing it from their spouse I am sure they are not happy but, this was just crazy!
I always like how people assume because they are well known in town that they automatically think that everyone likes them and that nothing can be done to them! Hopefully this time the other spouse involved with kick the other out for good!

Maybe warner55 is confusing the MEA with GM. GM overpaid him for how many years? To do what? Sit around. How is your health care warner55? How about your pension? Now the middle class can't afford GM's cars. GM went bankrupt.

The pot is calling the kettle black.

Hard to believe the good people of Mayville voted you for the school board Mr. Decoe. But then again Caro still has Offenbecher, Downing, and Graff.

I have had about all I can take!!

Warrner55, I wish I knew why you hated teachers so much!! You rip people on their spelling, teachers taught you to spell! You brag about what you have done in your life, teachers gave you the chance to learn what you needed to get your wonderful job, and farm, and what ever else you hold dear!! It seems to me that your whole goal is to pick a fight with who ever you can! Well, this community is ready to fight back! We have had about all we can stand of you pushing people around!

You were a Union member weren't you? Yet you hate the teachers union. You are mad that they pay dues to their union. It is their money, they can do what they want with it!! Tax payers are not paying the union dues!! Yes I know that the teachers salaries come from tax and lottery revenues. After that money is paid to the teachers, it is no longer the tax payers. Teachers pay money to the union from their paycheck. It is NOT additional money that they receive from the school!! They also buy milk, and gas, and homes, and all sorts of things. Are you saying that the tax payers buy the teachers their milk? Well maybe you could have teachers just drink water, then you can cut their wages!! Or maybe they can stop buying gas, and you can pick them all up and drive them to work, then you can cut the cost of gas out of their wages as well!!

And teachers in all reality did take a pay cut this year. Yes I know they got small wage increases, but like everyone else they are now paying part of their insurance. What they are paying for insurance is MORE then the wage increase they got. Nets out to a pay cut!!

And what is with you complaining about Title 1 money being spent on teacher wages? YOU CAN NOT HAVE A TITLE PROGRAM WITHOUT A TITLE TEACHER!! If the budget was broken down to spend this much for math and this much for English, you would have to pay a teacher out of those funds!! I mean really, sometimes I wonder if you ever have had a complete thought in your life!! You like to get all puffed up and strut around and get in people's faces, but yet you never give out the whole story!! You know that part that makes things look bad, but you forget the "rest of the story". Grow up, get over it, and be a real man!! You are old enough already!!

Meyers - No one is denying your right to free speech or demeaning your service to our country, but please stop trying to hide behind these when you voice untruths. Redrose is very much on point with his/her comments. This was a very important vote for the former village residents and to spew untruths the day before an election was more than expressing you opinion, it was deplorable. Enough is enough. Fortunately the vote was a landslide due to the volunteers who did not stand on the sidelines throwing stones but put forth real effort to make this happen. It was people like you which made becoming a city so important to the village (now city) residents.

chief,

The problem with you stirring things up... as u call it. The facts, the cityhood was a very important vote, and when you post things that are not true, you then become chicken little running through the streets.

If you read the charter, then you would of never made such statements, I can't get why someone would not want to be taken seriously, it just makes everything you say not creditable.

The fact that your a veteran, has no bearing whatsoever on what you write today. Your given respect for serving your country, but you don't get respect when you make false statements you loose respect.

You made many posts being for the cityhood, then you spout out negative statements against it. You are allowed to be against it, you don't live in the village, you haven't been screwed over by the townships taxes and village taxes that we have. We just took a stand and said enough, we do get a vote on millage increases, the city employee's are not getting raise's, the city council members are not getting raises. This is all in the charter, that you say you read. Your right you have freedom of speech, but why post untruth's.

I am not creditable or reliable. I will waffle on certain subjects and be iron clad on others. I am a veteran and proud of it. I support the United States and the Commander and Chief. I believe in the freedom of speech and all those who want to use that right. But give me a break, I am only someone who posts an opinion on this site. If you have complaints send it to a higher authority or send it to someone that can change the status quo in government. Calling me names wont change the government.

Wake up! I made my posting to draw attentiom to the national debate. You can't fight for your local government, without fighting for the whole system. You can't say things are peachy in Caro and forget about the rest of the United States. It is not about me and my postings. It is about the whole system. It is time we stop the attacks on individuals and find a solution to the problems of this nation.

Myers - interesting that today your posting was very contrite - however after the type of hype you spewed on November 3 you have no creditability and certainly cannot be taken seriously. Start being part of the solution - anyone can throw stones.

"Hurdscorner" I agree and enjoyed reading your post. The feeling of entitlement by some Americans is a problem worth addressing.

To the negative posts directed at me.
They were all pretty good. I read them all. It is good to see well-informed residents in this community. I have just a few comments about them.
First, people tend to throw around the word “facts”. Polls are not facts, but a re just a way for some people to sway others to their point of view. A poll of 60+ citizens will always be different from a poll of 20-25 year old citizens. Hearing “facts” from a talking head on TV or politicians are not facts, but hearsay. Unless you research the numbers or documents yourself, you’re basing your facts on their opinion. Using their opinion about an issue is not a fact. I agree with the posts that said, “Read a document before you jump to conclusions.” I hope these posters will follow their own advice when it comes to the health care bill or any bill. We all need to take the time to read these things for ourselves, instead of relying on others to tell us what’s in these bills. There are 5 or 6 bills now on health care, amounting to thousands and thousands of pages. Politicians don’t even read them and they are relying on the American people not to either. This is how pork, spending and BS find a way into bills. Politicians seem to just follow their party’s lead, while attaching a few amendments of their own into the bill.
All in all, they were pretty good posts. Just a couple of fouls! It’s not a good idea to attack any individual personally. That will just leads to name calling, bad feeling and stubbornness. The real issue will be lost forever in the dust up. Then both sides become a problem and not part of the solution. Finally, be wise in what you say. Others might not see your humor, as humor. If someone mentioned a “hanging” on a website directed at a government official, you might get a visit from law enforcement. The Secret Service and FBI don’t really care if you were trying to be funny.
What happens in DC is the same thing that happens in local government. For Americans to be vigilant and concerned in one and not both seems to be a problem worth fixing.
Good posts! Keep it up. By the way, it’s spelled chiefmyers. We don’t call the “Pope” the “Pipe”

Congratulations to the “City” of Caro and to the residents that made it possible.
I have read the city charter and I know what it says. I made the post wondering if anyone else had or if they were just going along with it because it sounded good. The folks, who know me, know I tend to try to shake things up and say off the wall things to get a response. The City will have some bumps in the road. A working relationship with the townships will still be an issue yet to be resolved. There were feelings that were hurt in this process that need to be mended. We are still a great community; there is no need to isolate anyone. I was glad to see the “City” not pull a Michigan Secretary of State Miller change right away. Where she spent thousands of dollars right away plastering her name on every.

Irony,

1. You state "There are laws that govern the media and if news they report is untruthful they have to retract and so forth." Unfortunately this is factually incorrect as the attacking of politicians is exempt from those laws under freedom of speech. There is no requirement that claims against politicians be factual and lies about politicians are frequent, with no legal recourse.
2. You state the whitehouse is not publishing the 2000 page medical reform bill. As it is still a house proposal the white house has no control of it until both the house and senate pass the house proposal. The house has how ever posted the proposal at http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_a......
3. Bear in mind that this is not "the bill" until the house passes it and it to the senate which will have it's own bill. the 2 bills will be merged and then after another passage by the house and senate it goes to the president. It will be very different from the bill as now written.

1. You state "There are laws that govern the media and if news they report is untruthful they have to retract and so forth." Unfortunately this is factually incorrect as the attacking of politicians is exempt from those laws under freedom of speech. There is no requirement that claims against politicians be factual and lies about politicians are frequent, with no legal recourse.
2. You state the whitehouse is not publishing the 2000 page medical reform bill. As it is still a house proposal the white house has no control of it until both the house and senate pass the house proposal. The house has how ever posted the proposal at http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_a...
3. Bear in mind that this is not "the bill" until the house passes it and it to the senate which will have it's own bill. the 2 bills will be merged and then after another passage by the house and senate it goes to the president. It will be very different from the bill as now written.

It is obvious that 427 Caro "City" residents seem to have their facts much straighter than ChiefMeyers. It is further obvious that Meyers has not read the charter otherwise he would not have been making such uninformed remarks. He further failed to realize that the effort was spearheaded by folks who were not village officials, were citizens of the community and would have as much to lose as anyone if there is a tax increase. If Meyers had bothered to do a little investigating he would have realized that the tax limits for cities is the same as the tax rate for villages, a 20-mil cap. There were contact people on both of the websites, on which was run strictly by the citizens committee and all he had to do is ask if he had a question as opposed to just spewing his garbage.
Finally, it is obvious that an overwhelming majority of city residents are far more informed that Meyers.
I really don't understand why he prefers to be part of the problem and never considers being part of the solution. Shame on him. It is obvious that 427 Caro "City" residents seem to have their facts much straighter than ChiefMeyers. It is further obvious that Meyers has not read the charter otherwise he would not have been making such uninformed remarks. He further failed to realize that the effort was spearheaded by folks who were not village officials, were citizens of the community and would have as much to lose as anyone if there is a tax increase. If Meyers had bothered to do a little investigating he would have realized that the tax limits for cities is the same as the tax rate for villages, a 20 mil cap. There were contact people on both of the websites, on which was run strictly by the citizens committee and all he had to do is ask if he had a question as opposed to just spewing his garbage.
Finally, it is obvious that an overwhelming majority of city residents are far more informed that Meyers.
I really don't understand why he prefers to be part of the problem and never considers being part of the solution. Shame on him.

I have a distinct feeling that Meyers would kick if he was hung by a gold rope.

It has become increasingly evident, that the posts of one chiefmyers are nothing more than personal opinion and unsubstantiated drivel. A more constructive approach would involve investigation and research, which would allow for the disbursement of facts rather than conjecture.

as with chicken little... the sky was not falling....

fact is... that the village politicians can't spring mill increases... the charter has set the rules of what can and cannot be allowed, anything else is voted on by the residents, so they would be the one's to choose a mill increase. The city politicians are not getting a increase in wages, nor is anyone else.. perhaps you should find out what a village council person makes compared to a township trustee..

i am happy i get a say on mill increases and not just have the township vote and it passes.. i am happy to not pay to the township's any longer so that the powers that be can use it to pay for their own salaries. 65% of what i pay goes to their wages.

so yes, village residents should vote for the cityhood, you will have a say, u will decrease your taxes, not paying to the township.

chief does not even live in the village but continues to spout lie after lie... he has not looked at nor read the charter to see what the facts are.. and for someone who has stated over and over he is for the cityhood... hmmmm does he even know what he is talking about??? NO

I have been reading several posts regarding Fox news. Do I believe it is right for our government to keep any news organization in the lurch? No. Do I believe that we the people should make up our own minds about what news is truthful and which ones are bloating the facts? Yes. There are laws that govern the media and if news they report is untruthful they have to retract and so forth. That said… I truly wonder if this is whole issue is an illusion for us to folly over. Are we to supposed to be as distracted as we are about Fox vs. White House that we do not pay attention to the health care package? I for one am very worried about what exactly all 1900+ pages of this bill entail! I know I am not alone. Do I think the health care system needs revamping? Yes. However, I believe it needs to be a give and take. I heard on the radio a discussion about abortion this morning. Some people were claiming that the new health care bill will cover abortion and others claiming it will not for instance. Has anyone had luck getting access to the health care bill? I know the WH was not going to publish it… have they changed their minds? How do we the people voice our ideas/opinions to our government if they are not going to be transparent (as they claimed they would be)? Just my thoughts.

"Your village politicians are ready to spring mils increases on you as soon as you vote. Village employees are just waiting for you to vote "yes" so they can get a pay increase to "City" employee status." And crime will increase, gangs will be running the streets, skyscrapers will be built, more traffic will run through our fair town, undesirables will be moving in, this list could go on and on. The sky is falling, the sky is falling. Millage increases or changes (except what is currently in the village charter)have to be voted on. Employees' wages rates will not change just because the village status will change. PLEASE get your facts straight.

Wealth will get redistributed one way or another. If the gap between the truly rich and the truly poor becomes too great then you have a revolution i.e. the French Revolution or the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. America has developed the middle class, the buffer between rich and poor, to our credit. I don’t know if it was intentional but I do know that Henry Ford’s $5/day/man, which allowed his workers to buy his products, put both the best business practices and best political practices to work. As the middle class ceases to be in America so goes the buffer between rich and poor. Our middle class is deteriorating because we, and I do mean all of us, are becoming an entitlement society. Some farmers want to be paid for not working a portion of land but don’t expect the government (or should I say us, as we do elect the government) to pay unwed mothers with food stamps. Large corporations want large tax credits for locating their businesses in certain areas but denounce any kind of oversight into their business practice as intrusive and expensive. The list could go on forever.
The day the majority of us started thinking we could get something for nothing was the day America started its long descent in history as another great society that ended up self-destructing from within. John Smith of Jamestown had it right with the “don’t work, don’t eat” policy but so did FDR as he tried to help those that couldn’t help themselves. It has always been us, the middle class, which has held the country together. I’m just afraid that we too have been seduced by the “easy road” of trying to get everything we can, as cheaply as we can, and not taking the time to be good stewards to our children and our country’s future.

To all the village of Caro residents voting tomorrow, be careful for what you wish for in Cityhood.
There are alot of village politicians ready to spend more money. Grants from the federal and state levels are "TAX DOLLARS", this money is not free. Your village politicians are ready to spring mils increases on you as soon as you vote. Village employees are just waiting for you to vote "yes" so they can get a pay increase to "City" employee status. Nobody does anythhing for free and they sure wont mind making a few bucks off a tax payer.
In five years the residents of Caro will be paying more in taxes than they are paying today in village and township taxes combined.
Bigger government is not always the solution.

Politicians are just a bunch of con men and women, who think that the voting public is stupid. They think you will pay them and you will invest your money wisely in their judgement. They think they know how to spend your money wisely better than you, but they are always looking out for themselves first. Bad choices by politicians are always paid for by the taxpayer, sad thing is, the politicians still get paid for their bad choice regardless.

I don't want people in California, New York or Florida deciding what is in the best interest for this country.

I would like to see a god's honest choice when I go to the polls. I don't want a choice between twiddle dee and twiddle dumb. It's time to stop voting for these two parties like we are cattle waiting for the butchers knife.

Congress is waffling now between the billions of dollars of campaign donations given by the lawyers, insurance CEOs and drug makers and actually representing the people of this country. Politicians never cared about the people before, they were always looking for that fast buck to put them in office. I hope a lot more people shake this system up. I hope more people question what kind of health care coverage their politicians have, before they decide who is telling the truth.

Nancy Pelosi does not represent anyone else's concerns but her own. She represents California and their lack of controling their own state budget. She wants the rest of America to bail her state out. She did get a 50 millon dollar grant for her salt-water marsh rats and she seems to travel from coast to coast at the United Air Force expense. I wonder what kind of health care plan she has?

Politicians in DC are all out for themselves at this point. They have a 1990 page health care bill that no one understands and they just want to get their pork items in it before they will vote for it.

When will we cut the pork in DC? When will we take the silver spoon out of our politicians mouths? When will we stop being treated like cattle being manipulated by DC and the political machines and parties?

At this point, they are all lying to the American people.

Thomas Jefferson, who is by far one of the greatest minds this country has ever seen, held one great fear. The two party system.

On a lighter note....remember when tv ads were........mmm mmm good, mmm mmm good, that's what Campbell's soup is mmm mmm good. We had that cute Speedy Alka Seltzer fellow too.....plop plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is. That was back before prescription drugs were advertising on tv. Frankly, I really don't give a damn if so an so can get it up when the time is right. That's something he'll have to handle himself. (no pun intended) I think part of his problem is that when he thinks the time is right they have to walk hand in hand all the way out to the bath tubs in the middle of the field.
Then you have to listen to them list off the side effects to the prescriptions and I start to feel nauceous.
No wonder I wait in the waiting room to see the Doctor for so long, all those people ahead of me must be asking the Doctor if all those various medications are right for them.

Chief.
I would not mind seeing at least 3 parties and 4 or 5 viable parties would be even better, as what we have is not working real well. But I wonder how much of our problem comes from the need for 60 votes in the senate to do anything by either party.
I keep hearing we are a democracy, but I only see a sembalance of a democracy in the house. The president is elected by an electorial college, you might want to ask Gore if it was a democracy as he won the popular vote by a comfortorable margin, but lost the electorial vote. The senate is not based on population but rather 2 votes per state. Alaska has the same power in the senate as Californa, but has about 1/50 as much population. Then they add on a filibuster rule which is not in the constitution requiring 60 votes to make a change. This effectivly gives the 20 smallest states which together have less than half of Califoria's population the veto power over any change made.
The real problem becomes when a majority wants to change something there is usually a small group of senators who hold out until they get some "special consideration" with tax dollars in exchange for their vote. An example is Evan Byah of Indianna will vote for closure on health care reform if provisions are made to protect 2 large pharmachutical companies in his state. On the 1st bailout bill Bush had to add $170,000,000.000 in order to get the votes to pass the bailout bill. This extra money adds up fast and hard. If we could pass a bill in the senate with 50% plus 1 vote, as democracies do it might save the tax payers a lot of money.

The United States is a Democracy. There is no rules that say the Republican or Democratic parties are the only two parties to run it. The United Staes has had other political parties in the past. It seems it's time to come up with a new party with fresh ideas, instead of politicians doing nothing but padding their own wallets with taxpayers dollars. It's time to break the chain of foolishness and demand more from our government.

Holy crap! I just wanted to know why the 20-25 generation thinks they are smarter than everyone else and why it takes 1990 pages for a health care bill (spending bill) to get passed through congress. Forget about the history, why can't we just work on the present? If people want to focus on the past, I can come up with major blunders from both parties in the last 200 hundred years that have impacted our way of life. It's time to put the Narastic attitude to bed and be part of the solution, instead of being part of the problem. The White House needs to focus on the problems of this country instead of media news outlets. Unless the news networks have a valid point that no one will address or explain. It's time we hold everyone accoutable and responsible. This is not about being Republican or Democratic. This is is about the future of the United States. These two parties will do anything to bolster their position and use the American people. We are talking about politicians, I don't think any of them worked a day in their lives or got dirty once on a hourly wage job. They tell you the way it is with a nice silver spoon in their mouth. I bet they all got there flu shots first. Like I said before, Who do you trust the most?

Milinrose,

So as you see it the freedom of speech clause of the constitution is that Fox news commmentators can say anything they want about the dems and the President without regard for whether it is true and if the White House or President calls Fox for the untruths it is communism.
Wouldn't free speech provide that Fox clould make the claims, but the other side should also under free speech be allowed to respond with their opions and suporting evidence of any untruths in Fox's record or claims?
It seems like a freedom of speech issue to me also and it seems you are trying to deny the psedident his free speech rights.

subwaysally,
Founding father Tomas Jefferson used tax money to purchase land from France in the Louianna purchase, which our founding fathers then redistributed by giving the land away free to those willing (even immigrants) to go west and settle the land.
When Michigan became a territory if was the 1st place on earth to tax land owners to a provide free public education to everyone.
When America was still colonies, Americans were building public roads, fire departments, law enforcement while other places were building toll roads and charging individuals for fire fighting or law enforcement services.
Would it surprise you to learn America was practicing "redistribution of wealth" before Marx wrote about the movement now known as Socialism? How did that little fledgling nation with redistribution of wealth make out? Did it amount to anything? Did it under that socialist FDR become the greatest economy in the history of the world? Did the history revisionists then deny that we built the greatest economy in history of the world with "redistribution of wealth"? Did that great nation then turn to deregulation of wall street and bankers, which almost led to a complete financial colapse? Do we not now debate not whether, but how soon socialist China will become the greatest economy in the world? You are correct in that we need to return to the types of programs that made America great, like rural electrification, Hoover Dam, the best education system,social security, unemployment compensation and other redistributions of wealth that built America.

