Letters to the Editor 01-28-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Use Variance - Taxes - Zero Tolerance - Coaching Legend
Use Variance
Editor, Times-Union:What a shame that all of the citizens of Warsaw could not have been present to witness the "goings on" at the Monday night meeting of the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals.
Four of the approximately 100 Rolling Hills residents present were permitted to speak on the various aspects of their argument against allowing a "use variance" to LRC Products. The residents were clearly forewarned that there would be no time for any more reiterative comments from their group. Counsel for LRC Products, however, had no limitation placed on his presentation.
The Rolling Hills residents were told by LRC Products counsel that if the "use variance" was not allowed, the present [inadequate] tree barrier would be removed and the view of LRC Products' outdoor rafter storage would be more clearly exposed to the subdivision. I cannot come up with any word other than "threat" to describe that remark.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union staff writer, said it so succinctly when her first paragraph in Tuesday's Times-Union reported: "Despite letters, petitions and a standing-room-only crowd of remonstrators, the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday approved an industrial use on property zoned residential." Thank you Ms. Hahn, and thank you Ms. Denlinger for your clear analysis of the situation and your support. Is this democracy in action?
Ruth Roberts
Rolling Hills resident
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:Read Mr. Wagner's letter to the Times-Union. His letter is about word for word as I have heard proposed by members of the K.D.I. and the W.D.C. and on the surface it sound good. But there are problems with it. As of yet, no person in or out of office can guarantee that there will be a property tax relief. Other states and other communities that have gone to this progressive income tax have found that they are paying more in taxes than they ever were before, and they still have property taxes as well.
I spoke to a county commissioner on this last summer when I was asked for my opinion on both EDIT and on the progressive income tax (this, by the way, is exactly what EDIT is). I asked, would it, the (EDIT) progressive income tax, cause a dollar for dollar tax relief in property taxes? The answer was NO, it will not, and at this time no elected official can make this guarantee or statement. He also brought up the issue of those who rent versus those who own property, using city and county provided services and not paying for them.
My answer was the following: In this world there are many, many things that others have paid for, some with their lives. Some being beaten so severely that they are crippled for life, giving us either the freedom or the many work-related benefits we have. That is received by county, city, town office holders and workers, in the news media, or in most companies or businesses with or without unions. There are many in this country that have done everything they could so as to never serve in any military service and have greatly profited from those who have. Our local news media has written many editorials on the sins of unions. About the union dues that the members have to pay so as to be represented or want to collect from those workers who are receiving the same benefits at the other worker/member's expense. Not once have I heard or read where any of these people who have received any of these benefits, whether it be freedoms we have or any work-related benefits, ever being made to compensate anyone. I have never heard or read anywhere, where those who have never served one day in this country's military services and profited from it, should pay the rest of us who did; or any union, whose members have at somewhere, someplace had to pay a heavy price for these work-related benefits. So I ask every one of you in the news media, county, city office holders, K.D.I., W.D.C. members, to explain to me what is the difference between someone who rents and receives a county or city service and does not pay taxes for it and the people who receive work-related benefits or enjoy the freedom this country has and do not pay for them?
Marvin Gunter
Warsaw
Zero Tolerance
Editor, Times-Union:A child smacks his school mate and he gets suspended. Two children come to school with their fathers' pocket knives and while comparing them on the playground, they get suspended. Melee breaks out at a football game and the participants get expelled.
Here comes the second-guessers. Since schools across the country have announced their embrace of zero tolerance for weapons and violence, complaints have circulated about alleged violations of students' rights as schools blindly enforce the rule. Lots of voices have been raised, claiming that schools are taking the easy way out. With zero tolerance, there's no need to think, they say.
Most of those who have criticized schools whine about the good old days, the way it was when they were in school. None has spent a large chunk of time in today's schools. They harken back to the golden days when a boy could proudly carry his pocket knife to school, the one he earned in Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, there aren't many scouts in schools today, and any weapon poses a threat to every other student.
Adults who complain about zero tolerance remember the occasional minor playground scuffles of their youth. Two boys would tumble as the crowd backed away. An adult or two would intervene, each boy would get a stern lecture and then he'd be sent to the restroom to clean off the dust.
Today's children have a steady diet of television shows where fighting is the highlight of the hour. Instead of slinking back, the audience cheers. Scrappers are heroes. They are entertainment. Some come to school to imitate what they've watched. If the school has zero tolerance, that means, Don't even think about it.
Critics say that schools are being unfair to the kids they know. They might spend time getting to know the kids' teachers. While many come to school having been taught right from wrong, others come from a moral abyss. Schools have had to ban items like Pokemom cards because crazed collectors will fight and steal to get some. Zero tolerance for fighting protects the good kids as well as dealing with the bad.
Last week, a teacher in Detroit had his arm broken when he tried to stop a fight between two middle school girls and one threw a trash container at him. I doubt that in the good old days, students threw large metal canisters at teachers or at each other.
