The whole story, Governor

Several stories about Senator Josh McKoon's stand on his principles have made the pages in the newspaper and addressed how this resulted in the governor punishing Senator McKoon and the local community for their disagreements. However, we have not heard from the governor.

I'd like to see the Ledger-Enquirer staff contact the governor's office and ask him if he really decided not to honor the sacrifices of the young men and women killed trying to keep all of us (including him) safe during the Global War on Terror because of a political disagreement.

I wrote his office and have not yet heard from him. The answers, or lack of answers, may inform all of us with respect to where the truth lies in this story.

Accountability

In response to the editorial published Friday, April 22, I would like to share my views regarding an elected school board for the Phenix City system. Within the last five years the Phenix City Council has asked for a general vote for an elected school board. In 2013, the measure was defeated. Once again, council is seeking legislation to have a “vote of the people.” It cannot happen this year, as there is not enough time to introduce such an action, according to our District 80 legislator.

An elected board is long overdue. Those people particularly involved in the school system — parents, teachers and administrators — should have a voice in the direction of the system and the general well-being and operations of our schools. An elected board would answer to the community.

Right now, and as it has been, there is a “misplaced” accountability. The school board appears to answer to city leadership; drawing a political shield and a fine screening over the decisions that can affect the entire community. With an elected board, the people would have a choice not to re-elect board members. Parents, teachers and administrators can also vote with the community to keep and support a seated board with a favorable track record.

In Alabama, all 67 county public schools have elected boards of education. City school boards are generally appointed. City councils have options, through state legislation, to offer a vote.

Phenix City Council may change in the upcoming elections. Our school board may change as well under a new or different administration. It seems that decision should be up to the community. The board then would be able to serve at the pleasure and the investment of the electorate.

Regrettable trend

I read with sadness that McClatchy Newspapers is outsourcing between 120 and 140 IT jobs to a company in India. As a reader of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer since 1973, I feel a proprietary interest. I know other things have been outsourced and I am aware of the environment that makes such moves seemingly inevitable, but it still feels wrong.

The article that informed me of this event contained a list of all the McClatchy newspapers in the country and encouraged unsubscribing. However, as a newspaper junkie and as this is the only daily available, I will not do that. I just wanted it noted that I think it's a shame this kind of job loss keeps happening.

L-E reruns

You'd think the L-E would consider the future before endorsing warmed-over MCSB members for re-election. With the cost of newspaper subscriptions, current high school grads not only will have to be able to read, they'll have to be able to get jobs with above average salaries.

Not so simple

I would like to respond to the person (or persons) who have recently complained in the newspaper about the abuse of handicap parking.

The first complaint was that doctors need guidelines to follow and not to just pass permits out so often. Doctors do have guidelines, and no reputable physician will sign off on unnecessary permits.

It was the second complaint that I really want to address, that a person’s handicap needs to be visible.

Twenty-five years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I now have heart disease and lung disease, none of which are visible.

Over the years I’ve come in contact with folks who seem to think I look too healthy for that special parking space. I’ve been asked what kind of handicap I have, told that the parking is for physical handicaps, not mental handicaps, and had people make a point of walking around my car to check out my license plate.

So even if you think someone needs to “look” more handicapped in order just to get a special parking space, maybe just be grateful you don’t.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 3:44 PM with the headline "The whole story, Governor."