It's amazing under Bush how many rights we lost, but that was okay. The VA system is the biggest form of socialist medicine. The biggest socialist program is Social Security--do you want that to go away. Again, whatever. I believe most of you are poor sport Republicans.

No, dear Stephenc

We are not racist. It wouldn't matter if it was a white President, people would still feel the same way. This is not a socialist, nor communist society, and people are genuinely concerned that we are heading that way.

These politicians need to look back at what this country was founded on and refocus their energies at making the US strong, vibrant, and a nation to be looked up to again. Government run this and government run that sounds a lot like a communism and redistributing money from the rich to the poor sounds like socialism.

Any way you want to look at it, both of these philosophies do not belong in the US.

Oh for cryin out loud. The communist, dictatorship monologue is ridiculous. You're just a poor sport republican racist (as are most Obama-haters in this community). Fess up to the racist title, because that's what most of you are.

I just wanted to comment on the letter that someone wrote about fox news Well, the way I see it, that it is a freedom of speech issue and the White House has no business telling any one or any company to shut up and to bullie the company or people to not say what is on their minds. This sounds like communisum to me. God fobid you say anything against the President or Pelosi or any Democrat,This is the right this govt. is trying to take away, among a lot of other things, I don't agree with the President but don't take my freedom of speech away. I know, We should not celebrate Independance Day because, with this dictatorship we have in the White House now we can forget about the Constitution and the Bill of rights because we can't say anything about it, or they go after us. I'm waiting for the next Hitler. Oh I forgot we didn't have a holocost,UMMM! Or I know, Maybe we should hand over our paychecks to the govt. and let them give us a card with money on it and that is our allowance and they pay everything for us. since they know better than us how to spend it.They are already taking more than we earn. So there it is equal distribution of funds. We already fund the poor, even the poor that work, fund the poor, that don't work. Figure that out.

chiefmyers
When did throwing and spending money around become a good idea to fix problems instead of facing the real issues?
Perhaps they learned the lessons from the long depression of 1873 to 1897 that if we tighten spending during a downturn the economy just gets worse. The same lesson they learned in 1929 when we balanced the budget and and it just got worse until in 1932 those supporting the don't deficit spend were removed from office in a landslide.We deficit spent from 1932 to 1936 and unemployment went down by 10%. In 1936 the balanced budget supporters regained some power and as we balanced the budget the unemployment went right back up until we started deficit spending to build up for war in 1939. Some claim it was not defict spending that ended the great depression, it was the war. Now maybe some one could explain to me why defict spending to fight a war is not deficit spending.
I saw Nixon in 1970 say the economy had made a Keynesian out of him. I saw Bush turn to Keynesian economics when the economy and banks were on the verge of collapse. I saw Regan turn to deficit spending in 1982. History just keeps repeating itself, but not enough people study history.
The problem is not that we deficit spend in a war and in an economic downturn. The problem is that we do not build a saving during peace and prosperity years so we have a rainy day fund when it is necessary.
That being said I too would spend the money differently, but I also recognize that the spending is a compromise with 435 congress persons, 100 senators and an administration all with their own interests to protect. Any compromise includes parts the someone does not agree with.
Did you notice that we had depressions every 30 to 40 years until we accepted defict spending in a downturn under Keynesian theory and we now have the longest period in history without a full depression (Tuscola has a depression, most of the nation is in a recession)? Interesting isn't it?

Chief,
1 If you believe it was $24,000 per car you are only counting 1/6 of the cars sold under the program under the unsupported theory that the other 5/6 would have sold anyway, ignoring that car sales decline in a resession/depression.
2 It requires no great leap of faith to understand that some of the people who visited the dealership to find out if they qualified bought cars even when they did not fit the program.
3. some people looked at the cars that qualified for the program and decided they would rather pay more and get a car that did not qualify. Obviously sales people were tryng to convert buyers to cars/trucks that paid higher commissions.
4 I suggest you read the response to this claim at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/2...

When did throwing and spending money around become a good idea to fix problems instead of facing the real issues? Where did our politicians learn this practice? Must be at home. Some parents should be feeling pretty embarassed at this point. That is unless your parents are politicians.

I saw on CNN, that a poll of collage students thought being over thirty was old. The same poll thought that the president should focus more on the 20-25 age groups concerns than people over 60+ concerns. What a bunch of narastic children we have in America. What a group of young people wanting and demanding everything for free without working for anything? I feel we need to give them a time out along with their parents.

It seems the cash for clunkers program cost the government 24,000 dollars a car. What a hoot!! should of just given the new cars away for free. Another sad attempt by the government to jump start the economy by throwing good money into bad unthought out programs.

Does anyone know???? Is the indecient expose guy live in caro? is he in jail now?

Warner55

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. In fact, let "ye without sin cast the first stone." You don't actually follow the rules, now do you.

I see we have new poster by the name of subwaysally
This is the first post on this papers website..
This poster has taken the liberty to post names that do not belong to warner55.
This is against the websites rules.
I do hope in the future this poster does adhere to the websites agreement and follow the rules.

wethepeople
Are you saying you don't need a background check to be on the Board? Maybe you should ask the Board to look into this as a policy.

Warner55,

Still know answers to my questions. What do you have to hide. As a concern parent I will ask the Mayville School Board at thier next regular meeting if they would each get a background check. The parents of Mayville have the right to know the background of each board member. If there is a recall on this person than I will do my part as a concern parent and sign it. We cant be to careful these days. Maybe we should recall all board members who refuse to have a background check.

So whats this I hear we have a flasher in town?

Warner55, you have got to be the biggest loud mouth I have ever heard. You must love hearing yourself talk because that's all you do. The problem is your info and the facts always seem a mile a part. I was at the Mayville school board meeting the other night because I wanted to find out for myself what's really going on. Boy did I get an eye and ear full.

I listened and watched the proceedings and found that this board member Bob DeCoe obviously has his own agendas. He was rude to the Mayville Education Association President and as far as I am concerned should have been told to be quiet. The President is obviously passionate for not only his co-workers but this school system as well. Just sounds like all the people that work for Mayville schools are fed up with being talked bad about.

The information you gave in earlier posts shows that you must be aligned with this Bob DeCoe character because you seem to say a lot of the same things in your posts that he said at the board meeting. The only problem is what was said at the meeting and what you are claiming was said are as different as night and day. I was there and you twisted what this man said, added your own spin on it and now are claiming he said this and he said that. In fact, you are a flat out LIAR. Now unless the information you were told is different then what was actually said, then you have no excuse for your statements.

Finally, my father, uncle, and brother all served in the military and were discharged honorably. Your comments about what the Mayville Education Association President said about his military service are not only lies but a disgrace to every person that has ever served this country.

Why don't you do everyone that reads this paper a favor and stop posting, better yet, just SHUT UP!

Is it true that Mayville had an application from a man to teach a communication class that was interviewed for this position by a teachers committee.
This guy I guess went to this interview in bib overalls and a straw hat.
When asked about his college education he informed the interviewing party that he had dropped out of college many years ago ,but this should not disqualify him ,because he had many years of experience in that field.
The Teachers that were on this committee to interview this man said, absolutely this man was not qualified.
After all he did not have a degree.The President of the union said to this man, you know I have 7 years of College and a masters degree.

There was small talk around school about this man coming to Mayville and trying to get a job teaching with no degree. I heard the teachers got a kick out of this guy trying to pass himself off as a person qualified to teach a computer class and a communication class.
Well this guy would not take no for an answer.
This guy came to the Board of Education in his bib overalls and straw hat and presented his case..
He told the board that he dropped out of college but he did have many years of work experience.
I heard that members of the board said to this guy ,you are not qualified ,you must have a degree.
I heard that 5 members of the school board along with the President of the board made a point to tell this guy that he had a lot of nerve to come in front of the Board asking to be hired to teach computers and a business course without a degree.

I was told that the Board Secretary even openly laughed at this guy. Rolling her eyes, grinning from ear to ear in a very condescending manner.

Now I heard that one of the board members is a Farmer that wanted to know more about this guy in the bib overalls.

As soon as the Board meeting was over ,The farmer Board member walked up to this guy and apologized for the rude reception he received from some board members.

The farmer board member asked the applicants name.
At this time the applicant said his name was Bill Gates and he founded and owned a company called Microsoft and that he was richest man in America, Bill then went on to say he was willing to work for no pay ,because just wanted to help Mayville Schools. He was so sorry that he did not have a college degree. He turned and walked out of the school, never to be seen in Mayville again.

well said wethepeople!!!
let's let Warner55 think he knows who we are. I don't see any answers to your questions. I looked him up on goggle very interesting reading. For the other readers I do care about the education system and that's why I will be running in the next election for school board. I have found in life that the truth hurts and think that he doesn't like it when people tell him the truth... He is good at pointing the finger at everyone else.

Warner55,

Why wont you answer my questions? Many people in Mayville are asking about you and if you serve the community by sitting on the Mayville School Board. As a concern citizen we have the right to know the truth. As a concern parent why hasn't the Mayville School Board been required to complete background checks like the teachers, principles, superintendent and all parents who work with the students. I don't think any school board member is required to by state law. But, if there is nothing to hide why not. Also, anyone at anytime can Google someones name and find out information that can make a community wonder about a persons true character. I just google the persons name then put from Michigan and alot of information is presented on that named individual. This process is not a background check but as a parent no individual should be involved with any school district without having a background check on file.

wethepeople
I bet Abraham Lincoln had condescending malcontents, asking him the same question about his education level. After all his education was his mother teaching him to read by candle light in a log cabin.

I was just informed that the President of the Mayville's Teachers Union made a comment that they are not auto workers , they are "professionals" and they deserve the money they are getting paid and they also deserve a raise.

Also I was just informed that the President of the Mayville Teachers union does not care if we have 20% unemployment in the Mayville School District.

I was just informed that he went in the service to protect the rights of Teachers to buy foreign made vehicles. I was just informed that the President of the Mayville's Teachers union does not care if the taxpayers lose their jobs because Teachers buy foreign made vehicles with tax payers money.

It is always comforting to have an employee of the tax payers, inform the tax payers, how much smarter and better they are. I do believe this is the definition of "ARROGANCE"

Why should the President and Vise-President of Mayville's Teachers union care if we have 20 % unemployment in Mayville's School District , they both live outside Mayville School District.
I would think that the President of Mayville's teachers union would send his children to Mayville. But this is not the case. It looks like it is all about taking the tax payers money and running with it.

I wish more parents were this vigilant about AIDS.

Yes Warner55 lets get the facts straight.

First, its good to know that you know how to use spell and grammer check on your computer. By the way so does my ten year old daughter. Second, after reading all your post you have proved to the readers that you know how to search out the web and use board meeting information to present your thoughts. I'm just wondering if you would tell your audience your level of education and where you obtained this education. Its seems to me that your an expert in education, law and negotiations. With these high level experties please tell us your advance degrees. The readers would also like to know if its true you might have worked at Gm for over 30 years. If that is true please tell us with your high level of education how you manage to make $27 per hour, $40.5 per hour for every minute after 8 hours of work, $54 per hour for weekend work(double time) and to top it off $81 per hour(triple time)for working holidays. If your retired and your over the age of 65 your pension and social security benefits provide you with a monthly income of around $4,000. That equates to about $48,000 per year besides your so called farming activities. I would say thats a pretty good income for someone who doesn't work. You complain about teacher wages and benefits, come on. You have an income in retirement that is double that of the average household in tuscola county. If you did work as a Union brother you have forgotten your oath. Unions are unions and brothers stick together. We all are feeling the pain of the big three troubles, but now is not the time to rip on unions. What proof do you have that 279 students attend other schools besides Mayville. Have you spoken to each parent to find out why they dont attend Mayville or are you trying to encourage a propaganda war. Provide the readers and me the facts if you would. I'm not educated, so I hope my spelling and grammer is correct. Is it true that you sit on a school board and if so what is your dream for the future of education in this country.

I know there is a confirmed case at mccomb school. Thats one too many..

Closing the schools for an outbreak of the flu virus might help the situation, but that's only if everyone stays at home. I have seen in the past when the schools close, everybody takes their kids to Wal Marts. Are we going to ask Wal Marts to close for a few days? Some people seem to ignore all the precautionary steps and warnings, until they get sick and then there are some people who just don't know any better or care about how their actions will effect others.

I really want to support my neighborhood children and school fund raisers. I look forward to their smiling faces at my door step. I try not to let them see my shock at the prices for the items they are selling. It is for a great cause, but if someone can break it down for me, I would appreciate it. I just paid 30$ dollars 10$ of cookie dough, how much does the school get? Should I just give the neighborhood kids cash for their cause and forget about what they are selling? They are great little business people, their sales pitches are awesome. They are learning a lot on how to interact in the community, but I feel some of these school fund raising organizations are trying to make more money for themselves than for the schools. Maybe asking a local business to donate the item they need would be better. I would rather give my money to a local business that supports our local schools than to give my money to a business out of state that relies on manipulating school fund raisers. Either way my neighborhood kids are great and have cookies coming their way.

On YES! Let?s get our facts straight ,mld

Mayville has 279 children that live in the Mayville School District that do not attend Mayville Schools . These children are enrolled in Vassar,Caro,Kingston,Marlette,North Branch,Lakeville ,Millington.
North Branch sends a bus into Silverwood stoppping at the Post Office ,filling that bus with Mayville kids.
Caro sends a bus just south of M46 and M24 filling that bus up with Mayville children.
The President of Mayville's Teachers Union MEA answer to a concerned resident that had asked why Mayville had some of the lowest MEAP scores in Tuscola County that "HE DID NOT CARE" This same President informed everyone that a MEAP score was just a test of 4 days out of that students life.
When the Superintendent and President were asked why Mayville had the lowest average MEAP scores in the County ,their answer was, this test does not give the true results of the ability to educate.
The Union President screamed that if you really want to know ,teachers hate the MEAP test.
This Union President also blamed the parents for Mayville's problems. Let's get the facts straight mld .
Mayville is not at or above the States Mean Average MEAP score for each subject and grade.
As the Secretary of the School Board mld ,I would think you would care . Maybe you should resign ! mld, you spell the word POOR not pour and writing has one T correct spelling is "success" in your rant below, the correct spelling is informed in the rant below.

Posted by mld
Let's get our facts straight
I can see you haven't been in the Mayville School for a while Joe T. Let me inform you that Mayville is up to state standards in every subject. We have also Passed Our AYP scores with a B. We were at the top of Tuscola county with Graduates and One of the lowest drop out Rates in our area. Many of the Mayville students have great successes stories about where they are today. So I think that you are miss imformed with your comment and you have a personal problem.....

I would believe 4 confirmed cases of H1N1 should be enough for the school to shut down for a couple of days. To prevent the spread of the disease. What is the school's policy?

i was informed of four confirmed H1N1 cases in Caro Schools as of today.

Warrner55
I think you need to find a hobby. No wonder the teachers at mayville are so pissed off at what you are writting. You are a very pour example of a board member. If i were on the board i would have you censored. How can you compare teachers to auto workers????? You talk to just hear yourself talk. I hope that your recall goes through you don't deserve to be sitting on the board.

Hello everyone.I would like to start off by saying that I believe that tuscola county is a fine community, and that everyone who lives here should be proud.I would also like to explain my user name commoncents.I chose this name because I believe that common sense and dollars spent should over ride emotion.Too often people let their emotions controll their mouths and fail to think about what they say or ask for.People often only talk and dont act.If people want change they need to decide what they want and pull together as a community rather than to just let off anxiety.I would like to make things better in tuscola county.

There is a letter on the Tuscola County Health Department's web site to parents reguarding the H1N1 in our community. What is the schools policy on school closures?

Student aid Cuts

Unless and until this most hallowed MEA union becomes a shareholder in Michigans financial crisis, then the cuts MUST be made. It has been stated that huge savings could be realized by eliminating the political meddling and insurance arm of the MEA - MESSA, and placing the teachers insurance in the same system as state employees. Why has this not been required before now? I expect to hear all about the collective bargaining garbage, well even the mighty UAW has had to accept reductions. This blatant scare campaign is solely for the purpose of insuring the MEA membership will not have to give an inch, when in fact many other non - MEA taxpayers have had to give a great deal due to this states economic problems. There are 2 choices - CUT or TAX & SPEND. How has the latter been working out?

I talked to several teachers today and they have not heard anything about any Caro students having H1N1. Why would the school want to keep it a secret?

shhhhhh!

Caro schools is doing it's usual hush on the H1N1 virus.

Have heard they have 3 cases of it.

It is pretty clear to see how your village officials want you to vote on the city charter. They seem to be taking advantage of their new electronic sign to remind you that a vote on the city charter is coming up. What a crock! a message to indicate voting dates would have been enough. How much did that sign cost again? How far will your village officals go to get your vote and see this charter passed? I don't see any other messages on the board for anything else on the ballot. They just want to remind the voters of their agenda first. I saw the results of the last village election. What a hoot!!! 60 people voted? Should of held the elections at Wal Marts. It makes me wonder when the state and county are drawing the belt tighter, the village found the money for a sign that they can post their agenda on?

Don't get your news from MSNBC. They don't know the difference between Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson. What a classic blunder from the place to get your politics. How will MSNBC spin this one?

It's sugar beet time. I see the trucks go by every 15 minutes. It's good to see, but a few of the trucks are in need of some maintenance. Drivers, I want to see you get the crops in on time, but do it safely. Please take the extra time to look over your rig before you go to the fields and into town. Minor maintenance corrections are better than major accidents.

What is the White House press office doing? I can't watch any news network now without them talking about the Foxnews Network vs The White House saga. CNN had a whole show debating the issue. Why can't the White House just take the high road? I think there are a lot more important issues the White House needs to deal with first then what the talking heads at the Foxnews Network have to say. Why can't the White House just ignore them? If they think the Foxnews Network is wrong, it would be pretty easy to blow them off. It has me wondering now why they want the rest of the media world to come to their rescue and take their side. It has me wanting to watch the Foxnews Network to see what they are saying to get under the skin of the White House so much. The White House has created this problem and they still continue to pour gas on the fire. The people at the Foxnews Network must be loving it.

It was just a matter of time before the governor's tax on the cable companies were passed off on to their customers. I got my letter from Charter telling me that my cable bill will be adjusted as of December. They called me a loyal customer first, then gave me the shaft. I think it's time to give Charter the shaft and look into a dish. The governor is not doing me any favors either by taxing companies she knows will just turn around and pass it on to their customers. My cell phone bill has already been adjusted, even though I am under a contract, they still have the power to increase fees. But if I want to cancel, I will get hammered by more fees. How about a little reform in the media monopolies for the "Loyal & Cherished" cutomers?

Apparently Caro Schools have had some confirmed cases of H1N1 in their students. Why is it being reported on the news about other schools but not ours. There wasn't even a letter sent home. They even send home a note when the head lice is going around.

The state is balancing their budget on the backs of local governments and schools. According to the paper, the courts(judges) are pushing to get rid of nonmandated services so they don't have to make any or little cuts. I would rather see my tax money go to the seniors, veterans, parks and extention. But the commissioners do not have any decision making power when it comes to the courts not now or ever. It's amazing that a judge can turn down $86,000.because he can't his way and nobody questions that loss of money.

I take a weeks vacation, and the county falls apart.
What happened while I was gone to cause these cuts (which are posted on the county's agenda)? Is this just amove to increase taxes again?

