LISTENING TO LAPIERRE
Not wanting to miss a chance to corner a Council Candidate, the "State of Our Schools" was on the menu for lunch today at BROTHER'S DELI. BRIAN had a table set up at the restaurant to talk to voter's. I think I was the first one he talked to if you didn't count his mother. It turns out his mother was Trippy's teacher at HOOD several inches and a few years ago. Trippy was gracious enough to take a picture of our meeting.
I complimented BRIAN on his work ethic, noting that he has been more visible than any other candidate. He is greatest strength in terms of his elect-ability is also his greatest weakness. Many voters out there will be turned off by his work for the Teacher's Union because often times the COST of the Teacher's contract (retirement specifically) gets blamed for the city's fiscal woes. That's just crazy talk because if we ever hope to solve our problem the answer will come from someone who has a good education unless MAYOR KENNEDY has been stashing away lottery ticket I don't know about. The strength that his union ties do give him is an energized base and the ability to rally a dedicated voting bloc to push him hopefully toward victory.
A topic that I have heard a lot of people talking about lately both from various candidates and noncandidates is the CHRONIC underfunding of EDUCATION. No one disagrees about the problem, it's just that talk about solutions that is in short supply. One idea brought up by BRIAN was the possibility of some kind of dedicated tiny meal tax tacked on to your restaurant bill. Normally floating the idea about raising taxes is akin to getting your neck sized for an albatross. However these are dark days when it comes to the shape of our centauries old school facilities. Lynn needs to do something to catch up with the surrounding cities.
Stupid idea. So more of my money can go to the overpaid union's pocket. Tax me to death! Get out of Lynn while you can!
ReplyDeleteNo one says which is the right answer but let me tell you the answer is either higher taxes or reduced services (that includes police and fire). We are chronically underfunding education by the states current formula. There is nothing the city can do about that formula but follow it. Changes have to be made on the state level. Aside from that we are stuck with archaic buildings and the rate of replacement only guarantees a devastatingly downward spiral. A drastic change in technique and perspective has to happen lest we are entrapped forever in tax BOND-age.
ReplyDeleteWhy does this have to mean reduced services? Why not reduced pay & benefits? The private sector is not as well paid as the public sector to pay for their luxury.
ReplyDeleteThe way it works is the STATE says the city should be giving a LOT more to the schools. You do the math what do you think that will mean?
DeleteLess benefits. But that is not what it means
Delete