News-Record.com

It doesn't really take rocket science to tell you "why" these bonds passed!!! If I didn't "own" any property to be taxed, I would vote to pass the bonds too. Knowing I wouldn't have to pay for these bonds, yeh, let's get what we want....leave it to the people who have worked hard and have property to pay for them. Yep, that's what they get for owning property. We will show them, we want, we get!! I am curious, how many people voted for the bonds that are not property owners? Is this fair?
I think NOT.

There are several explanations:

(1) The free-government logic (stated above) of creeping socialism.

(2) Allen Johnson's Jedi Mind Tricks, gathered from a lifetime of excessive viewing of sci fi, mesmerizes an unsuspecting populace through the editorial pages of the N&R.

(3) The electronic voting machines. I want a paper recount!

(4) People have gone stark raving mad.

Given that the 1/4 cent sales tax hike didn't go through, it looks like #1 is the likely winner.

Here's an explanation that I don't think has been mentioned yet: the impact of the Clinton-Obama race.

Because there was a hotly contested presidential primary, the polls attracted large numbers of two voter groups: 1. Democrats, who generally are more likely to support government spending initiatives like bonds than are Republicans or unaffiliated voters; and 2. Voters who came to vote for either Obama or Clinton, but who weren't as familiar with the local issues.

In the case of group #2, the bonds all sound good at first blush -- I mean, who wouldn't "Vote for Kids"? It's only when you examine the bonds more deeply that you discover that the devil is in the details.

So by purely luck of the draw, the bond referenda took place during an election that was exceedingly favorable to their passage. That's not a complaint, mind you - I disagree with the bonds, but sometimes in a democracy, you come out on the short end of the vote.

We should never underestimate the people's burning passion to levy increased taxes upon themselves. As Bill Clinton once said that Americans do not pay enough income tax. Of course, he said that before he and wife were making $20 Million per year.

Seriously, I'l concur with Nancy Way's theory and Brian;s #1. People didn't approve a sales tax because you see it every day. A school bond is not something that you see. It's like free money.

Just saying has to be right. With all those creeping socialists at the polls, it's no wonder that creeping socialism won the day. If only Alan Keyes had run a stronger campaign . . . or if Rush Limbaugh hadn't propped Hillary up with Operation Chaos . . .

Amen, Allen!

I am glad to see schools like Allen Jay Middle get some money. That school is in terrible shape--it should have never gotten that bad.

We put in HVAC systems in school many years ago--many of those must be replaced. One can only put band-aids on HVAC systems for so long. When an HVAC system starts leaking freon and the system starts freezing up, it's time to replace it. Otherwise, you're looking at moisture in the ductwork--that's bad news...and a lot more money.

As much as people on this blog are annoyed with upgrading the athletic facilities, I've seen fields and courts that are literally dangerous for the kids to be on.

There's no excuse for inadequate cafeteria facilities--kids should not be sitting in the hallway eating lunch. Kids should not be eating lunch at 10:30.

Visit the schools. Talk to the principal and teachers. Talk to the kids. They're spending entire days in some poor environments.

Allen,

Did you see that the people in Deenas district voted on the school bond above the passing rate.

Maybe she needs to re-evaluate herself!

Yes. We noted it in today's editorial. Nearly 58 percent said yes to the school bonds in Deena's district.

Here's what's TRULY shocking, Mr. Johnson: The parks and recreation bonds failed!

When a sufficiently large number of people who don't have to foot the bill (non-property owners) actually turn down a proposition that they can make others (property owners) buy, THEN you have a newsworthy event! Voting for bonds for which one has no obligation and must pay no price is as commonplace as fleas on a mongrel dog.

Thoughts for your Penny, you are absolutely right that there are real facilities needs in the local schools. I don't think anyone ever disputed that.

But the real problem with the school bond was, "Can we trust the Guilford County School Board with $457 million?" Given their abysmal recent history with managing construction funds, I thought the answer was no.

Money from the previous two bonds has done good things, sure. But far too much of our tax money has been wasted and/or mismanaged. Giving this same crowd a blank check is just an invitation to do more of the same.

Here's something to think about: Allen Jay Middle doesn't have decent air-conditioning, yet this school board spent half a million dollars on "racial sensitivity training" for employees. What does that say about their priorities?

just saying,

You just said it, before I could. Thoughts listed the needs of the school system, but he/she overlooked the fact that voters presented $457 Million to the very people that have allowed those problems to fester, using money to address their "social needs" over facility needs. Some of the money in the bond Is intended for new school construction, but much of it is intended for maintenance or repair that should have been done with past funding.

Terry Grier famously told Jamestown parents when
GCS redirected 2003 bond money away from their school that "We never promised to do everything on the bond list". So, why should we believe that they'll be responsible this time? What other pressing need will be addressed tis time over Jamestown? When Allen Jay mysteriously does not get the HVAC, who are you going to call?

You can be sure, though, that one pleased person is Deena Hayes. You can take it to the bank that she'll be sure that a significant and satisfying portion of that $457 Million will find its way into black contractors' pockets, specifically CoMor.