All retires from the Delphi Corporation no longer will receive their retirement from Delphi.
They have been placed into the Federal Governments Pension Fund.
Delphi received government bail out money ,but this still did not save the retires pension.
All GM salary retires have lost their company paid health care .
Yes in the private sector wages have been reduced to 14.00 per hour.
The Michigan Education Association is living in a Dream Land, when they still demand wages that are 4 times higher then what the people that pay their wages are.
And that would be, every tax payer in the State of Mich.
The big push in the next 30 days will be to raise taxes and uncap your taxable property values by changing Proposal A.
This will be done all in the name of saving the Education for our Children .
When 85 % of a schools total budget is paid out in wages and benefits ,you would have to be brain dead to not see that it is not about the CHILDREN.
It is all about paying wages & benefits to School Administrators and Teachers.
And do not forget the MEA wages. Like the President of the MEA ,Iris Salters 1/4 million dollar salary.
When the famous bank robber ,Willy Sutton was asked ,"why do you rob banks" his reply was "Because that is where the money is".
Why does the MEA rob the tax payer? Because that is where the money is.

The wages of all school support workers are NOT the problem,their wages are around 14.00 per hour or less. The support workers have taken pay freezes . They have stepped up to the plate to help the tax payers.

The new contract between Delphi Corporation and the United Auto Workers (UAW) reduces wages for workers from $27 per hour to a maximum of $18 per hour?$14 per hour for new hires.

It eliminates fixed pensions and health care benefits for future Delphi retirees, replacing the pension plan with 401(k) plans and IRAs. It drastically reduces health benefits by imposing deductibles of $300 per individual and $600 per family with co-pays of $1,000 per individual and $2,000 per family. Previously these auto workers health costs were virtually 100 percent covered. The contract also eliminates the jobs bank which guaranteed workers? wages during lay-offs.

When Michigan schools are going broke and administrator are raking in 6 figure salaries when will the taxpayer step in and say STOP! These administrators justify their own jobs first before they look at the education of Michigan students. I would rather eliminate a 6-figure employee before getting rid of four good teachers.

Great post "Citizenforbettergovernment"
Your right on track. Maybe our county commissioners should be a member of this site, because they seem to be waffling with every post and concern that has been posted here.

Concerned citizens should attend the Oct 27th Board of Commissioners meeting to be held @ 6 pm @ Gilford Township Hall.

The commissioners voted at the Oct 15th meeting to eliminate all non mandated services. Non mandated services include Veterans Affairs, MSU-Extension, Parks & Recreation, Economic Development, and more. This was recommended by the county controller/administrator, which incidentally, is also non mandated.

The Advertiser had a reporter present, yet two editions of
the newspaper have failed to yield a single paragraph about this travesty. Nor have the minutes of the meeting been posted at www.tuscolacounty.org

I’ve heard there’s talk of levying a half mil to restore veterans services, because they can do that, without notifying taxpayers first.

Interested? Better attend the Oct 27th meeting and speak up!

To look at the salaries of the MEA Leadership and Staff just go to the www.meaexposed.org and left click on the Leadership and Staff on the left of the page.You also can look at the salaries of the Uniserve representatives for your school by scrolling down the page . A Uniserve director is an employee of the MEA .This director is a Union representative for your local school from the MEA.
Uniserve is the negotiating arm of the MEA
All of these salaries for all MEA Leadership & Staff are paid from your taxes from union dues from a teachers salary.
I ask that all readers take a good look at this site. Just left click all the menus on the left of the home page
To get to www.meaexposed.org just take your pointer and place it over this web site and left click.

To get to the mea exposed and get educated, just click on this web site or on the web site on the previous post. www.meaexposed.org

If you want to find out why the cost of Education has spiraled out of control ,please go to this web site .
www.meaexposed.org
or just type into your search, meaexposed, you will fined this site . This guy Gil Suzor works for the MEA as you can see he made 136,880.00 two years ago in salary all paid with your tax money. In this site you will find the salary for the President of the Michigan MEA Iris Salters pay for one year of over 1/4 million dollars all paid from you tax money. Plus much more . The MEA just loves to run under the radar ,after going to this site, I know why. The MEA is the Michigan Education Association ,the largest teachers union in the state. All of this information comes from the LM2 reports that must be filed by the MEA, with the U.S. Dept.of Labor All of these reports are available to the public. The MEA likes to hide behind the staement, IT is all about the Children. But really it is all about the money for Me, in the ME A

MEA Exposed :: Leadership & Staff
Look up, Mayville Community Schools. Gil Suzor. 136,880.00 in salary

www.meaexposed.org

My final note,
The United States flags were not posted in the village during the Pumpkin parade. A Michigan State Senator was a distinguished participant. Where was the proper protocal for such an event? blame the VFW again?

To Stacy and Derrick, Is an afternoon show out of the question? You guys are up way too early for me. An afternoon quiz for a free dinner is better than an 8 o'clock wake up quiz for a free lunch for me. Not everyone sees the frost or snow on the ground in the morning. Love your show, you two do a nice job when I get up early to listen. I have to admit a nice warm blanket and pillow has you both beat at 8 am. Keep up the good work, you still have my support. I'm just waiting for Stacy's morning report from her snowed in driveway. Classic journalism 101, Chuck Norris would be proud. Hey! I’m a fan; I remember all the good Stacy moments. I hope she still doesn’t want that stupid vacuum thing again this year for Christmas. How about a midnight program with quizzes to win a free breakfast. Now that would be Sweet!!!

I hit the hornet’s nest pretty hard and now the county commissioners are scrambling to save their political futures.
What is Plausible Deniability? I think it was an excuse that was created during the hostages for arms situation during the Reagan Administration. I think it means I don’t know what the heck is going on and I can’t be blamed for the actions of others.
If county residents voted for mils to support the mosquito abatement program, then that’s where the monies should be spent. The county should not be playing a shell game and move that money around at their leisure to support other programs.
If the county has intentions on cutting the veterans affairs office, I would like a good explanation. Some commissioners are unaware, so they say, of the county intentions to cut this office.
It baffles me why voters never get to vote on county salary increases, but just increases in mils for county programs
Some county officials think that silence from the voters is acceptance for their actions. Some county officials are just hanging out riding the wave of free money.
I don’t believe in that crap. The wave stops here and I will keep hitting that hornets nest till I get some real answers.

"Doughboy91" I support you and your family. I will keep an eye and ear open for anything that might help you.

The governor is pushing a collage tuition program, but cuts school student funding?
Shouldn't the state try to educate the students in high school first?

We need all schools in the thumb to publish their checkbook registers on line ,transparency is a must.

Four more public school districts — Gladwin, Clare, Frankenmuth and Coleman — have joined a growing transparency effort by publishing their checkbook registers online, said Ken Braun, director of the Mackinac Center’s “Show Michigan the Money” project. Braun has been encouraging all 551 public school districts, every charter public school, municipalities and legislators in Michigan to regularly provide this data on their Web sites.

“It’s very simple,” said Gladwin Superintendent Rick Seebeck. “It’s not my money. It’s the taxpayers’ dollars. They have a right to see how it is being spent, and I have a responsibility to share it with them.”

In Clare, local attorney Ghazey Aleck launched a Web site to push the school district toward transparency.

“I noticed a disturbing trend,” said Aleck. “The school was holding kids responsible in the classroom, but they weren’t being held accountable for their own actions.”

His efforts paid off, and the district now posts expenditures on its own site.

With these additions, there are now 58 public school districts and two intermediate school districts statewide providing this information online, including half of the largest 20 districts. More than one in five public school students now attend a district that has an online check register.

“On the day after his inauguration, President Obama said, �The way to make government accountable is to make it transparent, so that the American people can know exactly what decisions are being made, how they’re being made and whether their interests are being well served,’” said Braun. “It’s encouraging to see school districts in mid-Michigan, and throughout the state, fulfilling the spirit of this ideal.”

Links to all school district checkbook registers open to the public are available at www.showmichiganthemoney.org/9329.

I think the chief and wildone have made some excellent points. It is insane that we the people are paying astronomical salaries to county officials, be they elected or appointed! It is an absolute disgrace that the veterans affairs office is being cut!! They provide valuable services for the people that need it most. Key word here, they provide it, not like mosquito abatement. Don't get me wrong that department OFFERED services but did not PROVIDE them. There is a difference. Why is it that department is sitting on thousands of dollars in surplus and doing nothing with it, and yet the VA is suffering? I think the mosquito millage should be cut in half. One half can still go towards mosquito but I would be more than willing to put the other half towards VA or any other worth while millage that served the people. Then again if the director at mosquito abatement keeps running things the way she is, maybe the VA can get the entire millage because the people will not continue to pay for services offered and not provided

ok comissioners the mosquito season is over are you going to do something about how we the public were treated this past summer you know thats are money thats being wasted down there i remember in the past at the most it was like three days to get my yard sprayed this year 2 months outragous,i also heard though the grapevine that the new director said the chemicals are illegal to use during the daytime i find this hard to believe and if so why dont they go back to using what was used in the past or are they illegal.i guess the good ol days of not having mosquito's in my yard are gone what a shame.i say if you dont change stuff that we the public will starting with a new board that will listen to us and not let someone just do what they want i remember common business law 101 the customer is always right so much for that have a great day

I want to apoligize to the readers. I have posted way too much tonight. I am just so frustrated. I just don't want politicians to think we are a bunch of hicks that they can push around. A lot of our politicians are just "bad apples" They will try to use us for their own personnal agenda and sell us all out for another higher government job. Its our tax dollars driving the bus, It's time we make some people walk.

I just don't get it. A public official that makes 90,000 dollars a year from tax dollars has the right to cut a 50,000 dollar a year program that serves 5000 people in this community. The program gets axed and he still gets paid. What a hoot!!! There is something wrong here.

Nothing like the county spending 90,000 dollars a year of your tax payers money to one person to decide how to spend the rest of your tax dollars. Seems like a lot of bad apples in the county government taking us all for a hay ride. This is like giving the kids 20 dollars and expecting some change. When will the county government officials cut their own pay checks instead of programs?

Does the county comptroller really make 90,000 dollars a year? SWEET! What a deal.
How many programs did we have to cut to make that deal.

The county is making cuts to the budget that is not in the best interest of this community.
I was told today that the county is going to cut the veterans affairs office as of Jan. 1st
There is a way to support this position with a mil request from the taxpayers, but like all good old county politics, it would take a miracle to get it on the November ballot to save this position.
It's just like politics in this county to cut the small programs first and bow before the million dollar programs in the county first.
The Veterans Affairs Office serves 5 thousand veterans in this county. The office prepares and processes VA claims for all veterans, processes Soldier and Sailor relief claims, processes Michigan trust fund claims and is the office where veterans can find any answers to their questions. Why would the county want to cut this office?
As a taxpayer, I would rather see my tax dollars go to save this position than to see monies spent on pay raises and above average salaries for county employees.
I would like to hear from the county comptroller justifying his decision to cut this position and how he can justify this cut without taking a pay cut himself.
I think the county commissioners just opened the "Pandora’s Box" of their political careers.
County Commissioners! Veterans in this county are not mosquitoes. We are registered voters and your time in office is ticking away.

Great post “CNGINFROMOUT”
I'm not calling for an end to Medicaid or Welfare, but I am asking why there has been nothing said about real reform yet. The President said he wants to take the monies saved from fraudulent practices in Medicaid and Medicare to pay for his health care plan. Why does he have to wait? If he knows that a problem exist, then fix it.
I understand the rising cost of health care. It does need to be fixed, but creating a whole new system that is untested and full of loopholes, pork and spending is not the answer.
Politicians are waffling between the people they represent and the big insurance companies and lawyers that have lined their pockets with money for years. Politicians are not worried about health care, they want to be re-elected.
My posts are normally directed to “bad apples”. They are a growing problem that a lot of people tend to want to overlook. We always seem to let a few “bad apples” slide by, but we don’t want them in our pies.
I don’t know of anyone that buys eggs with out opening the carton up first. Why do we check? Don’t we trust the farmer or the store? Why don’t we just buy the carton with out checking and hope we don’t have a bad egg or two. No, we check because we want 12 good eggs. We don’t want to pay for any bad eggs.
I watched a program on PBS about the governor’s plan for free tuition as long as it is in a needed employment field. It sounds like a good plan, but I think the governor’s plan and rules need to expand to tuition granted to people receiving public assistance also. I received my degrees using government funds while in the military. I paid about 15,000 dollars of my own monies for a 60,000 dollar education. It was a great deal, but the restrictions weeded out all the “bad apples”. We had to maintain a “C” average and attend 90% of the classes. If we didn’t, we had to pay 100% of the class cost back to the government. I wonder how much money is being wasted in the state's system on collage tuition, classes and books for students that don’t complete the courses. It took me 15 years to get my three degrees. I saw a lot of freebie students from the military and general public that were just wasting money and the professor’s time. Collage and military service is not for everyone, we shouldn’t spend millions of dollars to people to find out if they have what it takes to complete a collage degree.
My challenge to the readers, The next time you are out shopping, Just throw the apples and eggs in the cart without checking. Trust the stores and farmers that they are giving you the best product for your money.
This is how most of us see the government, We want the best product for our money and we don't check. If we don’t check, we are going to buy the bad apples and eggs. Then they are going home with us as our problems.

today i heard a commercial on 92.1 that said buy tuscola county well maybe we should hire people within the county for county positions

Dear Mary Drier
The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS-- This was passed so all papers would be able to keep us citizens informed

Many years ago I was having a discussion with a very successful Business man and farmer.He was describing why this certain person farming operation failed.
The comment was ,He would have made a very good farmer if he could have done all his farming from the seat of a tractor.
Now Mary I know you should not get in an argument with someone that has unlimited ink and paper.

Also I know you are one of the best reporters in the Thumb.

If a farmer never gets of his tractor seat to check how deep he is planting his seed of never walks behind his combine and checks to see how much product he is throwing on the ground or does not dig in the ground getting a soil sample or checks the moisture of the grain in his storage bin or just does not get his hands dirty because he wants to farm from the seat of his tractor ,that farmer will go bankrupt.
If Bob Woodward would have just made a phone call he never would have uncovered the truth about Watergate.
A reporter must get their hands dirty.to uncover the truth a reporter must have boots on the ground. A simple phone call, is like farming from the seat of a tractor.
To get to the truth on the use of Stimulus money by schools, a reporter should FOIA the schools Budget,then FOIA the schools Amended Budget.
Also demand a full accounting of this stimulus money..
Mary like I said, you would not have to look to far to find out how schools have used creative book keeping with the ARRA money called Title 1 Part A ECIA funds ,this is stimulus money also.
Also Mary I am sure if you did your home work you would uncover tape recording of School Board meeting , where a superintendent discussed paying teachers with stimulus money.
The Federal Government has made it very easy to use this stimulus money creatively.
I am not trying to say that Schools are cheating.
I am just letting you know that schools are using this money to cover shortfalls in their budgets very creatively.

Chief, Vito did provide a great post with some great information about some important issues concerning �main street’ in health care reform. I think that we got off subject discussing the people who use these services. And, as Vito stated in his post, once again, you don’t have your facts straight on this subject.
First off, the government doesn’t give Medicaid to people who don’t need it. The majority of those who are out of jobs right now and needing services don’t receive Medicaid. The only people who receive Medicaid are those with serious medical issues such as the mentally challenged, developmentally challenged, etc. Fortunately for those who are out of work right now and have families, they do provide Medicaid for the children until they are 19.
Yes, those children have Medicaid, thankfully they don’t have to worry about whether they should take their children to the doctor or not, but they DO NOT have children just because they believe the tab will be picked up. This is a horrible myth that has been spread in our communities for years. The fact is if they are receiving cash assistance, having one more child is only going to increase their assistance by $60 a month. We all know that a child costs more than $60 a month to support. Medicaid isn’t going help raise that child.
The problem we are faced with now is that in order to have healthcare, it is necessary to have a job that provides it. Let’s be realistic, if you are married and both are making around $7.40 or even $10 an hour with a household of four and paying for just the bare minimums, car insurance, phone, gas, food, utilities, could you afford another $300 to $400 a month for health insurance if your employer didn’t provide it?
Then there are those where both make around $10 an hour and have all the same expenses and their employer does provide health insurance. However, here is the new problem: they are paying out $200 to $300 a month as a deduction from their paychecks to help their employers cover the cost of providing health insurance.
Based on both of these issues, my thought is that we NEED to get a handle on the rising cost of healthcare. We NEED to find a way to streamline the cost of healthcare in this country. I agree with you Chief that there is always one bad apple in the bunch and no one wants to “support the riff raff”, however, we can’t afford to not do something right now. When the cost of something we buy such as car insurance or even a gallon of milk gets out of control, what do we do? Shop around for a similar product at price that is reasonable. We can’t do that.

Great posting Vito,
I agree with the majority of your posting.
It comes down to Insurance companies making millions of dollars and a government sponsored Medicaid system willing to spend millions of dollars into a corrupt system.
I back your stance 100%. Insurance companies should not rule the health care world. However the government should not pour millions of dollars into a Medicaid system that has been manipulated for years. There are Americans that abuse Medicaid like it is free candy. My doctor told me he sees his Medicaid patients five times as much as his other patients. They don’t have to wait for permission from insurance companies for any procedure. He says they come into his office standing on their soapboxes like the world owns them something.
Then there is another problem; there are Americans out there that have chosen to roll the dice. They would rather spend their monies elsewhere then on health care. Are they entitled to free health care, while they spend their monies elsewhere?
It seems to be easier to put the blame on the government then being a responsible member of society.
Vito, I am tired of hearing of all of these babies being born on Medicaid like it is some kind of God given right. Some people plan on having babies knowing the government will pick up the bill.
I believe there should be affordable health care. I don’t think the government should run health care.
There has to be away to give affordable health care to the people, without supporting the riff raff that just keeps looking for another free ride.
There are a lot of Americans caught in the middle. Facts can go both ways. I want health care reform. I want all Americans to have health care coverage, but I know that not all Americans are honest. I see people lining up for a free ride at the taxpayer expense, while they continue to use and abuse the system.
I’m willing to pay for my health care; some people just want it for free.
You can’t always blame the insurance companies; they are the ones that have to pay billions of dollars out to all of these crazy lawsuits with lawyers taking in 70%.
Like I tell my neighbor, It’s probably what you do today willingly, that will kill you twenty years from now.
I believe in helping out the needy to get them back on their feet, I refuse to keep paying taxes to the government to support the riff raff way of life. We give them a crutch and it has become a wheelchair and a way of life and they still want more.
This is an important issue for some, but a free ride for others.
Vito. Some people just don’t care about the facts; they just want responsible Americans to keep giving them more money for free, while they sit back and watch us debate on a computer they bought while collecting their welfare checks from the government.

chief, I don't mind that you come across as all knowing and arrogant, but it really grinds me when you speak about something without having the facts right. There is tort reform in the health care bill for one thing, the cost isn't going to be a trillion dollars and there is an effort to pay for the program not like the spending program the last administration provided for senior citizens perscriptions without trying to pay for it, just adding it directly to the national debt. This really isn't health care reform it's insurance reform. That is why the propaganda being spread by the insurance companies is getting circulated as if it were fact. The insurance companies like the way they rule the industry. They determine who gets covered and who doesn't and they don't like the idea that they are going to be forced to cover the sick as well as the healthy. There's a lot more money in insuring the young and healthy. They don't want to give up that pre-existing condition clause.

Why is it that we as a people can be generous to foreign countries when they experience earth quakes and other disasters and yet we can sit back and watch our fellow Americans lose everything they have because mom or dad got sick?
No person in this country should die because they don't have health insurance. And no person should lose everything they have worked for because they got sick. Are there people that work the system? Sure there are, and there always have been and always will be. But that's not a good enough reason to turn your back on those Americans that are desperately in need of health insurance to allow them to see another day on this good earth. The time has come for Americans to take care of Americans with the same pride and determination we have seen when helping other countries.

I might not always be politically correct or right, but a mind and thoughts idling by for someone else to make choices for them is just wrong. If your friend wants to jump off the bridge, will you follow? I spin most people up for a reason.
My motto in life has always been "everyday is a school day, there is always something more and new to learn"
As a chief Petty Officer in the Navy in charge of your sons and daughters I never stopped trying to expand their knowledge and their goals. I always believed that idle minds and hands were my biggest problems.
So forgive me if I come across as all knowing and arogant. I do it for a reason. It's the only way to get some people to start thinking again and look at their own goals, future and direction in life.
Everyone has a voice, speak up and be heard. Who wants some rich, silver spoon brat to do it for them?

