Freeze is incentive and reward

We bought our Columbus home 25 years ago, while I was still on active duty. I told my wife that I liked the people and Columbus, but the summers were unbearable for a Vermonter. She, being from Guatemala, said another winter in Vermont could kill her. So we settled here. My neighbors were paying $17 property tax at the time, and we considerably more. I knew that if we stayed, we would someday also have that.

Long-term homeowners are more liable to: Have steady long-term multiple incomes; get along better with their neighbors; stay out of trouble with the law, and know and follow the town ordinances; participate in local events, and have a vested interest in, or attend/teach in, area schools and churches, do volunteer work, etc.

We are rewarded by a grateful community. This is not something to be taken lightly, nor are such "perks" uncommon or unjust. Other communities offer this; so do employers, both civilian and military (government) for stable workers. I once received a bonus amounting for, at that time, a year's pay for opting to reenlist in my in demand Military Occupational Specialty. (MOS). Retirement benefits are also based on work years.

So in view of the above, is it actually fair not to let the tax freeze remain? Think about it. Stability is valued!

Hermel D. Fortin

Columbus

Right -- in a sense

A recent letter addressed several frequently heard complaints, claiming that "our schools have become vehicles for the indoctrination of socialist ideology," and "too many professors are purveyors of socialist ideology the antithesis of democratic principles." The letter also argues that "education of our youth should be with the states and local school boards."

First, "socialist" as an epithet is nearly meaningless today, since many things we take for granted in the USA started as early socialist ideas, including public education and Social Security. Medicare would also fit into the original concept of socialism. So the letter writer is correct: we who teach in public schools are "purveyors" of at least one socialist principle -- that education should be available for everyone. But nothing could be further from the truth than public education is "the antithesis of democratic principles."

Second, the notion that professors "indoctrinate" students with federally authorized information is also patently false. In over 40 years teaching at three state universities, I have never once heard from a federal source regarding curriculum. In fact, in the University System of Georgia we are required to submit most new course proposals to a state review board (which, by coincidence, I chair in the geosciences). The P-12 curricula in Georgia are also entirely controlled by state and local boards, since Georgia does not yet subscribe to the Common Core standards.

Finally, the notion of "liberal" professors is interesting. Yes, on the average, university professors respect and teach ideas popularly called "liberal." The reasons are fairly simple: many academically sound concepts, such as evolutionary theory, global climate change, and environmental protection, are denied by "conservatives." Professors, especially in the sciences, would be negating our responsibilities to ignore these subjects. Presenting valid information to students is not "indoctrination" but, rather, education.

David R. Schwimmer

Columbus

Loss to us all

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. Howard Weldon. This community has lost one of the most dedicated, compassionate and skilled surgeons ever to practice here.

Dr. Weldon loved his family and his farm, but he also loved his work. A friend of mine was the last person he would ever operate on. What a blessed human being!

In 2009, Dr. Weldon literally saved my life. Following a colonscopy, he ordered a CAT scan, which revealed I had a tumor in my right kidney. I was having no symptoms. A few days later, it was removed by another great surgeon, Dr. Todd Jarrell. Because of that test and early detection, I did not have to do chemotherapy and through the grace of God today I am doing well.

My deepest condolences to his wife, Peggy, who worked by his side every day. To his family, friends and colleagues, you are in my thoughts and prayers. His shoes will be hard to fill. He was a gentle giant in all that he did. Our loss is truly heaven's gain.

Donna Worthy

Smiths Station

Economic bind

There is much talk about the middle class having financial hard times, but not much discussion about why. We blame our government, but I see more places to put the blame.

Vehicles cause my family the most expense -- insurance, gasoline, oil changes and vehicle repairs and upkeep. Home or rental insurance, life insurance, utilities, home repairs and upkeep if you are a homeowner, health insurance and the payroll deductions, sales tax, income tax, property tax, all of the hand-held electronic devices and home computers and then come the grocery bills. I look at grocery store prices and they are out of sight compared to where they were five years ago.

Some companies will find a reason to fire you after 10 years just so they don't have to pay you retirement. You are expected to save up money for your retirement years, but where are you going to get the money to save? You try to make it on Social Security but have to move out of your house because you cannot afford the property tax which has gone up over the years. Every time the minimum wage goes up it triggers an increase in prices on everything else.

The middle class is in a no-win situation unless we go back to living like we did 50 years ago.

Richard Tieken

Columbus

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Freeze is incentive and reward ."