Last year, four middle school boys plotted a mass killing to top the Columbine massacre. It would be cool, they thought. They'd be famous. They were stopped and expelled ... zero tolerance for massacres ... but those kinds of kids exist in our society and so in our schools.
Boys will be boys and girls will be girls. However, some of today's boys and girls lack an understanding of right and wrong. They walk to halls with my children and yours. Oh, you say, but how often is it a problem and does that justify zero tolerance? How often does it have to happen in your school to be a problem?
Some kids are smart. Some are less smart. Most are fine human beings. A few are headed for prison. Zero is a concept that they all understand. By enforcing zero tolerance, schools teach a lesson that some haven't yet learned. There's a price to pay for anti-social actions. Breaking the rules will result in those consequences.
Lynne Bolinger
Winona Lake
Coaching Legend
Editor, Times-Union:Our family has enjoyed the coverage of Coach Patrick's career in the Times-Union. Bill Patrick is indeed an Indiana legend.
The changes at Valley since Patrick's arrival are undeniable. The school pride and spirit have improved dramatically. Adult and student fans pack the gym, proudly displaying the Viking logo, to cheer for their Vikings. Students have been awarded the honor of being "Fans of the Week" by Channel 28. Is Valley blessed with a team full of NBA level players? No. But Coach Patrick makes them believe in themselves. Win or lose. The bond the boys have formed and the respect they have for Coach Patrick is obvious. That is the "House that Patrick built." Bill Patrick has breathed life into the basketball program at Tippy Valley.
We have been fortunate to have become acquainted with Coach Patrick and the Patrick clan. While there can be no doubt he is a Hoosier legend, basketball is secondary to the concern Bill has for the kids whose lives he touches. We know that wherever life leads our son, he will be better prepared because of his association with Coach Patrick.
The same concern pervades the entire Patrick clan. Chad tirelessly puts the boys through their paces and listens to their stories. Nancy is behind the scenes (except when she has to correct the referees) feeding the boys and doing countless things to support the team. The rest of the family from Grandma Patrick down to the tiniest Patrick grandchild lend their support and concern as well.
We are bombarded daily with stories of power hungry people who seek only to further their own goals. It is satisfying to see Coach Patrick receive the recognition he so richly deserves. Thank you Bill Patrick for choosing Valley and thank you to whoever had the good sense to hire him.
Marc and Sonya Allen
Rochester
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Use Variance - Taxes - Zero Tolerance - Coaching Legend
Use Variance
Editor, Times-Union:What a shame that all of the citizens of Warsaw could not have been present to witness the "goings on" at the Monday night meeting of the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals.
Four of the approximately 100 Rolling Hills residents present were permitted to speak on the various aspects of their argument against allowing a "use variance" to LRC Products. The residents were clearly forewarned that there would be no time for any more reiterative comments from their group. Counsel for LRC Products, however, had no limitation placed on his presentation.
The Rolling Hills residents were told by LRC Products counsel that if the "use variance" was not allowed, the present [inadequate] tree barrier would be removed and the view of LRC Products' outdoor rafter storage would be more clearly exposed to the subdivision. I cannot come up with any word other than "threat" to describe that remark.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union staff writer, said it so succinctly when her first paragraph in Tuesday's Times-Union reported: "Despite letters, petitions and a standing-room-only crowd of remonstrators, the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday approved an industrial use on property zoned residential." Thank you Ms. Hahn, and thank you Ms. Denlinger for your clear analysis of the situation and your support. Is this democracy in action?
Ruth Roberts
Rolling Hills resident
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:Read Mr. Wagner's letter to the Times-Union. His letter is about word for word as I have heard proposed by members of the K.D.I. and the W.D.C. and on the surface it sound good. But there are problems with it. As of yet, no person in or out of office can guarantee that there will be a property tax relief. Other states and other communities that have gone to this progressive income tax have found that they are paying more in taxes than they ever were before, and they still have property taxes as well.
I spoke to a county commissioner on this last summer when I was asked for my opinion on both EDIT and on the progressive income tax (this, by the way, is exactly what EDIT is). I asked, would it, the (EDIT) progressive income tax, cause a dollar for dollar tax relief in property taxes? The answer was NO, it will not, and at this time no elected official can make this guarantee or statement. He also brought up the issue of those who rent versus those who own property, using city and county provided services and not paying for them.