My simple post on "who is the most honest person in America" has been more popular off this site.
Of the two dozen or so people who grabed my ear in the last two days. Their dad was the over whelming winner by a landslide margin. Mom and minster-priest had a couple of votes.
No votes for Rush, Vito, no votes for any politician or movie star and no votes for anyone outside of the communinty.
I have to agree with the majority. My dad was a pretty honest man.

The health care debate has gotten well out of hand by both parties.
For one, I wish people would stop referring to this bill as a reform bill. It is a spending bill. A Trillion dollar spending bill.
The president pointed out that he knew of fraudulent spending in both Medicaid and Medicare, but he has not acted on it. A bill to take care of that problem would be easier to pass. Why won’t he act, if he knows of the problem?
How many bills are being proposed now on health care? Why can’t the general public get a look at these bills now? The excuse is that they would be too confusing to the general public. I think they are too confusing to the politicians also.
A reform bill would be nice to see, but this is just another spending bill. These bills just wants to tax the “Cadillac Plan”, cut Medicare benefits and add more folks to the Medicaid system. A system that the president has already called corrupt in their spending. Where is the reform? What about tort reform and the lawyers that chase ambulances? Why does this reform bill have to cost more money? One would think a reform bill would save money for taxpayers.

It has been a while since I've been on here to check out what the latest discussions are. But, I was told that not too long ago there was some local sports talk taking place.
Well, I took the opportunity to answer some very common questions that I get asked as Sports Editor, as well as address some of the concerns that Caro sporting fans have.
To read more about this, buzz over to my blog here on tuscolatoday.com.

I am looking for a dependable snow plower for this winter. We would need our plowing done by 4:00 a.m. weekdays. Any suggestions?

I bet it's not Rush Limbaugh either

Who is the most honest person in America? Who is the one person that you will trust the most with your future or your childrens future? I bet its not a politician.

My playlist for D&S in the morning is "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henely. It goes out to the White House press and all the news network that think the American people are a bunch of dumb hicks that dont have a clue. They need to be careful for what they wish for. The dumb hicks will put them right out of office and out of a job the first chance we get.

Where did all the good news anchors gone?
When did news become a bunch of talking heads voicing their own opinion?
I long for the days of a three channel black and white TV with David Brinkley.
When did reporting the news become a ratings game? And who can bash the other networks the best?
The White House has come out and bashed the Fox news network for their reporting. The White House needs to look at all the media news networks across the board on their reporting before they go media bashing.
The White House has come out swinging at Fox and has not said anything about MSNBC biased journalism. The Fox net work is over the top at times, but Maddow and Matthews for MSNBC are just as bad in their reporting in support of President Obama There are times when I listen to them and think it’s a White House Briefing. MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann has such a hatred for President Bush that he will never be able to report anything in the next 50 years without blaming the past president.
The news media just needs to report the news.
I scan at the top of the hour all the news channels to see what they are reporting on. They all pretty much blow. CNN is trying to play the high road, but I remember when I was stationed in DC when CNN stood for the Clinton News Network.
All the news networks just blow now; they are all backed by big money trying to sway the American people. NBC and General Electric have the White House in their back pocket. NBC won’t give any negative news about the White House as long as General Electric wants government contracts.
The White House has taken a stance, If you’re not with us, you’re against us. Anyone opposing the president is wrong and doesn’t know anything about journalism.
The news media should never take sides. They should just report on the facts.
I’m tired of the talking heads.
I wish real Journalist would do their jobs and stop being persuaded and bullied by biased editors and owners.
I want to know more about SISU and ACORN. I want to know more about the war and bringing our troops home. I want more facts and not another pretty face on TV.
When have smiles and jokes become part of the news? GIVE ME THE FACTS!!! And not your opinion. I am pretty smart; I can figure it out by myself if you give me the real story and facts.
I don’t want to be entertained, I want to be informed.

When is the paper going to post homecoming pictures??? Something good happens to some of our youth and we don't print it.

I'm trying to find a good haunted house to take my daughter to. She wants to be spooked but not terrified. She's only 6 years old so I would prefer something that isn't too violent or gory. If anybody has any suggestions I would really appreciate it!

I think I'm getting too soft. This community wears on you. You can't help but do the right thing.
Thanks to all the positive responses to the gun raffle posting. The raffle is going great. I'm a military man 100% but I'm not a big gun guy or a deer hunter, so it's a little hard for me to promote or understand a gun raffle.
I was an expert marksman for the twenty years that I was on active duty and I know a nice rifle when I see it. I bought my raffle tickets to support the cause but the "Man" in me really wants one of these rifles.
I carry tickets with me all the time, but some guys buy all the tickets I have when they see my legion hat.
If there is enough interest from the public, I could open the post for those looking for tickets. I do have a key to the front door.
I am very happy that three individuals will win some pretty nice rifles, but I am honored that the Caro American legion post is doing something really special for a family of this community and a Marine veteran.
Your Caro American Legion post honors the past, respects the present and will continue to strive to do the right thing in the future for all veterans and this community.
It's not a job; it's our responsibility and honor to the men and women that have served before us to do the right thing and to aide all of our veterans and the community we call home.

"lkentjo" I will replace your mum plant. Times are not that tough, needy folks dont steal flowers. Greedy and people that don't care do.
I have people going through my garbage on a weekly bases now. I have to wait to the early morning to put the cans to the road. I thought at first that there were some needy folks in the community, but i found out that its just a bunch of riff raff looking for metal to recycle. I keep the yard very clean now, too many riff raff people looking to clean my yard up for free and after hours.
I believe in this community and I will not let one individual ruin your day, The mum plant is on me, just let me know where to send it.

Less than 24 hours. That's how long the mum plant I purchased Monday night stayed in front of my home alongside a few pumpkins before it was stolen. I know the economy is bad, but stealing a mum from the front of someone's home is a new low. While one might assume it was the shenanigans of our youth, the fact that the pumpkins were left, intact, would suggest otherwise. I can only hope it went to cheer someone in his or her sickbed or to honor someone's gravesite.

Laura Kent-Jones

chief Myers
Great Post!

Just wondering I have not seen any updates on this site about the Let's Talk Sports show. I enjoyed listening to this show on this website. Is the show still on? If so can I hear the show on a different website? I am from out of town and like to listen to my old area high school sports talk.

This is off Terry Browns web site.
Notice his affiliation to the MEA the teachers union. State Rep. Terry Brown worked for the Huron Intermediate School District for 23 years. He worked as a social worker and, most recently, as principal of the Huron Learning Center, a school for children with significant cognitive, emotional and behavioral issues. He has been a minister for more than 20 years and is associate pastor of Bay Port Community of Christ Church. He also served as president and negotiator for his local Michigan Education Association chapter.

Maybe Terry Brown is looking at balancing the State budget with the driver Responsibility law.
The more drunk driving convictions, the more money the state gets.
You see when ever a person is convicted of drunk driving they have to pay a fine of a 1000.00 per year for 2 years under the Driver Responsibility Law.

Keep the bars open to 4 in the morning = more drunk drivers.

I guess us average citizens are just not as smart as Terry Brown.
Or maybe Terry Brown is not as smart as all the rest of us?

Breaking news
Terry Brown our House of Representative for the thumb has just brokered a deal to Allow bars to stay open until 4 in the morning and allow sales of alcohol on Sundays at any time of the day. This is insane!
This is to help pay for the Student head count payment to schools of 7300.00 per student.
Now the reduction will be 165.00 from this 7300.00.

And 85 % of all school budgets goes for Wages and benefits.
Terry Brown is a school teacher that received most of his money for his campaign from the Michigan Education Association, this is the teachers union.
Called the MEA.
The average teachers wage is 43.00 per hour and 13.00 per hour in benefits.
Average worker in the private sector is 14.00 per hour with almost zero benefits.

It appears that Terry Brown is the best Representative the Teachers union could buy.

What next Terry Brown ,do you want to lower the drinking age to 16 ? Keep bars open 24 hours ?
That would really bring more money to your teachers .
Terry Brown it appears needs more supervision.
Of Course when you are term limited ,the people no longer count. Do they Terry?

Chief, My Tiger this year was Polanco...I hope they have sense enough to resign him. But close behind him is Granderson for all the wonderful things he does as a person in the Detroit community. Also Verlander and Rick Porcello what a year from a 20 year old rookie.

ChiefMyers-If you have a voice, speak your mind. Sound off is an open discussion about what is going on in our area.

I think it is wonderful for you to mention this!

This might be the wrong forum, but it's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
The Caro American Legion is having a gun raffle to support a Millington Marine veteran. This veteran is a young man, Who has cancer. He has a family of four and has the bills pilling up.
A member of the Caro post has donated three new rifles still in the boxes for this raffle. 2 Mossebergs, model 100 ATR 30-06 and a model 7mm Remmington Mag.
The drawing will be Nov 12th at the American Legion post at 8pm. Winners do not to be present.
It is a short time period, but members of the post thought it was necessary for the winners to have their new rifles ready for deer season.
All proceeds of this raffle will go directly to the Millington veteran and his family.
There are 1500 tickets available at 5 dollars apiece. That’s not true because I have ten tickets already. So there are 1490 tickets available.
Contact your local Caro legion member or the post for tickets and more information.
I'm sorry if this was the wrong forum, but the Caro American legion post is trying to help a family in this community. I have taken bad postings before. A little more is worth it to help out a family in our community that needs some help.

"Vito" I'm still trying to get over my disappointment. The Tigers did give us some great games this summer. I like Jim Leyland and the way he can take average ball players and make them great. It was a great year compared to previous years.
I just can't get over the fact that one player put himself above his teammates and the game when it counted the most
Who is your Tiger Vito?
This year my vote goes to Brandon Inge. What a great ballplayer. I hope he gets the Gold Glove he deserves.

No, ipsyfantasy, I think it is great. Just think we might discover something!

America is a leader and should act as such. If that means taking a chance and spending some money trying to push the envelope than I am all for it. NASA employees are some of the most loyal people I have ever met. They truly take pride in the mission and strive for excellence. That is one of last industries that workers actually take pride in their work and for the most part aren't clock punchers.

I'm ready to sign up for the mission to mars.

Is anyone else upset that NASA is sending a missile to the moon on Friday at 730am to blow a hole to see if there is water on the moon and how much that is costing taxpayers? That is messed up.

A JOB WELL DONE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL!!!

THE FIREWORKS WERE AWESOME, THOSE THAT DIDN'T WATCH THEM FROM THE BLEACHERS, YOU MISSED A GOOD GROUND SHOW!!! THE DRAGSTERS, BOY... THEY WERE SOMETHING TO SEE..

THE PUMPKINS BACK ON THE COURTHOUSE LAWN.. SIMPLY THE BEST!!

THE VOLUNTEERS.. A BIG THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS YEAR SUCH A SUCCESS!!

THANKS TO THE BOARD FOR BRINGING IT BACK TO DOWNTOWN WHERE IT BELONGS!! THE TOWN WAS BUBBLING WITH PEOPLE, SHAKING HANDS AND SAYING HI! A GOOD OLD HOMETOWN WELCOME..

hart = heart, sorry

come on Chief......cut with all the doom and gloom about the Tigers......yes they had an opportunity to get into the playoffs and blew it, but last Spring everyone was picking them for last in their division. They gave us a pretty damn exciting Summer and that last game was a hell of a good one too. As for the Tigers I've been a Tiger fan all my life too and I'm a big fan of Jim Leyland. I think he took a team that nobody thought had any chance to come close to making the playoffs, and over achieved with them for most of the season. When you compare this team position by position with the 84 team or the 68 Tigers it is apparent they are no where's near that calibur of talent. But they have a good base to build on and in a couple years who knows. That's the beauty of baseball, next April they clear the slate and start all over again fresh. It was disappointing that they lost out on the division championship, but the Summer was a hell of lot more entertaining than the year before.

Cabrera made a big mistake at a crucial time of the season, but who can say it cost them the division or even a game. Look at what he did in the tie breaker game. Take away that two run homer and there aren't any extra innings. Look at the stats he had for the season, good enough that he was mentioned as an MVP candidate all season long. Without Cabrera they probably would have been a last place team.

He has a chance to be a Hall of Fame player before all is said and done, let's hope he gets his act straightened out for next year.

"Sumer23" Welfare benefits in this state is "The Holy Grail"
Politician in this state have lived and died by their stance on Welfare.
Everyone knows in this state if a politician carries Detroit, Flint and the Tri-cities they are a shoe-in. Why is that?
What is the biggest problem in these areas? Where is the largest population of welfare recipients? Where is the largest amount of welfare and Medicaid fraud?
The rest of the state might be worried about crops, education, or the environment; but politicians still focus on the three areas that will get them re-elected.
Lansing is not ready to make a change that will be in the best interest for all the residents in Michigan. If Politicians looked at other areas, then they would have to do more work and be more responsible.
This state has made it pretty easy to sit on your butt and collect public assistance, then to get a grant to go to collage. Welfare recipients get their collage paid for by the state. Why do taxpayers and hard working Michigan residents have a hard time getting the same assistance?
The State of Michigan has made it easier to do nothing than to get a job. They make it easy for women to have babies at the taxpayer expense. They would rather write a welfare check than find a solution to the problem. It's not their money they are spending and they sure wont cut the funding.
The welfare system is needed, but the abuse needs to stop or everyone will be looking for a check from the government in his or her mailbox shortly.
Don't be haters of my post yet!
Think about it posters. Medicaid health care coverage, an EBT card, money in your pocket for free, rent and utilities paid for and you just have to have a baby. Compare that to; student loans, hours and hours of studying, years of looking for a good job, a mortgage, car insurance, health insurance, groceries, orthodontist visits, day care, car payments, and a husband that wants a new truck.
Responsible people know the right path, but the state has made it easy to make bad choices.
It’s time to cut welfare spending and make residents more responsible for their choices in life. The gravy train needs to stop and let a lot of folks off.

Wow, leave for a while on this site and everything goes crazy :)

Does anyone know if when balancing the State budget if they did end up doing away with the Michigan Tuition Grants? I was trying to keep up but, I cannot seem to find a straight answer anywhere - go figure!

I did find a site where it showed that an extra tax of .25 for cigarettes, 2% entertainment tax on all movies, sports and concerts tickets, and a $10 per month cut to welfare benefits were all suggested so eudcation money didn't have to suffer but all of the above suggestions were turned down - this makes since.

It is not that there are no jobs in our state is is that we do not have enough people with the correct education to fill them. So, let's make it harder for people/famalies to receive their eudaction by cutting grant monies and such. And not only will we make it harder on adults but, also on our children by cutting funding by 218 per student - this makes complete sense.

My husband smokes and after paying $5 something for a pack of cigarettes really what is another .25 or after spending $9.00 on a movie ticket what is another 2% and my favorite we cannot take $10 a month away from welfare benefits but, but we will take way from students who are trying to better themselves. Let's make it harder on the people who are trying and easier for those who are not.

I receive medical and some food assistance for my family 8 and I would gladly give up $10 a month to make sure that grant was still their for my children and right now - myself and my husband.

I usually do not really speak about politics but, this really irritating to me - our state is saying that they can take away almost 2500 per year from a college student but we cannot take 1200 away from someone who is on welfare? And we wonder how our state got where it is.

I have been a Tiger fan all my life. I have cheered them in good times and bad times, but I'm so disappointed on how this year has ended.
I'm glad the Tigers have always been a home-style team and not like the Yankees or Sox.
I have been let down by my Tigers before, but this year is different. I can't believe that a Tiger player would go out parting with an opposing team during the last weekend of the season with the division title on the line. On top of it, he got drunk.
I would rather see the Tigers lose a 100 games again, then to have a 15 million-dollar player put himself above the game, his team and my Tigers.
I think sorry wont be good enough in this situation, no matter how much Jim Leyland or the Tiger organization will spin it.
He let the Tiger organization, fans and his teammates down.
We are talking about one game, how many other games was he not up to 100%.
I know it's just a game, but you wouldn't want your doctor out boozing it up the night before your surgery.
2.5 million fans paid to see the Tigers this year. As one of those fans I feel I was cheated now. All because one player thought he was better than the game and his teammates.
If I were a Tiger pitcher, I would send him a message with a little chin music around the ear hole.
This could be the last year for some of his teammates in Major league baseball. I wonder what they are thinking about him now?
Sorry, just doesn't work for me in this situation.
The Tigers didn’t choke, but one player did!
I wouldn’t be upset if he was not part of the team next year.
I think I saw him asking the Twins players where they were parting tonight. They are not parting tonight, because they are going to New York as Division Champions. Maybe he should just charter his own flight home. I don’t think his teammates really want him around right now.

The Tigers played their harts out.
We still had a very good run.
See you next year.

Congratulations to the Pumpkin Festival Committee for providing a wonderful weekend in spite of the weather!! The move back downtown Caro seemed to have everyone together and happy. It was just wonderful and thank you for all of your hard work.

Somebody out their bashing our local radio station?
I'm calling Chuck Norris.
Stacy, Derrick and the rest of the staff rocks!
I have them tuned in on all my radios. I have them on in the truck, in the garage and in the house.
I support my local radio station 100%.
The radio station has its problems from time to time, but I'm very patient.
If some people want something different, use your finger to chage the station.
Rock on! Stacy and your crew are doing a fantatic job.
If I could get up before noon, I would be able to laugh and listen with you in the morning. Hey! I'm retired. I have to recover from my parade walk.
Keep up the great work Mix!

What a great day and weekend for the Caro Community! What a fantastic parade! Congratulations to the Pumkin Festival committee and all of the volunteers.
A big Thank-You goes out to all the residents of this community that were cheering and clapping like we were all rock stars during the parade.
What an honor it was for myself and the Caro American Legion post to take part in the parade. It was a long ways for some of our old timers, but the cheers from the Caro Community lifted our spirits and made us all feel like we were all young men and women serving our country and community again.
Thank-You all!

Stacy, I do have a bone to pick. The signal from 92.1 and 1360 are to weak.
These two stations are my favorites. It sure is disappointing when I have the stations fade out.
Keep up the good work and by the way see if you can put a booster on the signal so I can get the stations up north and on my way to Detroit, Lansing and all points west, south and east. I have to call home to see what good deal I missed on the Trading Post. Listening to The Trading Post is called , It's TRADITION. Kind of like, Fiddler on The Roof.

Username: Having read some of your previous posts you seem to be a very bitter and unhappy person whom nothing would please. From your post that said, “Marijuana should be made legal,” it seems as if you need more than music to brighten your life. You say nothing positive about anything. I am sorry that you “will probably not be able to retire until forced to by age.” Any radio station plays music for a certain segment of the population. If I don’t like the music that is played, I listen to another station. I never listened to the Caro stations until the last couple of years. I like the way the on-air people keep us aware of what is happening in the community and I DO like their music. The Trading Post on 1360 is the best it has ever been. I was not originally from this area and I like the friendly atmosphere that comes from that station. It sure beats anything out of Flint or Saginaw.

