Put the school board in its place

Dear editor,

It's been a while since the taxpayers of the Palmerton school district had to put the school board in its place.

At that time, they were trying to push a new school past us, hoping we wouldn't notice. Most of the reasons, such as a growing population, were bogus. It was one of those, "We need to pass it before we see what's in it."

I am sorry, but the reason that "it's for the kids" isn't good enough. All of us, including the kids, have to live within our means.

If you gave the Palmerton school district, like most school districts, a blank check, they would ask for a second one.

Sports turf is not yet proven to be safe, so forget it. In addition, how about developing a winning tradition in something before asking for state-of-the-art facilities. You don't need sports turf for girls' basketball. Palmerton school district increases taxes every year, and it's never enough.

We also know about the pension problem. I might mention that there are no built-in guarantees on my pension or those of most other taxpayers. Did I mention that only 62 percent of people who want to work have a job?

Having said all that, if you want a fight, a taxpayer rebellion, bring it.

I owe it to my former heroes, Chuck Snyder and Lee Bollinger, both deceased, to turn the school district superintendent and the school board into retirement or to another district, as we have done before. We are watching you. The sleeping rebellion can rise again.

John Ferguson

Towamensing Township