Published: August 26, 2008 05:14 pm            

Citizens must speak up on new school

To the editor:

We have recently seen where Dalton Utilities has agreed to commit to the sewage plant on the northeast part of the county. I agree that the plant needs to be built as part of the county’s overall development. Dalton Utilities is showing its prowess in getting $3.1 million out of the $8 million from the county Board of Education (ultimately the citizens of Whitfield County) to help build this plant.

I say touché to the board for securing a “green light” to build their new high school. It appears they will move forward at full speed. I am certain those opposed will continue every effort to stop it.

The core issues of how the ESPLOST money is being spent still need to be addressed. The BOE is rushing ahead with a new high school that will cost excessive amounts of money and will destroy the historic and scenic corridor of Prater’s Mill. Once this is destroyed, it will gone forever. This goes against every grain of logic and is contrary to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan developed for the county.

We still do not know the ultimate price tag of the new high school. What we do know is that it has just increased by an additional $3.1 million to pay 40 percent of the cost of constructing a sewage plant for Dalton Utilities. There are still open questions as to the need for a new high school. Early indications show a reduction in enrollment in the county.

The board refuses to discuss the issue with the citizens and refuses to allow public input and dialogue.

The board has relinquished it’s oversight by allowing change orders to be made on the project without needing their approval. This is a very dangerous dilemma. Open change orders are usually an open checkbook to disaster. In 3-4 years, where will these decision makers be when we are burdened with either a new ESPLOST or increased property taxes to pay for the certain shortfall of $28 million dollars? Will they be grazing in “greener pastures” while the citizens of Whitfield County are left holding the bag and cleaning up the mess from the party?

In 2006, when the ESPLOST was voted in, our economy was at its peak. Many believe that we will not reach that level again. So, until we are able to attract new industry the growth of our community will remain stagnant.

Do we want our high schools to be in AAA status? Do we want the Career Academy to continue to be under used? Do we want to fund the carrying cost of another high school? Do we want to build a new high school knowing that we will be short $28 million? Do we want our property taxes increased? Do we want to have an ESPLOST for eternity? Do we want to keep businesses from locating here because of taxes?

Citizens of Whitfield County, it is time for your voice to be heard. If you remain silent now, then do not say a word when the tax bill cometh. Only citizens, with a loud cry for change, will be able to influence the mind of this board. We need to ask that they stop and reconsider what they are doing. Open up the issue for discussion. Listen to what the citizens would have you hear. Whitfield County, you must speak up. You must speak up now or we will forever suffer the consequences.



Kevin Harris

Whitfield County

        

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