Teacher perks bleed budgets dry. Remember this pay is for 180 days of work per year at 7.2 hours per day. It's beyond despicable that a state desperate to reeducate
it's self for the 21st
century would cut even a single
dollar from classroom spending.
I stand with those who say
cutting $218 per pupil from the
state education budget, as
Republican lawmakers propose,
is indefensible, if it means
more students crammed into
classrooms, fewer academic
programs and less technology.
But that's not the true
choice.
Michigan must not short change
students because its political
leaders are allowing public
school teachers to bleed the
budget dry.
Salaries for Michigan public
school teachers are $12,000
above the national average. If
paychecks for the state's nearly
110,000 teachers were lowered
to the average of other states,
taxpayers would save $1.3
billion a year - or exactly the
amount of the deficit in the
2010budget.
The salary discrepancy is a
surcharge of $789 per pupil.
Michigan teachers the fourth-highest paid in the
nation.
Let me stop here and say I
don't think good school teachers
are overpaid at any salary.
It's a difficult job, but if done
right, it can change the world.
I am compelled to say that with
emphasis. leave the salaries alone,.
and hope that it's true that top
pay will draw top talent into
the classrooms.
Slash benefits instead. Benefits
for school teachers
cost taxpayers $2.6 billion a
year or about $1,600 per student
That's 41 percent above the national average and consumes.
35 percent of school district budgets.
Take the $218 per pupil out
of the benefits package. It won't
change the quality of life of
teachers, and it's not likely to
discourage them in the profession. At $58,482,
the average teacher-salary in
Michigan is nearly 16,000.00$ above that of the state's average worker,
Of course, teacher benefits
are set at the bargaining table,
and any haircut would require
opening contracts. But that's
not a foreign concept in this
state.
And yet the politicians in
Lansing haven't considered the
option because too many are in
the pocket of the Michigan
Education Association,as are
many Local School Board members elected with the union's support.
This means that before this
budget is settled, taxpayers will
be shamed and bullied into
taking more out of their shrinking
paychecks in the name of
protecting children:
- What they'll actually be
doing is sacrificing the financial
well-being of their own
households to keep Michigan's
public school teachers among
the best paid and most richly
benefited in the nation.
Like 5.00 $ doctor visit co-pay and 5.00 $ prescription co-pay.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all involved in the Pumpkin Festival this year!! You all did an amazing job!! I went on the tour of the ethanol plant and it was really interesting and informative, and I took my 6 year old daughter to the free matinee and the children's activities, we had the best time! I would also like to thank all the people that participated in the farmer's market this year, especially Artigiano, the new cheese shop. The man who works the booth is very kind and he knows what he's talking about, not to mention his cheese's are WONDERFUL!! My little girl has a new favorite, thanks to you, tomato basil gouda...Who knew!!

THE FIREWORKS WERE AWESOME..........

We enjoyed the Pumpkin Festival fireworks from our back deck. They were awesome! It is always so cool to see new things added to the festival. Great job Board and volunteers!

Username.....you have to be the worst judge of radio stations in the thumb, if not the entire state....I listen to Mix 92.1 all the time and think the staff does a great job...sounds to me like you have an axe to grind. You know there are other stations that play different formats....you may have to listen to another station if you need to hear "dueling banjos" to relive your youth.

The Pumpkin Festival fireworks were superb! Hats off to all involved!!

Hey Holly Harp=
I've been following your & Warren's conservation about Mosquito ABatement as well. Good Points made 9/25!! Guess the director feels that mosquitoes go golfing during the day. What were the technicians doing during the day? I have been told by person on phone at that department that "Our director feels it is a waste of material to spray yards during the day because Mosquitoes are not out then"
Wrong, I have plenty of spots I know of that are always shaded and wet and if you get out of the truck you will be carried away.
Geez, what a waste of a season, it seems we are back to square one next year, as my yard has not been treated and I couldn't barely go outdoors after the 4th of July without being eaten alive-DAY & NIGHT.
Have a good weekend all-

...a thank you to ALL of the people who have worked so hard to make the Pumpkin Festival a success.

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO MIKE HENRY FOR MOVING THE TUSCOLA COUNTY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL BACK UP TOWN WHERE IT BELONGS....TOO BAD MOTHER NATURE DIDNT WORK WITH US THIS WEEKEND....AGAIN THANK YOU MIKE YOU DID A GREAT JOB.

Speaking of the Village of Caro (soon to be CITY) how is that little soap opera going between the two board members? Haven't heard anything lately.

CONGRATULATIONS to Andrea Henry 2009 Homecoming Queen!!!

chief,

No one is bashing you or your family, but you continue to bash the village and townships.

Did you realize that when you paid your water bill, that the revenue went to the township...not the village, you paid to the village, an that money then went to your township. It was only about a year ago that the village took over ownership of the sewer system, and that's when the village started putting meters on all sewer only users.

Just a point of reference.. you have never paid a water bill in the village of caro. you are paying a sewer bill, as you have a well. I guess it's the village's fault if your residence is in the right away too.

The reason the sewer is run to romain rd was at the request of the developer of the commercial business's at that end of town, That was done years and years ago.. The village simply approved their request. As those business's didn't have any other means to begin a business. There was no secret conspiracy that the village planned out. In fact, there is not one board member who is even part of that board back then who is on the current board. But you blame the current.

So the reason for the annexation... again to square off, so those that are surrounded by village would be brought in. Those that receive village water and sewer would then be part of the city. I for one think its about time. I am sick of paying high taxes, while others who live across the street don't, but receive the same services i do.

Sorry, but we village residents take it personal when you bash us, over and over.. We have been screwed by the townships for years and its time we stand up and say enough.
We are double taxed,the township takes our money and receive no service from them.
I would think that you should be upset that you had a trustee who attended village meetings so he could collect his per meeting pay. Even though the township was not even a part of that meeting. Those were your tax dollars good at work.
The economy stinks, and with that comes empty buildings, which not sure how that again is the village's fault. Have you attended a DDA meeting before?? I doubt it, the village, has been encouraging business's to open later and stay open longer so that working people can support their establishments. Pretty hard to keep a business, if your closed when people are getting out of work. That would be the owner's call.

The village has been spotlighting new business's at village meetings for sometime now. Did you know there is a new factory coming, Yep, you can blame that on the village too.

92.1 "the mix" has got to be the worst radio station in the thumb if not the state. The on air personnel are awful and the music that is played is too. It is nothing but a marketing scheme by the owners of the advertiser to milk a few extra bucks out of their clients by playing MUZAK for the local businesses. Please give us a real radio station that plays decent music. Most of the employees of 92.1 and the Tuscola County Advertiser (which owns it) don't even listen to that drivel. Do you know why? It's awful!! They were listed on the Detroit Tigers 2009 schedules as being a part of the Tigers' affiliate radio stations, but I haven't heard one Tigers broadcast this year - pretty lame. They must have agreed at the time the Tigers printed the schedules then pulled out so they'd get the advertising but not have to pay for it. This radio station is an abomination.

My family has been a part of this community for 64 years. My grandfather worked at Moore's Drug store. My grandparents lived for this community. My mother and uncle graduated from Caro high school. My Great-Great grandfather was a founding father of Cass City. C.W. Heller, look it up if you doubt me.
I find it hard to believe that some village of Caro residents want to bash me like I don't care about this community. They post like I don't know this community.
Are the Darby kids not a part of the Caro community? The soccer field is not part of the village, but the village residents still have the right to enjoy the park.
My family has never been within the village limits, but my family has always supported this community as if we were.
I find it sad that village residents now post things like we are outsiders.
There are a lot of Caro Families that have supported this community for years. This is no time to draw up borders and think the village is better then the rest of the community.
This is a community and It should not revolve around village and township politics.

Village residents need to get off their soap boxes and start asking village officials why there are so many vacant buildings in the downtown area. When has it become profitable to keep a building empty for years?

What are all these services that village residents keep refering to that I get for free? I have a sewer hook up, thats it! My water bills over the last ten years have paid for that concrete ten fold.

“Mamatiger” have you ever heard of imminent domain or right away? My grandparents did not have an option to be hooked up to the village sewer system, because when the sewer system was installed, it went right through the septic field. There was no option. They were able to keep their private well, village water hook up was not available at the time. One would think that the village would notify residents affected that a meter needed to be placed on their private wells, but they left it up to the township to be the bad guy. The township is just as guilty as the village, because they didn’t do their job. In the meantime the village sent my grandparents outrageous water bills and the township did nothing. The village and the township pointed fingers at each other for years and my grandparents kept paying the bill at the highest rate. The house was empty for two year after my grandmother had passed and the village still sent sewer bills at the highest rate. It wasn’t until I moved in and saw village public works employee walking around the house looking for a meter, did I find out what was really going on.
I am not a village or township hater, but status quo running of the government and not accepting responsibility, I can not accept.
I often wonder why they extended the sewer system to Romain Drive in the first place. Did the village have future plans at the time to expand the village limits in the future?
The village is not squaring off the village limits. North of m-81 and east from Walmarts is in the annexation zone, while south of m-81 to Romain Dr. is still in the township. I feel this wont be for long.

Sister ,Michael Jackson was all about the CHILDREN
Yes I do agree with you on one thing . We must look at the big picture.
The big picture is a society must be solvent.
The cost of education because of wages and benefits is out of hand. Water seeks it's own level and so must wages and benefits paid to people in education.
No society will in the long run will tolerate a group being paid 4 times what the people paying those wages are..
Education in Michigan is using 32% OF ALL TAX MONEY THE STATE SPENDS IN A YEAR.
All employees in the private sector have taken pay cuts and loss of benefits.
Now when you get your pay from tax payers ,you will see your pay reduced.
The United Auto Workers Union learned this the hard way.
In order to get the bail out money the union had to reopen the contract and lower wages and benefits.

Relax warner55. If you read all my posts you would know there are a number of teachers and retired teachers in my family. I admitted that in my very first post. Yes I am very concerned about schools. Yes I post about education issues. I could post about everything under the sun like some people on this site but I stick to what really concerns me. I agree the MEA and schools need to find a way to cut expenses just like every other organization and business in Michigan. I just want people to look at the big picture. If you want to stick it to the teachers, fine. But don't forget the other people that work in a school district. Caro Schools is one of the top five employeers in Tuscola County. State school aid funds more than salaries for teachers. Times have changed. You can't walk out of high school with a diploma or drop out at 16 and go work for GM or Ford or work on the family farm for 40 years and retire. We need to look at the big picture too.

Sister
I just read all 22 of your post.
All 22 are about Caro schools and your dissatisfaction with one thing or another.
You seem to think it is ok when your elected representative does not have fiscal reasonability.
Terry Brown needs to know that we tax payers are watching him.
And yes when the Michigan Education Association is one of the largest donators to his campaigns, it becomes very obvious that he works for the teachers union and not for the tax payers that pay his wages.
Even to the point of supporting legislation to spend money that we do not have.
Also do you Sister, get your pay check from us tax payers ,or someone in your family does.
Sister do you think it is ok to spend money your Family does not have? Maybe Terry Brown and You think the State has one big credit card.
Maybe Sister you do not know that funding for education by the State of Michigan takes 32% of the total money spent in a year by the State of Michigan.
When almost 1/3 of all money spent goes to Education, I would say us tax payers do care about Education.
The only group of workers in the state that have not realized that money does not grow on trees are TEACHERS.
The average workers pay in the private sector is now 14.00 per hour.
The average teachers wage is 43.00 per hour. + 13.00 per hour in benefits
Sister, 85% of a schools total budget is for wages and benefits.
Sister I bet you do not know that the President of Michigan Education Association Iris Salters was paid over a 1/4 of a million dollars last year in salary.All paid from the wages of teachers in the form of union dues.
Who pays the teachers? Us tax payers. So we tax payers paid Iris Salters President of the teachers union 1/4 million dollars last year.

FORREAL - OMG do I agree with you! What is up with Caro's football Coach?????? GET RID OF HIM FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! We have a talented team and horrible coaching. It is really sad. We go to EVERY game and every night it's the same crap! We don't have a kicker???? Come on! How can you have a football team without a kicker??? I know a couple guys on the team can kick the football. Seems to me a good coach would be searching for a kicker. It is sickening to watch this guy try to coach this talented football team. He doesn't deserve it and should be replaced. They should have had an undefeated season.

It is so exciting to see the activity downtown. I hope to spend most the weekend there. Hopefully the rain will cooperate with the activities planned. Thank you to all the planners for bring some life back to the downtown area.

Pumpkin festival is a fun time for the family, everything is free or nearly free!! Free dance friday night, free strand movie on sat., free kids activities.free fireworks sat. night.

The tailgate party was fun, lots of michigan and state fans living in caro.

Lots more of festival activities ahead!!

The tv advertising of our town and festival was really good!!

Congrats to the festival for doing such a good job this year..

warner55 states that Terry Brown works for the MEA, just follow the money. Yes school funding supports teachers, but don't forget who it helps the most, the CHILDREN. Not to mention the taxpayers employeed at school districts as administrators, bus drivers, food services, janitorial, para-professionals, coaches, etc.

So Terry Brown supports schools. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so.

Those that will be annexed into the village are places that should of been in the village all along.

They receive village services but don't pay village taxes. So I really have to ask who gets the free ride..

Certainly not the village, who has to pay double of everything. Are there people who live in and outside of the village who don't pay taxes.. you bet.. There are trailer parks in the village and outside who don't pay taxes, so i guess i don't get chief's statement.. To me sounds like the village is to blame for the school situation, the people who don't pay taxes How does that happen??

The village council didn't come and strong arm chief to hook to sewer.

I'm sure those business's that hooked into the sewer, did so because it was cheaper for them. As i'm sure it was for chief too.

Not sure why someone who don't even live in the village complains so much about it. Has he ever looked into the townships and where his tax dollars are going to??

Might want to check into that one!!!

I sure love watching TV25 with all the advertising on Caro this week. You don't have to be black or white, or a Republican or Democrat, or live in the village or outside the village.or a tax payer or not a tax payer, a board member, a single mother or a family, a Muslim or Catholic to enjoy this wonderful time of the year in Caro. Lets get out and enjoy the festivities....

Terry Brown introduced this Amendment to spend money despite the fact we will not have the money to pay for it.
This was even part of his amendment.
Terry Brown has not the tax payer at heart.
Terry Brown works for the Michigan Education Association, the teachers union


Search legislation:
2009 Senate Bill 252 (Authorize one-month ?continuation? school aid budget ) (House Roll Call 480)
Passed in the House (67 to 41) on September 30, 2009, to make appropriations for a one-month ?interim? school aid budget in the event legislators are not able to resolve a large gap between how much they would like to spend and how much taxes, fees, and borrowed money they expect the state to take in during the fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1, 2009. This appropriates money at the same level as the 2008-2009 budget, despite the fact that projected revenues will not cover that amount. [History, Amendments & Comments]
The vote was 67 in favor, 41 opposed, and 2 not voting
(House Roll Call 480 at House Journal 0)

[Comment on this vote | View others' comments]

Vote
Support
Oppose
Not Voting
Undecided
Legislators (Republican)
4%
95%
0%

43 total votes

Legislators (Democrat)
97%
0%
2%

67 total votes

What do you think? Support Oppose Undecided (logon required)

The following legislators supported 2009 Senate Bill 252 (Authorize one-month ?continuation? school aid budget ):
Angerer (D) Barnett (D) Bauer (D) Bledsoe (D) Brown, L. (D) Brown, T. (D)
Byrnes (D) Byrum (D) Clemente (D) Constan (D) Corriveau (D) Coulouris (D)
Cushingberry (D) Dean (D) Dillon (D) Donigan (D) Durhal (D) Ebli (D)
Espinoza (D) Geiss (D) Gonzales (D) Gregory (D) Griffin (D) Haase (D)
Hammel (D) Haugh (D) Huckleberry (D) Jackson (D) Johnson (D) Jones, Robert (D)
Kandrevas (D) Kennedy (D) Lahti (D) LeBlanc (D) Leland (D) Lemmons (D)
Lindberg (D) Lipton (D) Liss (D) Mayes (D) McDowell (D) Meadows (D)
Melton (D) Miller (D) Moore (R) Nathan (D) Neumann (D) Polidori (D)
Roberts (D) Rocca (R) Schmidt, R. (D) Scott, B. (D) Scripps (D) Segal (D)
Sheltrown (D) Simpson (D) Slavens (D) Slezak (D) Smith (D) Spade (D)
Stanley (D) Switalski (D) Tlaib (D) Valentine (D) Warren (D) Womack (D)
Young (D)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TERRY BROWN
512763-CAN
DIRECT MEA-PAC
1216 KENDALE BLVD. PO BOX 2573 EAST LANSING
MI 48826-0000 10/15/08 $4,300.00 $4,975.

MEA= Michigan Education Association
The teachers Union
Just follow the Money ,you will see who Terry Brown works for.

Receiving
Committee Name
Committee ID-Type Sched
Type Received From
Address
Occupation-Employer City
State Zip Date Amount Cumul

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TERRY BROWN
512763-CAN
DIRECT AM FED OF ST CO & MUN EMP
1625 L STREET WASHINGTON
DC 20036-0000 10/18/08 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

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THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TERRY BROWN
512763-CAN
DIRECT U.A.W. MI
800 E JEFFERSON DETROIT
MI 48214-3963 03/19/08 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

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THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TERRY BROWN
512763-CAN
DIRECT U.A.W. MI
800 E JEFFERSON DETROIT
MI 48214-3963 10/19/06 $5,000.00 $5,000.00

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THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TERRY BROWN
512763-CAN
DIRECT MEA-PAC
1216 KENDALE BLVD. PO BOX 2573 EAST LANSING
MI 48826-0000 10/13/06 $4,990.00 $4,990.00

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Mea is Michigan Education Association
Teachers Union

Chief,

Apparently you do not have your own functioning septic system at your residence, therefore either you or the previous owner chose to hook up to village sewer. No one forces a nonvillage resident to hook up to village services. This is only done at the property owners request.

how lucky for you, that the village sewer was extended pass the front of your home, so that your residence had the opportunity at some time, to connect to the village.

As for your bill, I would assume that for many years you have been paying a fixed rate, now that you have a meter it is apparent that you are now paying what you should of paying all along, so who got the free ride... It appears the village has been paying your fair share for years.

There is nothing more insulting then a person who is speaking about something, that don't have the facts about.

As a village resident, i would encourage you to disconnect from the village sewer system and handle your own sewage by our own means, stop using our services if they are so bad
so we no longer have to listen to you ramble on and on about the village, when you don't even live in the village.

I am proud to live in the village.

Chief stated "......There are people in the village who do not pay taxes and have multiple children attending Caro community schools." I agree that there are residents in the Village (as anywhere) who do not pay taxes directly to the schools that their children attend. But, I am sure that indirectly these taxes are paid through the rent their landlord receives. Any landlord will figure taxes, insurance, mortgage payments, etc. in the amount of rent they charge. And as for the approximate dozen annexed properties being ".... swallowed up by local politics", the annexation is trying to square off the boundaries of the proposed city as suggested by the State Boundary Commission.

mamatiger-Isn't it interesting how it is always somebody elses fault? Personally, I am glad I live in the village and all it has to offer. For those folks that can't afford certian things and those that get angry about it too bad...I thought that was what living in a democracy and a country that cares about its neighbors is all about.

So now the village is responsible for everything at the school, and everyone who is attending caro schools with multiple kids that don't pay taxes.... This makes absolutely no sense

I guess the village is just responsible for just about everything that happens in Caro.. hmmmmm

Caro Village residents don't be bashing the local township residents when you won't speak up about your own Riff Raff residents first! The Caro village is a nice glass house.

My response to resent postings.
I have a club where the members want “Redrose” and “Johnpublic” to join the club. We will let them vote to see if they want to join, but if the membership of the club votes them in, their vote is irrelevant. Welcome to the club “Redrose” and “Johnpublic” How would you like to be swallowed up by local politics?
“Redrose” What village services do you keep referring to that I get for free? I have a village sewer hook up that I did not ask for, just so that the village could add TSC, Save-a-Lot, and the apartment complex on Romain Drive to their system. I pay a water bill like everyone else, but the difference is, I don’t have village water. They charge me on what they think I put into their sewer system. I have a meter on my well that public work workers still can’t figure out. I am a single man and my water bills have not been consistent for five years. That is the only village service I receive.
Before we start criticizing township residents getting a free ride, maybe someone should look within the village for the residents getting the real free ride. There has not been a student attending Caro community schools at this residence in 50 years, but the residence of this property have paid their taxes every year and now twice a year to the local school system. There are people in the village who do not pay taxes and have multiple children attending Caro community schools. The village has residents that don’t even know what a 1040 form looks like and have never paid any kind of taxes. This community has been paying for these village residents for years. Check my facts? Some people need to check their own facts before they get on the soapbox. If these village residents pay no taxes to the government, they sure are not paying any taxes to the village.
Who is really getting a free ride in the village?
Why don’t posters go after the dead beats instead of the taxpayers?
Deadbeat freeloaders don’t care who is going to pay their bills, put money in their pockets and they sure will not be posting on this site any time soon.