My answer was the following: In this world there are many, many things that others have paid for, some with their lives. Some being beaten so severely that they are crippled for life, giving us either the freedom or the many work-related benefits we have. That is received by county, city, town office holders and workers, in the news media, or in most companies or businesses with or without unions. There are many in this country that have done everything they could so as to never serve in any military service and have greatly profited from those who have. Our local news media has written many editorials on the sins of unions. About the union dues that the members have to pay so as to be represented or want to collect from those workers who are receiving the same benefits at the other worker/member's expense. Not once have I heard or read where any of these people who have received any of these benefits, whether it be freedoms we have or any work-related benefits, ever being made to compensate anyone. I have never heard or read anywhere, where those who have never served one day in this country's military services and profited from it, should pay the rest of us who did; or any union, whose members have at somewhere, someplace had to pay a heavy price for these work-related benefits. So I ask every one of you in the news media, county, city office holders, K.D.I., W.D.C. members, to explain to me what is the difference between someone who rents and receives a county or city service and does not pay taxes for it and the people who receive work-related benefits or enjoy the freedom this country has and do not pay for them?
Marvin Gunter
Warsaw
Zero Tolerance
Editor, Times-Union:A child smacks his school mate and he gets suspended. Two children come to school with their fathers' pocket knives and while comparing them on the playground, they get suspended. Melee breaks out at a football game and the participants get expelled.
Here comes the second-guessers. Since schools across the country have announced their embrace of zero tolerance for weapons and violence, complaints have circulated about alleged violations of students' rights as schools blindly enforce the rule. Lots of voices have been raised, claiming that schools are taking the easy way out. With zero tolerance, there's no need to think, they say.
Most of those who have criticized schools whine about the good old days, the way it was when they were in school. None has spent a large chunk of time in today's schools. They harken back to the golden days when a boy could proudly carry his pocket knife to school, the one he earned in Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, there aren't many scouts in schools today, and any weapon poses a threat to every other student.
Adults who complain about zero tolerance remember the occasional minor playground scuffles of their youth. Two boys would tumble as the crowd backed away. An adult or two would intervene, each boy would get a stern lecture and then he'd be sent to the restroom to clean off the dust.
Today's children have a steady diet of television shows where fighting is the highlight of the hour. Instead of slinking back, the audience cheers. Scrappers are heroes. They are entertainment. Some come to school to imitate what they've watched. If the school has zero tolerance, that means, Don't even think about it.
Critics say that schools are being unfair to the kids they know. They might spend time getting to know the kids' teachers. While many come to school having been taught right from wrong, others come from a moral abyss. Schools have had to ban items like Pokemom cards because crazed collectors will fight and steal to get some. Zero tolerance for fighting protects the good kids as well as dealing with the bad.
Last week, a teacher in Detroit had his arm broken when he tried to stop a fight between two middle school girls and one threw a trash container at him. I doubt that in the good old days, students threw large metal canisters at teachers or at each other.
Last year, four middle school boys plotted a mass killing to top the Columbine massacre. It would be cool, they thought. They'd be famous. They were stopped and expelled ... zero tolerance for massacres ... but those kinds of kids exist in our society and so in our schools.
Boys will be boys and girls will be girls. However, some of today's boys and girls lack an understanding of right and wrong. They walk to halls with my children and yours. Oh, you say, but how often is it a problem and does that justify zero tolerance? How often does it have to happen in your school to be a problem?
Some kids are smart. Some are less smart. Most are fine human beings. A few are headed for prison. Zero is a concept that they all understand. By enforcing zero tolerance, schools teach a lesson that some haven't yet learned. There's a price to pay for anti-social actions. Breaking the rules will result in those consequences.
Lynne Bolinger
Winona Lake
Coaching Legend
Editor, Times-Union:Our family has enjoyed the coverage of Coach Patrick's career in the Times-Union. Bill Patrick is indeed an Indiana legend.
The changes at Valley since Patrick's arrival are undeniable. The school pride and spirit have improved dramatically. Adult and student fans pack the gym, proudly displaying the Viking logo, to cheer for their Vikings. Students have been awarded the honor of being "Fans of the Week" by Channel 28. Is Valley blessed with a team full of NBA level players? No. But Coach Patrick makes them believe in themselves. Win or lose. The bond the boys have formed and the respect they have for Coach Patrick is obvious. That is the "House that Patrick built." Bill Patrick has breathed life into the basketball program at Tippy Valley.
We have been fortunate to have become acquainted with Coach Patrick and the Patrick clan. While there can be no doubt he is a Hoosier legend, basketball is secondary to the concern Bill has for the kids whose lives he touches. We know that wherever life leads our son, he will be better prepared because of his association with Coach Patrick.
The same concern pervades the entire Patrick clan. Chad tirelessly puts the boys through their paces and listens to their stories. Nancy is behind the scenes (except when she has to correct the referees) feeding the boys and doing countless things to support the team. The rest of the family from Grandma Patrick down to the tiniest Patrick grandchild lend their support and concern as well.
We are bombarded daily with stories of power hungry people who seek only to further their own goals. It is satisfying to see Coach Patrick receive the recognition he so richly deserves. Thank you Bill Patrick for choosing Valley and thank you to whoever had the good sense to hire him.
Marc and Sonya Allen
Rochester
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092