|
Years ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Chairman Joel Godding over dinner. I had just been elected Mayor and was excited about the possibilities for this area. Contrary to pessimistic opinion the area I am proud to call home is not dying. We are expecting slow, steady, positive growth. It’s just one fact that presents a fantastic opportunity for those willing to plan.
We discussed Eagle Valley. He told me to get anything done, given the dynamics of the two cities, was critical and he hoped they could count on my support. I was warmly invited to be involved on what has become a long journey. The goal: a district on strong financial footing that can attract families into the area because we can continue to offer a first class education.
After several years, uncountable meetings, three principals, and two superintendants the board approved a solution. Close the Eagle Bend facility and move everything to Clarissa. It was defiantly controversial, but ultimately it would save the district $200,000+ per year, give us the newest facility in the area, and allow us to add critical classes necessary for a 21st century education. All while being good stewards of taxpayer money because of huge operational savings that can be reinvested back into our children.
The first organizational “Vote Yes” meeting is where my call for Jay Eckel to resign stems from.
It was my opinion, at the meeting, it would be impossible to pass anything if board members from either city were going to start taking shots at it publically. Voters elect representatives to carry out the peoples business, and if those representatives begin dissenting then why would anyone Vote YES. With a large number of board members present we were all told that ALL board members were going to defer speaking in public to Mr. Madsen.
They went further explaining everyone understood we needed to pull this community together and try to work at getting this done to save the district. There would be no letters to the editor or fundamental changes of position at town hall meetings. The board was agreeing to give this an honest shot at passing and they asked all of us to do the same including other locally elected officials.
So I drank the Kool-Aid. I took everyone at their word.
Forward to Independent Herald: March 17th 2010. In an editorial published by Board Member Jay Eckel. (Click to read and have your own opinion) Jay was the only elected official that came out publically, as most know, against the bond. He wrote he understood his letter would be viewed as counter productive to passing the bond. I told the First Lady that afternoon I regretted drinking the Kool-Aid and the rest, as they say, is history.
Without that editorial I am absolutely certain it would have passed.
So here are my positions on moving forward. I understand I am not an Eagle Valley Board member, but I do have a responsibility to those who elected me here in Clarissa to look out for the long term health of this city.
· First, recount paperwork as been filed. I do not have any reason to suspect anything is wrong, but having an independent review of the ballots and process will help clear the air on at least one issue. The review will be independent, organized, respectful, and will simply confirm to each person their votes were counted correctly by a great group of dedicated election judges. I want to be clear our election judges are some of the finest people I know. They are committed to a foundational principle in our country, and is a reason why we live in the greatest country on the face of this earth.
· Second, we need to reject any new proposals or referendums (except one: see below) that certain members of this board now seem to be throwing out. Allowing them to pass any operating levy or other bond before the next election should be viewed as rash and irresponsible.
· Third demand the board offer up the same bond vote a second time. Leadership is believing in something and not giving up just because it fails once. The time and money invested in this project demand another vote. We need this exact same bond, with an increase of 5%, so a new vote can be taken in a few months rather than half a year. Lets give students, teachers, staff, and residents the satisfaction of knowing we are moving quickly to give them a clear sense of direction.
· Lastly, Jay Eckel’s resignation (in my opinion) would benefit the area, and be another step in helping to clear the air. It is my opinion it would go a long way in helping to restore trust and move us forward quickly too an operationally sound school that is the envy of the area.
In closing, I understand that there were a good percentage of voters here in the Clarissa that voted no. In fact, as I went door to door on the final weekend passing out literature and talking too many of you. A few said my support will give them some pause on voting for me again should I run for reelection. I do understand their point and position.
However, it is my firm belief that the long term health of our area is enhanced by having Eagle Valley. I am committed to working to ensure this occurs during my time in office. If that means it would cost me my job as Mayor this November I can respect that and will sleep well knowing I did what I said I would do. |