I hope they do not close the pool either. They have a good program.

So maybe the coffee shop talk is true. Caro hires a coach because of who they are not if they can really coach. I agree we need a change in girls basketball and boys baseball.

Warren - glad a local attorney called you. I think you definitely need their input.

Marlene,
A local attorney saw my questions to you and called me with the answers and a lot more questions.
A Montcalm county commissioner tells me we are spending $1.2 million per year more on the judicial system than they are. Their may be reasons for this that make sense, but one thing that popped up was we spend $170,000 more for court appointed attorneys. Again this may not indicate anything wrong as one or two big cases can throw a years budget way off.
It has been some time since I did the evanuation in St. Clair county, but it was the consenus then that hiring several part time public defenders was the most efficient for lower costs and still providing reasonable legal representation to the accused. Just being the lowest costs may only mean the accused are not getting adequate representation so more study is needed.

Warren - I don't have those answers for you, sorry. Are you looking into creating a public defender's office?

johnqpublic,

Thanks... chief has been going on and on about the village without ever knowing the facts. He complains about the village, but has facts wrong, and yet don't see a need to attend a meeting to get the facts right.. but again complains..

Those that are purposed into the annexation are residents whom are in islands, surrounded by village residents who pay full rates...those people living in the islands, who should be in the village to begin with. They have gotten breaks on village services while the rest of us has had to pay full price.

Chief being one of them himself..

The pool issue.... that has been leaking for years.. In fact it was brought up i believe at one of the meetings when redoing the school had their first meeting.

I hope it does not close... I know several families who are on swimmers who would leave to better their opportunity should it close.

Boy varsity basketball will be getting a new coach. Shame we can say the same for girls basketball. They are a joke.

Along with the football team.. Agreed they are a joke too
I think it's bad when a football coach does not know when he has too many players on the field, perhaps he is too old to be doing this anymore..

I haven't heard of any leaks in the Caro High School pool and I know alot of parents of kids that swim. The pool is to valuable to not use. If you want to know for sure you could call the office.

I do know what is leaking though. The varsity football team is leaking oil. The same way they have for most of the 20 some years Al Boydston has been coaching. He had maybe two or three good years when he had a stud quarterback. Every year and week it's the same thing. Run the same five or six plays. Last year they ran the same back up the middle almost every play. This year if the back is on the right he's running left. If he's on the left he's running right. The only person making to many yards is the QB and thats to the sidelines every down to get the same five or six plays. Ever heard of signals, a wrist band, or a substution player bring in the play? No wonder the QB is worn out by the 4th quarter. Why don't we adjust the 4/3 defense or stack the box when the other teams are running over us play after play? Why don't we attempt to kick an extra point when you have three kids who can? A couple points here or there would make a big diference. Northbranch ring a bell?

How much more mediocre coaching can we continue to put up with? Caro should be 4 and 1 or maybe 5 and 0 this year if not for the coaching. The kids play their tails off every week and get let down by the system. Time to get a winner leading this team.(not Kraig Houthoofd) Time to install a system that want's to win, not just keep the same coaches around because its the easy thing to do.

Not to mention the varsity girls basketball or boys varsity baseball teams and those coaches. Same mediocre mind set. Waste talent and lose year after year.

Chief: You recently commented that "The residents in the annexation zone are at the mercy of the village voters. They have no voice and are up against tremendous odds. A few homeowners against the whole village?" The fact is that all persons living within the proposed boundaries of the new city are eligible to vote in the upcoming Village-to-City Election. These residents will have a voice. Please check your facts before you post!!

Marlene
Whether the $200,000 per year is paid to 1 person or spread among 10 does not change the rate of pay.
I was chairman of the committee that studied creation of a public defenders office in St. Clair County many years ago. We ran ads in several papers to hire attorneys for the the public defenders positions and had them tell us what they would come to work for. The wages they wanted were so low I dropped out of law school because I could not afford the cut in pay.
If we had a public defender office you would need one well experienced lawyer and others with less experience who could go to the experienced lawyer for advice, as we do in the prosecutors office.
The 08 budget calls for $409,500 for court appointed attorneys and the judge wants an additional $85,000 for $494,000. The prosecuting attorneys office budget is for $505,000 including wages and fringes. But the prosecutors should be reviewing many cases where no charges are ever filed and many cases where the defendant provides his/her own attorney (they are not all indigent).
The lowest bidder is cheaper, but courts complain about the quality of the defense as low bidders are often inexperienced or lazy who will work cheap.
Paying $30 per hour just over pays some attorneys and underpays some others.
Do you know how many are on staff at prosecuting attornys office? Do you know how long this $100 per hour has been going on?

Warren: I don't think any of the attorneys are spending 40 hours per week on court-appointed cases. But for the sake of argument, if they are and Roggenbuck only wants to pay them $30 per hour, that wouldn't even cover their overhead for the year (including malpractice insurance). Defendants are assessed court fees upon sentencing, which includes reimbursement for court-appointed attorney fees. Make sure you are looking at the entire picture. I think the county was getting a better deal when the services were contracted out to the lowest bidder.

Thanks Holley
That answers my questions on mosquito abatement.

I have been working on the county paying court appointed attorneys $100 per hour, which (40 hrs per week x 50 weeks per year)comes out to $200,000 per year. The attorney General is paid $124,900 and is one the best paid attorney generals in the country.
Do you know how long this has been going on? I was told yesterday it was happening 2 or 3 years ago. Do you know if that is correct and if so what the commissioners have done about it.

Warren- The department also owns a Malibu that was original bought for the purpose of the director to drive to meetings and for employees to drive when a truck wasn't as feasible. (For example, 4 technicians could take it to Saginaw for the state licensing exam instead of 2 trucks.) As for what it is used for now, I do not know. They also have a Chevy Colorado that is used by the biologist, when he goes out and sets traps, does testing etc.

Its time to look at the issues instead of looking at what party one belongs to.
Its time to stop the Bush and Obama bashing and get over our own Narcissism.
It’s not all about me.

How unfair politics have become.

I am all for the village of Caro becoming a City, but is annexations needed?

The residents in the annexation zone are at the mercy of the village voters. They have no voice and are up against tremendous odds. A few homeowners against the whole village?

It will be as if they are just swallowed up into the whole village political agenda.

Annexation is not needed for the village to become a city, but village politicians will continue to pick off one resident at a time to take a jab at the townships.

Annexation for the village of Caro is not done yet.

It’s just a matter of time before they look to expand

Ruralgirl,

I have heard that too, No clue if it's true or not, but it wouldn't surprise me, The pool i know has been leaking. Not sure why that wasn't one of the things fixed when they received all that money.

Seems something that has several swim programs, would of been fixed. But i'm sure the powers that be, don't think the pool is needed.

Holley,
The county lists 19 vehicles, do you know what the other 2 vehicles are about? Does the director and maybe one other person get a vehicle to drive or maybe some other type of vehicle?

Warren- Well I've done some checking and I found some numbers for you (and any one else that may be interested) as well as some rather "interesting" information. For the majority of the summer there was 11 technicians on first shift and 9 on second, with 17 total trucks in the fleet and 15 of them able to spray roads at night. After the first lay off a few weeks ago the number of technicians dropped to 10 total. All on second shift and the number of trucks hasn't changed. The interesting part is that none of the technicians are spraying yards anymore. They are ONLY spraying golf courses and parks but continuing to treat breeding habitats (tires, buckets, anything that holds water) for general residents. Now my question for the department is this: If there are mosquitoes at parks and golf courses wouldn't it make sense that they're in peoples yards too?
I have also learned one other little tid-bit, that I think might better be answered by the commissioners. Earlier in the season it was decided that driving a truck through someone's yard to spray was unsafe. (Something that I must say I tend to agree with.) But as I've said in previous posts technicians are told to walk through yards well after dark. An order that has resulted in many technician injuries such as falling into holes causing sprained ankles, getting rope burn across the neck from clothes lines, and one tech. tripping and falling so hard that it caused bruising of internal organs. This all makes me wonder. If it is unsafe for trucks with headlights to drive through a yard why is it safe for people to walk with no lights through it? Are the commissioners putting more value on a truck than a persons health and safety? Or are they just choosing to be negligent on the whole situation? These people really need to wake up and start taking notice of the bigger issues going on around them! If they're not noticing the actions of the director at mosquito abatement now (her first year in the position) what's it going to be like next year?

I am sorry to interrupt the current train of thought but does anyone know the answer to my question? I have heard that this is the last year that the swimming pool at the Caro High School will be open. Is this true?

Chief Meyers,
A new poll finds that despite President Obama's efforts to appeal for support for his health care plan, the majority of Americans don't think he has really done a good job of explaining what he wants. Almost 50 percent are so confused about what is being discussed that they say they don't know enough to offer an opinion. Still, Obama, who has a 56 percent approval rating, is trusted more than Republicans on the issue. In fact, 76 percent say the GOP hasn't even detailed an alternative plan, and almost two-thirds of Americans believe Republicans are opposing Obama's health care proposal solely for political gain. And while many in Congress have tried to portray calls to establish a government-run insurance plan as too radical, nearly two-thirds of Americans support the idea. While his health care numbers may be a bit encouraging, the percentage of Americans who approve of how he is handling Afghanistan has decreased 12 percentage points from April to 44 percent, and the majority believe the war is going badly

Chief meyers,
Your post Hannity replacing Levin is a very interesting twist on appointing Paul Kirk to the senate.
Instead of repeating the GOP talking points you get from Fox news look at the facts including:
- Voters elected democrat Kerry who was considering resigning from the senate to work full time to win the presidency
- the GOP wanted to appoint a conservative republican to fill the vacancy (this is referred to as stealing a seat, something neither party has done since reconstruction an has been considered unethical)
- Mass. legis. changed the law to stop the attempt to steal the seat
- when Sen. Kennedy died the GOP/fox wanted to leave the seat vacant (if they can not steal the seat, then eliminate the seat).
- Mass legis. changed the law back to allow the gov to appoint Paul Kirk, former staffer and long time ally of Ted Kennedy with the support of the Kennedy family to fill the vacancy.
- GOP/Fox put on this effort not because they had a chance of picking up this seat in an election, but rather to prevent the pro health care reform officials from having 60 votes to prevent a filibuster in the senate.
- GOP's only arguments are the elected gov Romney was a GOPer, but I might remind you he was elected by running as more liberal than Kennedy even claiming in an adv that he was more pro-choice than Kennedy. After being elected as a liberal, he started running for president and flip/flopped on one issue after another to win right wing support for president and was out of step with the voters of mass.
In conclusion I would offer that the elected officials have followed the clear intent of the voters in mass by replacing Sen. Kennedy with someone very similar to Kennedy, while you and the GOP and Fox have done everything possible to subvert the will of the voters, by preventing mass from have the two senate seats the constitution provides for.
Further health care reform is what this is all about. The facts are:
- The constitution was designed for a majority in the house and the senate and the presidents signature to make law. The constitution has no provision for a 60 vote majority or a filibuster.
- when the right wing. the GOP and Fox could not win 50% of the elected representatives, they went to the filibuster of requiring 60 of 100 senator to pass a health bill
- now fearing there would be 60 votes to stop a filibuster the right wing, Fox and the GOP wants that seat to be left vacant, effectively requiring 60 of 99 votes to pass the bill.

Conclusion: Replacing Levin with Sean is virtual opposites which clearly twarts the will of the voters. Replacing Sen Kennedy with Paul Kirk is doing the clear intent of the voters. So the Mass legislature has responded to the will of the people of the state, which is exactly what they were hired to do. I congradulate them for responding to the will of their constituents rather than be chased off by those seeking to thwart the will of their constituents.

chief Meyers
There you go again you claim "I don’t agree with you calling out the Tricare health care plan for military members without comparing it to the UAW or Medicaid’s health care plan. It was wrong to bring up one side of the argument and ignore the other side."
I have no recollection of saying anything even similar or mistakable for what you claim I said. I do not believe I have made even a similar post. Did you just make this up or can you tell me the post you are refering to.

Warren
Trying to have discourse with some folks is an act in futility.
I think the old statement "You can not fix stupid."
rings true sometimes.

Good post "Warren"
Elected officials get comfortable with the Status Quo. They get elected on popularity first and then find that they are lost in the job and on public issues. They thought it was just another way to make some easy money. Politics is a lot different now, these elected officials better start showing some management skills or they will be replaced very quickly.

What would the people of Michigan think if they woke up tomorrow morning and saw that their elected officials in lansing changed the state law overnight and replaced Carl Levin with Sean Hannity in the United States Senate to further their own political agenda?

“Warren”
For every right, there is a left.
I learned in statistics 101, that numbers can be manipulated to display any outcome you want. If I asked just one person how they felt about the president’s job so far, the outcome would be either 100% or 0% depending on whom I asked.
Both parties have been busing supporters to the polls for years. They both have voter registration drives that are both shaky and border on the edge of illegal. What makes dirty politic practices so bad now?
For every politician that dodged the draft or joined the National Guard, there is a politician that was hiding out in collage, overseas or packing his or her bags for the Canadian boarder to avoid service in the Vietnam War.
For every NASCAR fan there are Polo and Yacht fans in the Hampton's.
For every NRA, there is an ACORN organization.
For every Fox news network, there is a NBC news network.
For every Bill O’Reily, there is a Chris Matthews.
Information is always skewed today towards the way the media wants you to think. Talking heads on the TV have no idea what they are talking about half the time. They look good, but often look like deer in the headlights when it comes to talking about the real issues.
Was it wrong for Rep Wilson to call the president a liar? Or was it wrong for the president to call a rap artist a jackass? They are both elected American politicians; do we accept bad behavior from one and not the other?
Is it right for any state in the United States to change its laws without the consent of the voting state residents? Just because some political party wants to manipulate the US Senate for their own political agenda?
“Waren” you have made some good posts here. I don’t agree with you calling out the Tricare health care plan for military members without comparing it to the UAW or Medicaid’s health care plan. It was wrong to bring up one side of the argument and ignore the other side.
There are Americans also that feel health care is a waste no matter how much it cost. A new truck and a flat screen TV are more important to them.
I am neither left or right, I am just tired of politicians spending my money foolishly and stuffing it in their pockets like I don’t care.
We as Americans and human beings need to realize that we need our right and left arms to live. I don’t think anyone is ready to cut one off to make a political point.
Its time to put some of these differences aside for the betterment of the nation.

TUSCOLA COUNTY PAYS COURT APPOINTED LAWYERS AT A RATE OF $200,000 PER YEAR

Did anyone else find it offensive that Tuscola county is paying $90 to $100 per hour to court appointed lawyers while neighboring counties are paying $15 - $20 per hour?
(9-23 Tuscola Advertiser)

$100 per hour (40 hours a week x 50 weeks) $200,000 per yr
$90 = $180,000
$25 = $ 50,000
$15 = $ 30,000

$30,000 for an lawyer is too low, but $200,000 per year is outrageous. Makes you wonder what they pay assistant prosecutors.
Could the commissioners not set up a public defender department for much less? Another example of our tax dollars at work.

Holley do you know for sure how many employees mosquito abatement had and how many drove the vehicles befors the layoffs?

Warren-
That is a very good question and I would love to explain it. But I can't. That is the exact same question I have asked for almost 6 years now. I have NEVER gotten an explanation about why so many of the trucks sit empty. I can understand having maybe 1 or 2 as spares, in case of break downs, accidents, etc., but half the fleet sits in the lot every night for no reason other than the fact that there is no drivers. Well I can think of a few unemployed people that would be more than willing to drive them, and I bet you could too. Sorry I can't offer any more insight into the matter. Maybe when Ms. Robb reads this she would grace us with an answer...we can only hope.

Holley,
I saw that the mosquito abatement has 19 vehicles, but I am under the impression there are only 12 part time drivers. Can you elplain this ro me?

Sorry to change subjects on everyone but I just have a little something to say. I recently found out that as of September 18th the first shift technicians from mosquito abatement were laid off and the second shift will soon follow. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the guys (technicians and foremen). You all did the best you could with a very difficult situation. You faced many many hurtles from your boss as well as some members of the public and you all did it with poise, professionalism, and outstanding good character. Your determination to do a good job for the public and to always do the best with what you have will never cease to amaze me. My only wish for you all is that the director and the commissioners will take a page from each of your books and work as hard as you do for the good of our county. It is an honor to call you all "my boys" and my friends. And to Ms. Robb, there is an old saying, treat others how you would wish to be treated. Maybe you should give it a try.

Chief,
In refereence to your post Who are these “other people” that the Democratic Party keeps referring to?
So you guess what she meant to say was "I want to talk to only people who gave me money and support my agenda."
Interesting chief, I think it is obvious what she meant was that vocal minority who go to the public meetings to disrupt the meeting by shouting down anyone they don’t agree with.
You ask "Was it the American standing up and voicing their constitutional rights?"
Of course we all have a right to free speech, but I do not believe anyone has a right to shout down the opposition and deny those who came to learn or voice their opinions. What happened to the right to hear the civil discourse that has been a right many have fought and died for?
Where in the constitution did you find a right to bus in people and disrupt the meetings of people who came for civil discourse? I could not find this right in the constitution, but I did find in Hitler and Mussolini's play book under Brown Shirts and Black Shirts.
And where did you get the idea that these disrupters were a majority, polls show about 75-80% disagree with these disrupters?
Chief thanks for posting your right wing republican posts so we don't have to watch Fox News, we just getting out republican talking points from your posts.

Chief,
Don't you be implying I don't support vets, I will match my record against yours for supporting vets anytime. Nor do I appreciate your building a strawman of the health care reform changing vets insurance in anyway. The health care reform bills do not change the veterans health care in any way.
I also care about the vets who come home to no jobs and no health care. They are still vets then but you don't seem to care about their health care when they get out.
I also care when your right wing friends swiftboated 1st McCain, then Kerry with such outrageous lies. It is not lost on me that when your right wing friends claimed that these two manipulated the system to get medals they did not earn, your friends were creating doubt about any serviceperson ever deserving a medal.
Tell me chief did you support the vietnam vets Kerry, McCain and Gore or did you throw these veterans under the bus for the draft dodging Bush and Cheney?

Warren are you adding this health care issue onto active duty folks and veterans to support Obama's sinking ship?

Health care was free when I joined and now it costs me a co-pay. The government will always lie to save a buck.

Please leave veterans and active duty members out of the health care debate. The countries best doctors are active military members or have been trained through the military.

Please don't mix Obama's health care Plan with military veterans or active duty members, They have enough on their plate fighting and defending our country.

carrie2
I have been reading your all your posts,it is very obvious that you are a very intelligent poster.
You say you are confused, being confused is not part of your resume.
Now what I do know is you do talk and spread the anti healthcare reform talking points that are being made available by the Pharmaceutical and Hospital Associations and Insurance lobbyist.
One of their talking points is ,We do not need the total dismantling of the health care system. I see you have made this point in your posts.
Now as smart and informed as you are, you are well aware that Obama has not even remotely advocated this.
So why are you spreading this propaganda ?
What would be more beneficial to the readers of your post, is an explanation as to what Obama's health option is.
A complete pros and cons of this health option would be very useful.
As smart as you are,this would not be a problem for you to articulate, so all of us would be able to understand.

Carrie2, those that are saying that we don't need to do anything with healthcare and should leave it alone, are essentially saying that those without healthcare, that can't afford it at the present rates, don't deserve the healthcare that those fortunate enough to still have a job that provides healthcare or those that are wealthy enough to buy their own insurance. Most people agree that there needs to be some reform to the healthcare. But the politicians can't seem to put politics aside and do what is right for the people of this country. There are always a few that are too lazy to work and want everything given to them. But this is about the millions of families that have lost employment in the last four years or so. This is about those with no way to spend over a thousand dollars a month to provide their families with healthcare. I imagine when the talk about Social Security first started there were people calling it socialism and fighting and arguing against it. I know before Medicare these same arguments were made and a lot of people thought it would never work. But both programs are working and have worked for years. It's time to address the problems here in this Country, and healthcare is a problem that needs to be addressed NOW.

