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1,173 Responses to NacVoice

  1. ETHICA says:

    Sad to hear that Appleby VFD had 2 trucks repossessed. Word on the street is they have two weeks to pay delinquent notes or they will get two more repossessed. It is very possible that Appleby VFD will not have anything when this is over. It was very obvious that the previous Chief and Assistant Chief were not telling the real story. Sadly, most members defended and believed the lies coming from the previous leadership. Now one has shagged tail North and the other is declining to answer and putting it off to the new Chief. The previous Chief and his assistant should be held accountable for their actions. Our local tax money and federal grant money were squandered by these two and much much more. Now my property and family will suffer for the ignorance of a couple of people. I wish the new chief and his staff the best of luck with this mess they have inherited, but I will no longer donate to a department and entity that is not held accountable.

    • Billy Dix says:

      Taxpayers votes these ESD’s in and then turn over a lot of tax money for someone to handle with very little oversight. Taxpayers, we have to maintain control and not take the word of individuals with no accountability.

      Some may recall back earlier this year when questions came up about the Appleby VFD and the question was raised about public inspection of the financial records and how defensive the VFD management got about making their financial records public. Well, now you know why.

      ALL ESD’s in the county should undergo frequent financial audits and full disclosure of all financial business should be required.

      There is too much stealing going on everywhere already to allow any more.

      • ETHICA says:

        ESD’s are allready required to do annual audits. The problem seems to be on the fire department side.

        • Billy Dix says:

          “Our membership has been totally caught off guard by this,” Mike Shepherd, Appleby FD chief said. “We’re still on a fact-finding mission, but we don’t feel anybody stole any money. They went out and financed more than they could pay for.”

          Why was anyone caught off guard by this? Was there no body looking at the books?

          Rhetorical question. We already know that nobody was.

        • Billy Dix says:

          Take the blinders off, Ethica. The audit is only one part but it still should ave turned up questions if it was done right.

          “full disclosure of all financial business should be required.”

          It should raise the interest of the taxpayers when this in charge of tax money raise objections and stumbling blocks to full inspection of the financial records, unfettered and unhindered.

          • snapyy says:

            AGREED! Billy Dix. Anyone could have seen that they were spending more than they had. Lies, Lies, Lies. I think Crawford and Trotty need to answer some questions.

          • no one knows everything says:

            Mr. Dix, I’m assuming that since you have no blinders on what-so-ever and know 100% everything about this subject (and every other subject, might I add) that you were present for all ESD meetings & are fully aware that the ESD board requested all financial records from the AVFD for some time with no cooperation from the dept. and even took steps to reprimand the dept for not cooperating…

            • Billy Dix says:

              Well, mam, you give me only a little more credit than I deserve. :)

              Where you and I might have a slight disagreement is that the ESD board never went to the DA’s office and sought a criminal investigation. Or, did they?

              • smoke screen says:

                That’s why they wanted to do the audit first. Have proof before taking it further because it was obvious that the numbers in the “budget” weren’t adding up. The feds I hear are coming in now to do investigations and charges to follow if they find a reason to and I’m pretty sure they will find something worth indicting someone over. It’s sad for the community here but when there is blind neglect and lack of basic math and common sense, it’s not a shock that these things are now coming out and the suffering of consequences have begun.

          • smoke screen says:

            unfortunately the audit only went back so far over what little was turned in and that was after a month or two of delay and stalling not wanting to release anything so the ESD wouldn’t give them any money until they did and what they gave was far from enough obviously. It’s all out in the open now so even if it was found a few months ago, it wouldn’t avoid what is happening now.

  2. Patriot says:

    Some time ago there was talk on here about forming a Nacogdoches County Militia.

    Did anyone ever get organized? If so I am interrested.

    Thanks

    • Jared Cates says:

      That was me. You can email me @ jared_cates@yahoo.com. I have a small group of guys eager to train, but we need someone with some property who would allow us to train on it. Once we cross that hurdle, we can make more progress. Other than that, I have had a hard time finding people who actually want to organize. Glad to meet someone willing to take that step.

  3. Concerned Citizen says:

    Why is it week after week you see the same people in the arrest report or in the court records?
    Come on judges set the bonds a little higher on repeat offenders, they obviously are not learning from the mistakes that they make.

    • 411 says:

      The voters didn’t seem to learn a damn thing either

    • Billy Dix says:

      You don’t understand the system. The repeat offenders make the system work. They keep the police and courts busy, don’t give anyone too much trouble, they ‘handle’ easier than new offenders because they already know the ropes and they are acclimated to the system. If it wasn’t for them we would have to lay off about half of the courthouse staff, a lot of cops and deputies and several lawyers would have to move to greener pastures.

  4. LEAH says:

    I STRONGLY SUGGEST TO ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS: RUN FOR OFFICE AND THEN YOU CAN HAVE YOUR SAY.
    WHINE, WHINE, WHINE

  5. Frances says:

    Can anyone spell residents…that means living in a dwelling. Residence is the dwelling.

    Maybe one of the Perry boys wrote this. They’re about this smart…including the father.
    Obviously they don’t care if they ever sell a car again. It all comes back to roost.

    • boondock saint says:

      ACTUALLY FRANCIS NO, THIS IS HOW EVERYONE IN THE COUNTY FEELS. EXCEPT FOR THE FEW HEARTLESS #$%# LIKE YOURSELF

    • Billy Dix says:

      Well, I may have disagreed with Mike Perry on an occasion or two but he has always been honest and straightforward. His comments on the budget are worth respect. The Commissioners Court has it’s priorities in the wrong order.

