Dear Editor,
So many questions!!
“I am not a robot”.
I ordered new floor mats for my truck. I filled out the online forms. Then had to prove it was me placing the order. Unlike the systems of today, the newer the technology the smaller the hardware. I, as time presses on, have become older and bigger.
How many times do we have be tested to send an order on line? I went through the process of filling out the order form for the purchase. Then the credit card information. Then the verification of the card with the “billing “ address. And the security code. The insult to all of this garbage, the computer system can not discern FFS (fat finger syndrome) or human inept computer skills. NO! You have to prove you are not a robot!!
I want to meet this fool who devised this program. That individual would find out quickly I am not a robot!
We as humans have certain flaws not entered into their computer models. Of course, sitting behind a computer screen all day developing computer programs, I believe one loses some humanity. Not seeing their own flaws.
Just thinking along these same lines. Can the same be said of our “leadership” in Executive sessions, away from the eyes of those who carry the burden of paying for the purchases and policy’s of our leadership, who we can not confront?
When in a position of superintendent, while planning a project, the idea was discussed first. Second, planning for the worst case scenario was a prerequisite. Then the cost analysis. The public had two chances to appear at public meeting for comment. Only then a course of action was approved by the leadership. Only when the actions were approved could action be taken to proceed with the plan.
The Doddridge County BOE bought a white elephant in the equestrian center. the $600,000 paid for the center, $260,000 to $280,000 was allocated for “clean up”. This should have been part of the negotiations for the purchase.
Borrowed from the news paper quote, “Among activities presented to the BOE to be conducted at this site are gardening, raising fish, forestry and sheep husbandry along with other animal projects. The WVU Extension Office has been contacted about their potential interest also”
What is the plan for implementation of the proposed project.”
The activity of gardening could be performed in small lots. Demonstrations do not have to be in acres.
The idea of raising fish? What species? How many? Has anyone checked into the problems associated with raising fish? Raceways would have to be built depending on the scale of the project. Then raceways have to be maintained. That’s More costs. Fresh oxygen rich water has to be available. A process air compressor costs money to purchase. Monthly electric bills for the compressor to operate will not be cheap.
Chemicals, fish food, water. Where will the water come from? Has anyone thought of getting the bottom of the raceways cleaned to prevent disease. What happens to the tax money should any aspect of this endeavor fails?
I have not seen in the paper where the BOE advertised these endeavors.
So little information for so much money. How many farmers will this “trade school” generate?
Speaking of money I haven’t seen, read, or heard how much money has been saved this past six months while schools have been closed. Where is that money?
I wonder about these costs associated with the dreams of the BOE.
If the BOE purchased a property for $600,000. The property purchased, if 142 acres. The price per acre is about $4220. Now, if your property is currently appraised at $1200 per acre, will the BOE purchase increase your property assessment in your district?
That will increase your county tax as well as the excess levees taxes across the board. Parks, Health Department, extension service, BOE and county.
Think about it.
So, the assessor’s reappraisal of property will increase the revenues (taxes) generated and distributed for the levees. That relieves the BOE and County Commission of the blame for our increased taxes. No percentages would be increased, only the “value”of the acre and assets would increased on paper.
I have cynicism for most elected officials. I’ve seen public money abused and the public had to pay for it.
I read about the parade in Doddridge County for the support of the police agencies. I wish I could have been part of it. I have a great deal of respect for “The Blue”. I have in the past had friends in uniform. Still have a few.
With that said, as always, Thank You to the people who provide the securities we all enjoy.
Lloyd Brightwell