Warner55, I'm confused. I've been following (and contributing to) the posts on this site for over a month now. I don't remember ANYONE suggesting that they are entitled to health care, but other people are not. I have heard arguments in favor of proposals that have been made and I've heard others who think those proposals go too far. My personal position is that we DO need reform, but we do not need a total dismantling of the present system. Some will agree, some will not, but again, who ever said that some people are entitled to health care, but not others?

Vito, great post. It is very refreshing to read a post that has been well thought out.
National health care most come to pass in the next year.
The prisons are full of mentally challenged inmates..
Cuba has a longer life expectancy.
Evan Cuba has National Health Care.
Come on folks , it is just wrong to let people twist in the wind over health care.
We are waging class warfare over health care.
I am so ashamed of anyone that has the audacity to think that they should have health care and not some one that has lost their job or someone that has no money.
Shame,shame on anyone that feels they should get health care and the rest of America can just go to their death bed, because they have no money to buy health care.

I have heard that this is the last year that the swimming pool at the Caro High School will be open. Is this true?

chief.............What do politicians know about health care? What do you know about health care? Obviously the politicians are also the lawmakers and they have to get the job done. I haven't heard them describing how to change open heart surgery or anything. But I think they can use common sense and see where the reform needs to take place. There is tort reform in the bill presently being debated. The present proposal will not cost a trillion dollars and unlike the former administration this bill has a means to at least recoup part of the costs. I keep hearing all the Republicans saying let's take our time and make sure we get it right. But what they really mean is ...let's push this onto the back burner and let the interest die, so that nothing ever gets done and they can raise the issue during the 2010 election that the democrats promised you healthcare and never came through. The republicans agree we need healthcare reform but most of them are sitting back and pouting, claiming they don't have a say in the bill. I heard the President in his speech to congress invite any and all with ideas to come to the White House. How many republicans that sincerely want to play an active role in reforming healthcare have taken that trip to the White House? All the time we spend "taking our time" is driving more businesses to close, costing more workers jobs, and costing all Americans affordable insurance. The time is now to correct this problem and just because YOU already have insurance is no reason to say others less fortunate than you can't have insurance. No American in this country should die because they can't afford health insurance. No American should lose everything they own because they got sick.

Redrose, I don't mind debating issues with someone, but I would hope that they would listen to what I said before they try to tell me their opinion. My last post said: "If all they want to do is hold a prayer service, I have no objection." Does that sound as if I think they don't have a right there?

Everyone has a right to congregate on Capitol Hill. I don't care what they're there for (prayer, protest, whatever). I was only mentioning that many Muslims have an agenda -- to turn this country into a Muslim country. Frankly, I believe they will be successful. The average American seems to not care what happens to this country, as long as the government promises to meet all their needs from cradle to grave.

Retired military insurance benefits passed by politicians called Tricare

TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Prime is a managed care option offering the most affordable and comprehensive coverage. TRICARE Prime is available in the North, South and West Regions in areas known as Prime Service Areas to all beneficiaries who are not entitled to Medicare due to age (65). Enrollment is required to participate in TRICARE Prime.

.

Out-of-Pocket Costs
Active duty service members and their families pay no enrollment fees and no out-of-pocket costs for any type of care as long as care is received from the PCM or with a referral. All other beneficiaries pay annual enrollment fees ($230/year for individuals or $460/year for families), and the cost for care is based on where the care is received. Here's a quick snapshot of TRICARE Prime costs:

MTF
Network Provider

Outpatient Care
$0
$12 per visit

Inpatient Care
$0
$11 per day ($25 minimum charge)

Carrie,

The USA is country that allows everyone to practice their own religion. There are Christians as well as Muslims and our country does not discriminate against that practice. If you allow Christians to attend things then so must you allow Muslims. No matter what you approve or disapprove of. Now will there be Christians at Capital Hill protesting the Muslims? Can't allow one without allowing all.

I suppose it was a bunch of politicians that gave health care to all retired military service members.
I support health care for retired military members 100%.
Now Chiefmyers, do you have this health coverage? Or do you just like to call the kettle black?

What do all these politicians know about health care in this country? In six month, you would think they were all doctors.
Health care needs to be reformed in this country. It doesn't need a politician looking to get re-elected to get the job done.
It is no surprise to me to see politicians distanting themselves from this train wreck.

Great post "Vito"
Glad to hear from an old friend.
I am all for health care reform, I do not support a health care spending bill.
If this present administration is aware of fraudulent spending in Medicaid and Medicare. They should correct it without out a bill.
Where is tort reform? Where is prescription reform?
This bill goes after Insurance companies, but what about the drug makers?
Who does this present health care bill help? Illegal Americans? Americans hoarding their own monies waiting for the government to take care of them? Americans looking for a free ride?
We have a bad system in place, but by no means will it take a trillion dollars to fix.
I am all for Health care reform, It doesn't take billions of dollars to fix.
This present administration feels that spending more will correct all the ills of the last forty years.
They need to take a little time and research the whole problem before they throw money into the abyss. We do need reform and we do need to correct fraudulent spending, but we do not need a government throwing billions of dollars into a broke health care system and then try to run it.

Wkoper, If all they want to do is hold a prayer service, I have no objection. I, personally, think there may be more to it than that. Christians are not trying to turn the country into a theocracy. Some Muslims have, more than once, stated that is exactly their intent. It has been stated that they intend to use our own freedoms against us, get elected to positions in government and turn us into a Muslim country without having to fight a war here. There have also been calls from Muslims for this country to adopt Sharia law. Personally, I'm not in favor of stoning women for adultery and cutting off hands for theft.

carrrie2,
How does this differ from the views and beliefs of the christian right regarding politics and the White House? Religion has no place in government, the founding fathers understood this.

In case any of you missed this, here's an interesting tidbit: On Friday, Sept. 25, there will be a meeting of Muslims on Capitol Hill. The advertised purpose is for a prayer meeting.

One of the organizers, Dr. Ahmad Dwidar of the Islamic Center in New York, said that he was inspired to plan this event with the election of President Obama and his speech to Muslims in Egypt.

In an interview with the Middle East Broadcasting Centre, he referenced a sermon he heard several years ago. The speaker said that "Through the domination of Islam and its ideas, the White House will change. We are going to the White House so that Islam will be victorious, Allah willing, and the White House will turn into the Muslim House." Dwidar stresses that this event is not about force, just prayer, and change will come with Muslims being good citizens and the best at what they do (doctors, teachers, etc.).

Abdul Malik, another organizer once stated, "Democracy is not revelation, and democracy does not equal freedom, for in democracy you have apartheid, you have slavery, you have homosexuality, you have lesbianism, you have gambling, you have all of the voices that are against the spirit of truth; so no, we do not want to democratize Islam, we want to Islamize democracy. That's what we want."

The web site advertising this event is www.IslamOnCapitolHill. The web site says "The peace, beauty, and solidarity of Islam will shine through America's capitol. As I said, it is advertised as a time of prayer, and maybe it is, but I was left to wonder about the slogan that appears on each page of the site, "Our Time Has Come."

Chief, when you and others realize that the health care reform is an economic issue, maybe you'll open your eyes and insist that something gets done. The increasing cost of healthcare is driving business away. We can't continue to pay more and more for health insurance and just sit back and watch more businesses close their doors because of it. Everyone that has insurance is worried that someone else is gonna get a free ride and they'll be paying for it. But they fail to realize that they are already paying for people to use the ER as if it were a family practice. They can't be denied there and guess what? They aren't the ones that end up footing the bill. We need health care reform to close all the insurance loopholes and make the cost of insurance reasonable for ALL American citizens, not just those that are wealthy enough to afford decent health care. This health care issue will go a long way towards solving many of the economic problems that we face.

Where can I find real information on Acorn, Apollo or the czars the president has appointed?
The slippery slope is getting slippery.

For every bad Republican coment in the past, I can find a Democrate blunder that will equal it.
If you want to hang Rep Wilson, than fry anybody that has 80,000 dollars in a frezzer.
Tit for tat government is no way to resolve any problem.
Great posts carrie2, just reading along.

Warren, we protect our country first, our shipmates second and let the politicians sort out the rest.
I don't know about you, but Ill throw a politician under the bus before one of my seaman.
Politics and services to this country are two different things.
A brow beating by the president is enough for me.
Why do you want to make Rep. Wilson comments more of an issue than this? If it was A Democrat brow beating Bush's war plan would you be so eager to bring up their past?
It's one thing to be political and it's another to find a hole in the armor and exploit it just to prove your point.

Chief
I was un the U.S. navy during vietnam.
So you think Joe Wilson should have been handled with a one on one with the president in the white house. It is my understanding that Joe Wilson being a member of the national guard is under the chain of command of the govenor, which would mean both a lack of judgement on the president's part and a major breach of protecal.
I would also reference you to Carrie2's post "Further in his comments, he said, "President Bush's statements about children's health shouldn't be taken any more seriously than his lies about the war in Iraq." Unlike Wilson, Stark, at first, refused to apologize, only doing so when threatened with censure."
When the GOP was ready to censure Stark (a stronger disipline)it is hard to justify why they voted not to take action for what Wilson did isn't it?
When more Americans believe we have never been to the moon that agree with your position, it may be time for you to reconsider your position.

Great post "Wkoper"
I think change will come when Americans look at their politicians as equals. Instead of looking at them as royalty or pop stars. They put their pants on the same way as all Americans, one leg at a time. They eat and use the toilet like everyone else. Representatives and Senators are supposed to represent the people and not themselves. It amazes me that more people don't run for public office. It doesn't take much to be a senator or congressman. We seem to put them on such a high pedestal, but under the Constitution they are our equals. Why do we let them live the life above the norm? Why do we give them the power over us that they do not deserve? Why do we let them speak for their financial backers and not their constituents?
Democrats or Republicans; When did being a politician become a career? Just another wasted collage degree that could have been put to better use to serve this country. Contributions, lobbyist money and back door payments for who would ever get into a career field that deals this way? Criminals and lazy rich people’s kids come to mind to me.

carrie2, I'm not labeling Republicans racists. I recognize that Republicans have been at the forefront of many civil rights gains in the past. While an independent that leans toward the left and supports Democrats I do want an opposition party that keeps things in check and provides alternative views. Therein lies the problem. If the Republicans continue to ignore or fail to respond to the extremist views being put forth as representative of the conservative movement I honestly believe they risk destroying themselves. I do not want to see this happen, many fine things have come about because of Republicans political beliefs. Extremism has no place in mainstream American politics. I feel no differently about the Democrats and any failure on their part to address left wing extremists. We need to get back to doing the business of this country, the people spoke loudly and demand health care reform. We need the best and brightest of both parties to carry that mandate out. For the people not the health care insurance lobby. Every country we, the United States of America, brought freedom and democracy to have done this for their citizen's. Why cant we? If socialism is caring about the health of every American then I guess I'm a socialist. If this truly is a Christian nation then we should be able to show the world what Christian compassion is all about.

It was just a matter of time before the race card was played.

Nancy Pelosi brought up Harvey Milk, but she did not mention the Black Panther organization.

I just wish their was this much interest in the economic problems as there is in this health care issue.

Nancy Pelosi has been around for years. It is amazinzing that she just started pushing for health care reforms this year.

Are the Democrats putting their political futures all into this one bill?

This bill just blows any way you look at it. Politicians trying to be doctors is a bad reality TV show.

They will beat this dead horse into the ground hoping that Americans are stupid enough to buy into their ignorance.

Government does not need to manage the health care system, they have a hard enough time alone managing their re-election campaigns and tee times.

“Warren”
I don’t know what Navy you were in, but it is not the same Navy I served in. Do you want to know what happens to a Navy Seaman that tells the Chief he is a Liar? As a Navy Chief, I will never tell. We praise in public and discipline in private. As a Navy Chief we never belittle our people in front of others. They might be wrong, but it is something as the chief I can handle. The only person to make anything public is the Captain of the ship. President Obama should have handled this behind close doors like a Navy Chief would have done.
Yes, I support Rep. Wilson for speaking up, but I think it is fine if your going to let Democrats interrupt the president’s speech by standing and clapping like a bunch of crazy sports fan at a PEP rally. If a Democratic representative stood up and said, “We love you Obama” would it get the same kind of results?
For the hundreds of men and women, who served with me and under my command, I can say Warren; no one would say anything negative to our Commander in Chief. The men and women I have served with honor the presidency and this country. It was a bad example, a bad mistake on your behalf to make that comparison and a really a poor choice to bring Navy service women and men into this debate.
If you want to court martial anyone, Court martial the lame duck admirals that are just sitting around the Pentagon waiting for their retirement and a political appointment in the White House administration.
Politics is one thing, Service in the military is another. They are two different worlds that should never be talked about together.

Great post "sumer23"
I never use this site to call out individuals or to slander them in any way. My post was not in anyway directed towards you or your post.
You have very valid points and concerns.
If it was up to me, male teachers would be wearing sportscoats and ties and female teachers would be dressed in business attire.
Teachers are role models for our children. They have obtained a higher education. It is their respondsibility to display what a higher education means and to display that image to our young people.
Community schools have no place for casual Fridays. There are times however when teachers should interact with their students casualy like PeP rallies, sporting activities and community events.
I feel we just need to keep it professional in the classroom. If the teachers are professional in the classroom, the students will follow their example.
Too many teachers want to be liked by their students and they forget the main reason they are teachers.
I hated all of my teachers in school, but I respected and thanked them all when I got into the real world.
Keep up the cause and fight "Sumer23" I support your post. Maybe a little coment here and there will remind our school board officials what their job really is in their community.

Wkoper, I feel the same way that you do. I would, however, disagree with your characterization of the Republican leadership as not caring about racism. That is an old accusation that simply is incorrect. In the 60s, it was the Democrats who had to be dragged along to accept civil rights legislation. Then, we have Senator Byrd who was a member of the Klan. I don't speak for the Republican party, but the conservatives I know care very much about civil rights. They simply disagree on the best way to make them a reality. "Different" does not equate to "wrong," and using a different approach does not make someone a racist. If I remember correctly (and I'm getting older, so bear with me if I make a mistake), it was a Republican who nominated the first woman, the first black, and the first Hispanic to the Supreme Court. That's hardly a record of racism.

I agree with you that there should be no room for violence from anyone, but so far, it isn't the Tea Party protesters who have resorted to violence. I have no doubt that if they did, the "main stream media" woud make sure everyone knew about it. A good, healthy debate (even if it is loud at times) is good for the political well-being of our society. The same type of debate (over extreme taxes) gave birth to this Republic.

Marleneforbes: Thanks for the info. That is the kind of feedback I have been getting too.

I don't believe that's the issue. The problem many are having is distinguishing between the two. When the leadership of the Republican Party are confronted on these issues they choose to side step them as opposed to actually addressing them. I'm not talking about policy differences but the outright racist stuff. They then lend the appearance of not really caring about the issue of race. Freedom of speech is a fine thing and I will defend anyone's right to exercise that right regardless of their views. But when racism and the potential for violence is part of that message it should be condemned by everyone in no uncertain terms. Respect the office, he was elected under our form of government and we either need to defend that or change it for all. We can agree to disagree and remain civil in the process. I would condemn anyone that portrays any president in the light of Adolf Hitler, extremists all.

Wkoper, I have never happened to see the illustrations that you describe, so I cannot comment on them. I saw the picture of President Bush superimposed on a picture of Hitler,in uniform, complete with mustache. I am not going to say that what you describe never happened -- only that I'm not aware of it. If they are as you say, then yes, those would be racist. I'm particulary referring to having a policy disagreement and having an accusation of racism thrown at you. That is uncalled for and childish.

As for being scared, I believe the Senator was referring to the people protesting against some of the proposed health reforms. They are afraid of some of the reforms that have been presented, not to mention fears for their safety. At one early protest, a black conservative was "roughed up" by a group of union men, and just a couple of weeks ago, a 68-year-old was approached by a pro-health care person who didn't like his sign and ended up with a finger bitten off.

Let's see carrie2, picture of the African American dressed as a witch doctor: not racist? Pictures of Obama, watermelon, and fried chicken on fake food stamps: not racist? Picture of a watermelon patch growing in front of the white house: not racist? Your absolutely right! I could go on and on. Show me some pics of Bush altered to make him look like Hitler? This is getting sick and is encouraging people to rise to violence. Senator Boehner said it best: "The people are scared to DEATH"

Carrie - I don't disagree. It is shameful how some people behave, regardless of political lines.

The first thing I want to make sure everyone understands is, I do NOT approve of Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech. I do, however, believe that Democrats seem to have forgotten the terrible slurs and name-calling directed at President Bush and members of his administration.

In October 2007, Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), speaking on the House floor, said the Republicans were going to spend money to "blow up innocent people, if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement." Further in his comments, he said, "President Bush's statements about children's health shouldn't be taken any more seriously than his lies about the war in Iraq." Unlike Wilson, Stark, at first, refused to apologize, only doing so when threatened with censure.

Many of the signs that appeared at protests contained such foul language that, if you had kids, you'd need to cover their eyes. Bush was called "Hitler," he was burned in effigy, and his motorcade was pelted with stones.

In 2006, Alec Baldwin called Dick Cheney a terrorist. When asked if he wasn't going a bit far, he said that Cheney wasn't a terrorist, just "an oil whore." He also posted a "Patriotic Fantasy" on The Huffington Post web site wherein he kills Cheney.

The point is, lack of civility didn't start with Joe Wilson. As I've said more than once on this site, both sides of the political spectrum are, and have been, engaged in questionable behavior.

Let me also say, I'm sick of people saying that a disagreement in policy is, somehow, racism. There were no cries of "racism" when Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' character was being ripped to shreds by Ted Kennedy and his cohorts. It reminds me of when the Democrats regained control of Congress. There stood Nancy Pelosi, self-righteously proclaiming that they (the Democrats) were going to "drain the swamp" and have the most pristine Congress ever. Enough said!

Tammy: I discussed the lunchroom situation with my student when the issue first appeared on here. She said she volunteered to sit on the floor. It appears she could have had a chair if she wanted one - just that the tables were overly crowded. The kids sit in the hallways before and after school, just like we did in high school, so it was "no big deal" to her.

Thank you, Warren! It's okay to disagree. It's not okay to treat others like a piece of poo! :)

Sorry: Thank you.

Brother: Thank you.

Sumer23: As far as Mayville School Board, I am not even sure who to refer you to, but I will ask around.

No question is ever a stupid question. It is my understanding that the board does not approve the dress code because it is left up to the administrators that are hired by the board to determine the dress code. It is considered an administrative duty to create the student handbooks. Caro School wants the board to leave the day-to-day duties to the administrators which is how it should be otherwise the word micromanage starts getting thrown around. Last year I requested the handbooks for the schools in Caro so I could look at them to be informed and this year we were given them at the last meeting. The board is supposed to be informed on changes if they are significant, for example, our attendance policy changed last year. At least, this is how it is for the Caro Board, not all boards run the same. I hope this helped.

I will also let you know that schools do have policies on dress code for employees,there is a policy at Caro School regarding dress code for employees. I believe teachers should be examples and as a teacher, I always dress professionally and appropriately (I wouldn’t wear anything to work that I wouldn’t wear to church). I support your effort. You seem like a supportive parent.

Mamatiger: I wasn’t aware the tech kids were eating on the bus or students on the floor until this past meeting. Again, as a board member, I am not involved in the day to day activities of the school. I can voice my concerns (which I always do) and direct parents and students to administrators with their concerns. It may take a little time to get adjusted to the new schedule. Feel free to vent. That is the best way I can help now is by listening. I am concerned. I will ask questions. You are right, most working members of society are allowed a lunch with time to sit and eat. Just curious, has anyone talked to the students to see their reaction? I have not heard from students. I was wondering what they thought about it. Maybe I will have to check into it.

Marlene
One of the reasons I read your posts is that you are always polite and civil even when we disagree. Thank You!

Warren: Outbursts such as the one made by Congressman Wilson are exactly what give our young people the wrong exmaple.

THANK YOU Ms. Downing for all you do on the board. I have always heard good things about you. Don't let this gossipy blog get you down. Remember you are doing the best for our kids, which sometimes steps on toes of people who are only concerned with them selves. GREAT JOB

Marlene & Chief,
So we are raising a disrespectful generation? Chief is outspoken in his support for a congressman calling the President a liar. Can you think of where they learned this disrespect? I can not imagine where the kids got the disrespect.
Also chief, polls show 20% support Joe Wilson 80% oppose his action, where did you get that Wilson has an overwhelming majority of support?
Joe Wilson is also an officer in the national guard. The Navy I was in would have locked up any military person speaking in this manner to the commander-in-chief (on TV for the whole world to see) a court martial would have been swift and sure. What does his comment do for disipline in the military? What happens when a seaman tells a chief "you lie", do we congradulate and offer support to the seaman?

Once again Tammy Downing is showing her true colors.

She couldn't vote for the tri-mesters even though the administration and staff had been working on it for three years and were all behind it. What it wasn't her ideal? She doesn't believe in the staff? She doesn't trust the administrators? Can you say micromanagement?

She voted no to the high school assistant principal when it was recommended by the superintendent. The superintendent does the budget so there must have been money available. If there wasn't then why did she vote to move Dave Wheeler? Oh thats right they never did give a good reason or for that matter any reason for moving him.

Now she has dared a recall of herself. That shows real maturity. Just more evidence of her unprofessionalism.

Randi is so right. Tammy Jaster is loud, self centered, my way or the highway person. She has no business acting the way she does in a public meeting. I don't care if she is right or not. You don't treat people the way she does. What makes her so special that she thinks she can act so childish and almighty? She is a disgrace to our school.

Let us not confuse an inane interest in school district issues with the overwhelming desire to be heard and significant. We should also not forget the decorum that is necessary for an elected offical to provide a positive influence. Ms. Downing has proven incapable of conducting herself in a positive, professional, and proactive manner. The character displayed, combined with the decisions made, clearly demonstrates micromanagement at it worst and is of no benefit to the district.

It is unconceivable that those in positions of power, at all levels of government continue to erode the basic fabric of humanity. If Ms. Downings behavior and attitude improved, perhaps we could move on to other issues.

Sadly I feel she is incapable of any public interaction that is not mandated by her desires and ambitions.

Chiefmyers -

Since, I am the only one talking about dress code issues I am assuming that your comments are directed at me. I would like you to understand that I am not against an appropriate dress code for our school and that I agree with you about the kids wearing their jeans so low that you can see their underwear or girls that wear a shirt so tight or low-cut that you can see everything.

But, what I do not agree with is that the children are required to dress a certain way but, the staff and administrators are not. From previous postings you seem to be from the "old school" and by this I mean that I am sure you would not think that a teacher should be wearing running pants and t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc that they should be required to dress in a professional manner - after all they do influence our children 8 hours out of the day (these are not Phys. Ed teachers either).

I guess it is my opinion that if my child has to miss part of class because she has a small worn spot below her knee that I cannot afford to fix right now - than I feel that the teachers should be held to the same expectations and maybe they should be docked in pay or something if they do not dress in a professional manner - extreme I know but, so is missing valuable class time.

I have always thought some sort of dress code should be in all schools - something like khakis and a collared shirt - to me this is a simple fix and I think that it would get rid of petty issues like this. But for some reason some of the most obvious resolutions are the hardest for "in-charge" people to see.

I just wanted you to know that I am not one of those "young" parents that you like to type about - I work very hard for what little my children have and I just feel there are more severe issues at this point than this.

CONCERNED314: Wow, I think you need to get over all of this and move on! There are new board members on and you're still complaining!!
RETIRED: Were you at the meeting on Monday night? It appears that it just bothers you and others on here, that some board members aren't scared to ask questions. But yet, if the new board members ask questions (and they have) it's ok?!
MS.DOWNING: Thanks for continuing to ask questions while on the board! You made some valid points and hope you will continue to do so! While not everyone will always agree with you, or see your side, at least you have given us your side of it.

Tammy,

Thanks for voting no on the trimesters..

I sure would like to see all the ones who thought out the tech kids should eat lunch on the bus..should have to bring their lunch and eat with them,especially after the little kids have wiped their nose's on the seats and windows, who lick seats, and windows, who spit on the seats. Or how bout all the kids who get sick on the bus, forget to go the bathroom and wet their pants. See how nice it would be to have to eat there each and every day.

I sure would like to know what part of this is for the kids?? perhaps you can explain it me.

As a parent who pays your salary, along with the superintendent and principal, If this is such a good idea, then they should try it out themselves, before making the kids do it.

Makes me very angry, who thinks this is a good thing for kids, They deserve a time to sit at a table and eat their lunch.. Could you even imagine any teacher doing this.. never!

You wonder why Caro is losing students to other schools??? There's your sign.

Chief: I agree with your last post. I often feel that the kids who exhibit a sense of entitlement (as if the world owes them everything) are getting their attitudes from their parents. We've raised a very disrespectful generation I'm sad to say.

leave the school boards alone on the dress code. We all know what is appropriate dress. flip-flops and jeans hanging around the hips showing the drawers is just wrong. Why blame the school board, call out the parents that think that is ok to send their children to school that way. The schools in this community are here to educate, not to babysit and raise our children because some parents are just too lazy to control what their children are wearing.
If they want to control teachers dress, I'm all for it. Teachers should lead by example.
If students come in dressing outside of the code, put them in a uniform for awhile. Parents know better and kids will try to break the rules everytime.
Parents need to take more of the blame, look at their parenting skills instead of blaming the schools all the time for everything their child does wrong.

Play list for Stacy and Derrick, "Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary. Goes out to all the dreamers and to all the folks who still have a little kid left in them. I hope we all can remember little Jackie Paper and the land of Honah Lee. Thank you Mary!

Civility
1. Courtesy
2. A courteous act or utterance.

How many of us have it in us anymore?
The Media and news networks are making a story out of it now, but they have been promoting it for years.
Reality TV is only popular when someone gets bashed on national TV.
American Idol fans only watch to see Simon make a rude comment and make some one cry.
We have gotten to a point where yelling and complaining trumps listening and compromise.
We have become a me me me society. It’s all about me.
I have heard conversations between teens and their parents and I have to cover my ears. The teens use words I would never use in front of my parents or anyone and not in public. We have just become a society that accepts bad behavior as the norm.
We have many young adults living better than most Americans. They have no job, no children, no mortgage, no bills, but yet they have the right to vote on issues they have no clues about. They talk to me about health care, politics and the troops overseas like they know everything, but still live in a collage dorm or in the comfort of their parent’s house.
We have become a society that will do anything to win an argument and get our own way.
When will we all stop this "Its all about me attitude" and stop this merry-go-round bickering about the school boards? There is a job to be done and swapping out members every year is not getting the job done.
If we can't compromise on issues, nothing will ever get accomplished here in this county, state or nation.
Civility and Compromise should be the norm.
Leave your cell phones and attitudes at home.

Tammydowning,

First of all, I would like to congratulate you for having enough guts to get on here and defend yourself - to me that shows character and that says a lot about a person. It is easy to hide behind a computer - it is another thing to speak up in public and speak out about something that you feel strongly about regardless of how nasty some can be.

As I was reading through this garbage tonight I noticed that someone made reference to you serving possbily for Mayville - is this true? I am asking because I moved my children from Caro back to Mayville this year and I am trying to figure out who to contact on this board.

Also, you stated that the dress codes are not approved by the board - maybe this is a stupid question on my part but, doesn't this stuff have to be ran by the board? I am just asking so I can better understand?

Any help would be appreciated.

"Puff the Magic Dragon" will never be sang the same way again without Mary. Thanks for the memories Peter, Paul and Mary. My heart goes out to Mary's family. I hope her family knows how much her songs meant to multiple generations of Americans. Puff Rocks! and will live on forever in the hearts of daydreamers everywhere.

I would like to say that I have three years left in my term. I will not stop asking questions when it comes to the best interest of the students or my fellow taxpayers.

Socrates said “There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance”

If you think I am rude or unprofessional, you are entitled to your opinion. Sticks and stone…however, I think you are in such an uproar because I am making a difference. I am asking the right questions. I am voting the way that is best for the students not for an agenda.

Let’s not forget that I voted “no” on the trimesters not because I didn’t want trimesters but because I wanted more time and if you were in attendance, you will remember that I requested more time to look into its benefits. I had many concerns regarding Tech Center and even asked about scheduling Tech Center that night. I realize change creates the need for readjustment, but at what cost? Are the students paying the price?

I voted “no” to the assistant principal. The money was not there. I did not hide how I felt with regard to the budget. We were looking at a deficit, a huge deficit. There are schools in this state that are making their administrators and superintendents cover more than one position. There are schools not far from Caro where a superintendent is also the elementary principal and another is a high school principal. We had less than a semester to go; we should have pulled together as an organization. It all worked out in the end and I think to the benefit of the high school. We ended up with an excellent person in the position of Assistant Principal for the 09-10 school year.

I am not going to apologize for anything I have said or done when it comes to the board. I am not going to justify the lies on this blog and there are many, so many. I can back up everything I have stated here with proof. Can you?

As far as recall, I dare you to try. It is not an easy task and I am tired of you throwing the word around.

MarleneForbes: I was not offended at all by your post. The offer to contact me is open to everyone. I would rather people have the truth. Thanks for your input and I agree that people can disagree without being vicious. I invite you to visit a board meeting. One thing people have to understand is that a board meeting is conducted in front of the public not with or for the public. I ask questions and look for answers. That is my job as a board member. If I have to ask more than once, it bothers me, but I continue to pursue the answer. I am not going to apologize for doing my job.

I've been to meetings and have seen you in action. You put on quite a show. You are not the first to act a fool in an elected position. My information is not second hand. It is the truth and will set us free from you.

There's more than one way to skin a cat. You are not worth the trouble of a recall. We can wait until your term is up.

How soon some pople forget. Lets review Tammy Jaster Downings character and actions since she ran for and became a member of the Caro School Board.

-she supported a recall based on lies and inuendo all for the benefit of one person, Dave Wheeler. A man who has violated numerous policies, practiced favortisim, shirked his responcibilities and refused to sign two contracts all while collecting his pay.
-she wanted Dave Wheeler as the principal for her children. The other students in the district were not of a concern to her.
-looks at only what will benefit her and her family without concern for the entire district.
-lied to the Michigan Association of School Boards rep. when she agreed not to re-visit the nepotisim policy.
-voted to move Dave Wheeler back to McComb without a recommendation from the superintendent, or any concern for the high school which would now be under staffed.
-agreed to blindside three board members when the nepotism policy was re-visited and reversed. Stated that they were kept out of the loop as to not spoil the suprise.
-part of a coup to relieve all tenured board members from their officer and chair positions.(illegal closed meetings)
-is constantly rude and unprofessional in board meetings and in interactions with other board members, staff, and administration.
-took credit for a policy book she did not write nor revise.
-in open session of a board meeting cheered and gave a fist pump when the resignation of a tenured teacher was accepted.
-just recently rudely interupted the board president to throw her name around.
-the list goes on and on.

Maybe she would like to explain why she was released from the Mayville school district or how well she interacts with the staff at the TISD.

It is clear Tammy Downing has always been out for number 1. She only cares about her own agenda of being large and in charge.

Is this the type of character we want a person to have that is leading our children?

Tammy Jaster can throw around all the explanation she wants. It doesn't change her bad behavior. She is rude, unprofessional, and down right disrespectful. I have seen her in action on a number of occasions including school board meetings. She wants to throw her weight and name around. She will not support anything unless it has her fingerprints on it. She is the very defination of micromanagement. The best thing she could do for the students and taxpayers is resign.

Tammy: Thanks for posting and for inviting me to contact you should the need arise. Please be assured that I would never rely on what was said in this forum. I knew your statement may have been taken out of context, which was the reason for my inquiry. Hopefully you didn't take my post the wrong way - I have fond feelings towards both the Jaster AND Downing families! Besides, there are ways to disagree without being NASTY as many are on this site. I certainly hope that kind of nastiness does not spill over into the school board meetings and jeopardize the bigger tasks at hand - educating our students and being fiscally responsible.

Marleneforbes: if you want to know what was said at the board meeting, please attend them or contact me, do not rely on the some of these bloggers. They have an ax to grind and are reporting inaccurate information. The conversation that Concerned314 was referring to had to do with water issues at the school. Some of the problems pointed out at the meeting by the architect from Spicer included walls that were recently built during the bond issue. I asked Mr. Beckwith if we can go back to that contractor to address these water issues. I think that the contract and the blueprints should be looked at and we should at least address the issues on the new construction with the contractor if there are any issues. Teachers are held accountable, medical professionals are held accountable, criminals are held accountable, children are held accountable, why not contractors. It is the taxpayers that I am looking out for since taxpayers are part of the bond issue. The other question I had for Mr. Beckwith was where is the money going to come from for the repair work on the brick and fixing the other water issues. I realize that we need to take care of this, but this is the worst time for schools when it comes to money. I am not going to jeopardize the education of the students. I think it is important that the work is done correctly the first time. I think the school needs some checks and balances. Always remember that I have the best interest of the taxpayers and students at heart.

With regard to dress code or the lunch room situation, the board does not participate in the daily schedule for school and the rules or procedures for the buildings which include dress code, which would be considered micromanaging. If you have concerns, talk with your administrators.

I was trying to avoid this, but this Sound Off stuff really gets in my craw. You bet I was questioning Mr. Beckwith about the construction. It was a legitimate line of questioning and I have the best interest of taxpayers at heart. Don’t forget that I am taxpayer myself. It is my right as a school board member to ask questions and as far as I know that is why I was elected to the board.

Concerned314: You need to get more reliable information before you post on here or at least start attending meetings. What I said was “I am well aware of the procedures involved with construction; you must not know what my maiden name is.” I never said my maiden name. This was after Mr. Forshee decided to interject into a conversation that I was having with the Superintendent not with him. Mr. Beckwith does not need to be “rescued” by Mr. Forshee.

Retired: You should just continue not posting unless you really know what you are talking about. Again if you had been at the meeting and not gotten second hand information you would know that I did not want to go after the architect or contractor that built the pool or gym. And if you had attended meetings you would know that I and another board member suggested Mr. Beckwith look into the gym floor situation with our insurance company. Guess what, they are going to cover it. We saved the school/taxpayers $9000 to repair the gym floors. I don't hear anyone posting that news!

Havent posted for a while but this school stuff really gets in my craw. Why is Tammy Jaster Downing trying to make hay when the sun isnt shining? How are you going to go after the architect and contractors on parts of a building as old as the pool and gym? Seems to me she only wants to hear what she wants to. She must be related to that commissioner Roggenbuck. They both want to be big shots and are always looking for a fight. I ve been on more committes and commissions in my life time than they ever will. They need to sit down shut up and learn. Then maybe they can do somethng positive for a change.

It's no secret that Tammy Downing is loud, rude, and at times obnoxious. She is not interested in solving problems, only who can she blame or who can she go after. She is only concerned with hearing herself talk and making a name for herself. It was nice of her to remind us she is a Jaster. If you know her family you will see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

sumer

I totally agree with you!!! Thanks for standing up and speaking out for what was right. I have to wonder if the rules now change to accommodate the teachers or will the teachers dress for success?

marleneforbes,

What I found funny was when I asked why I was told they were trying to show the children how to dress for success. I pointed out no matter what the jeans are holes or no holes - there is no career that I can think of that this would be appropriate attire for. Not to mention the kids that wear neon colored pants or tops.
I also explained that if we were talking aobut dressing for success that would also change the dress code for the staff. Last time I checked teaching was a profession so, all of the male teachers would have to wear shirt and tie and the women at least khakis and a nice shirt - but, defintely no running pants, t-shirts and sweatshirts.
I like how some in the school system think that the parents are dumb and that we have never maybe had a job - even Wal-mart requires khaki's. So, trust me it wasn't with out having to argue my case for about 20 minutes before I was told that it wouldn't happen again.
Not to mention not all of the teachers were sending the kids to the office for this - so not all must agree. I pointed out that maybe the board should worry more about our MEAP scores being some of the lowest in our district instead having children missing valuable class time over clothing that I have provided for them to wear.

I seem to see students with cleavage exposed, as long as its not straps showing, your ok, but wear pants that are scaled and have material under them, showing NO skin whatsoever, and thats not ok. How bout the chains they say are not ok, but depends on the teacher, whether your asked to remove it.

I think if your not showing skin in the holes above the waist, what does it hurt. Its all about the school controlling the students.

The way it was explained to me with the tech students eating on the bus, it gives them more room for the students in the cafeteria, too bad the tech students can't have a table to at too.

Any clue what the elementary students do on a bus?? where there hands have been, next thing you know we will have an outbreak of swine flu, and then everyone will say... how did that happen??? hmm.. i wonder...

......"I'm curious what the school board president was trying to talk about when the alleged comment was made....can you elaborate?" What difference does it make what the board president was talking about? Interrupting is rude and uncalled for, especially in a professional setting. And what difference does it make what her maiden name is? Smith or Jones; Rockefeller or Vanderbilt. It shouldn't make a difference.

Concerned314: I'm curious what the school board president was trying to talk about when the alleged comment was made....can you elaborate?

Sumer23: Caro has a similar dress code and I agree it can get a little ridiculous. The way it was explained to me when my daughter was in middle school was that they had to set a standard - without one some kids would come with large rips at the buttocks. I think our school's rule was or is no tears above the knee. When I questioned that (because jeans were being sold in the stores with "scoring" above the knee) the principle told me the knee was an easy line to draw - they didn't want to have to start getting out rulers to measure how close a tear was from an "inappropriate" area of the body. What seems so obvious to me as a parent about the clothes my child wears to school, apparently is not to obvious to others. I'm glad your school listened to your argument. I would think the clothing that is clearly appropriate should be "overlooked."

Tammy Downing, Caro school board member, has started the school year off on a "low" note.

At the last Board meeting the President of the School Board was speaking and Ms Downing, wanting to make a point, attempted to interrupt but he continued with his statement. She then blurted out "OBVIOUSLY YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MY MAIDEN NAME IS - JASTER!!"

I thought she was elected to represent all of us and not just herself.

Redrose,

Just got back from speaking with the higher ups about the dress code and I do not think it is going to be an issue anymore.
Unlike some of the administrators in Caro, the one's in Mayville do care about their students and after speaking my case I was told there should be no more problems.
How do you tell the kids they have to follow a dress code that the staff themselves do not follow. I was told that they were trying to teach the children how to dress for success but, after pointing out teachers in sweatshirts or running pants is not suitable office work wear and there are far more important issues in our district than what famalies can afford to dress there children in - I was told there would be no more issues.
I still plan on attending the school board meeting to express how unprofessional the super was today though - I tried talking to him about the district as a whole but, I got rerouted to the high school principle instead. I have no problem with her but, last time I checked it was the super that handled district issues, but I guess he didn't feel that was necessary this morning.
Hopefully the Mayville district will realize that there are far more important issues within this district than what type of jeans the kids wear.

MAMATIGER: I agree, what are we paying taxes for if the district can't afford to purchase tables/chairs for the high school students to eat at!! Why are the Tech students having to eat lunch on the bus? Sounds like overall poor planning on someone's part?!

Sumer,

It is school of choice, Send your kids to Caro, while they can wear the clothes you bought them, they also can sit on the dirty floor to eat their lunch and ruin them. Take your pick..

This lunch issue that is going on is in the high school.

I think we all have paid more then enough taxes to the school, that we could expect our kids to have a table and chair and to sit down at for lunch. That's a pretty basic request.