    • Kick the Socialists Out says:

      Hey “Frances,”
      Try making an actual argument instead of sounding like a disgruntled shrieking harpy.

  6. boondock saint says:

    NOT ONLY IS THIS BUDGET CUT GOING TO EFFECT THE PUBLIC, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE JAIL STAFF?? WE HAVE ALL BEEN PUT IN DANGER DUE TO THIS DECISION. IT WAS SAID BY “A COMMISIONER” PRIOR TO THIS BUDGET BEING RELEASED, THAT HE WAS GOING TO GIVE BRIDGES WHAT HE STATED THAT HE COULD WORK WITH. STOP PLAYING POWER GAMES. WE AS RESIDENCE OF THIS COUNTY DESERVE MORE THAN A BS STORY ON HOW THIS CUT IS NECESSARY. WITH A CUT THAT DEEP IN STAFF IT WILL BE HARD TO KEEP EMPLOYEES DUE TO WORKING IN A HIGH RISK SITUATION (WITH CRAPPY PAY). EVERYONE KNOWS COMING INTO THE JAIL THAT THERE IS A RISK OF NOT GOING HOME, BUT THIS UPS THE RISK TREMENDOUSLY. ALSO TELL ME HOW YOU CAN CUT JAIL STAFF KNOWING THAT IT IS GOING TO PUT THE JAIL IN VIOLATION OF THE COMMISION ON JAIL STANDARDS. BRIDGES IS GOING TO HAVE A TOUGH ROAD TO WALK, BUT I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT HE CAN DO IT. I JUST PRAY TO GOD THAT NO DEATHS OCCUR IN THE PROCESS OF THIS. IF SO THE BLOOD SHOULD BE ON THE COMMISSIONERS HANDS.

    • Blue Bayou says:

      Maybe the newly elected sheriff shouldn’t have ran his mouth like he did and harped about how he could do so much more with so much less. As the old saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”

      • Kick the Socialists Out says:

        I don’t recall Constable Bridges saying he could operate with fewer Patrol Deputies and Investigators–in fact he said we needed more. He had specific suggestions/positions in regards to reducing expenditures which were ignored by the commissioners. You can be a supporter of his or not but there is no disputing the fact that ultimately it is the citizens of Nacogdoches County who will be left vulnerable and who will suffer from the asinine decisions made by the commissioners. There will be blood on their (commissioners) hands.

        • Blue Bayou says:

          He did. Unless the video I saw was altered, which I doubt. I’ve searched for it, but can’t find it on line. If I find it, I’ll add the link, but I heard him say it. Specifically speaking about the jailers more than the others, but all were included.

          • Crazy talk says:

            No he didn’t. He said the sheriff had to many vehicles insured, the operating food prices for the jail were higher than state average and the county should look at doing video arraignments instead of using transport deputy’s back and forth to the court house numerous times a day. The sheriff’s office had administrative assistants with take home vehicles for crying out loud. You’ll never find that link because it does not exist.

            • Blue Bayou says:

              I’m telling you that it was on line somewhere. It must have been deleted, but he did say that there were too many jailers and also said that he could do more with less. Those were his words. How do you know it doesn’t exist?

              • Crazy talk says:

                Because he knows there has never been enough jailers and he has to adhere to the jail standards set by the state. Now that they cut the jailer positions, they know it will make it nearly impossible for him to meet the state’s standards. They’re trying to break his back with the cuts. I’m not going to say I know the answer for balancing the budget, but the commissioners should not have depended on oil and gas money so much for standard revenue. I would have accepted a little more of a raise in taxes just to keep the jail standards where they need to be.

                • Billy Dix says:

                  The CC spent the OG&M tax moneylike drunken sailors. Gave themselves raises and everything. Spent money to move the Goodman Bridge into town and that was a waste. Just two of many examples of wasteful spending. I’m really hoping Jason can turn things around even with this millstone around his neck.

                • Blue Bayou says:

                  His claim was that there were too many jailers. Your comment doesn’t make sense.

  7. Commissioner 's Court Pathetic Joke says:

    For those of you who live out in the county, you will sleep much safer tonight knowing that not only did the commissioner’s court gut the Sherriff’s Department but they are taking that money and creating 3 brand new positions at the Expo center at the cost of over $120,000–including $30,000 for a Groundskeeper. I know that after your homes are broken into and your communities devastated by meth dealers, you will be comforted with the knowledge that your expo center is weed free with trimmed hedges.

    • Nac Voter says:

      I was proud of the people that stood up and told the commissioner’s court of their concerns over the budget cuts to the Sheriff’s Office. I especially liked the one gentleman that told them that he held them personally responsible for their actions. I think that they did not expect anyone to hold them accountable for their actions. I hope that all of the personnel that are being let go find other jobs do that they can support their families. It was a truly sad day for the citizens of Nacogdoches County.

    • 3 R.I.N.O.s says:

      We have 3 commissioners with the emotional maturity of a 13 year old and the intelligence of a tree frog.

    • Spying on you says:

      Oh, don’t forget the pressed tablecloths.

    • Blue Bayou says:

      What do we have to fear? I thought that the meth heads trembled in fear at the mention of the name Bridges? I was led to believe that Bridges was going to make all of them disappear.

      • Crazy talk says:

        So we’re just going to use his confidence in his abilities as a peace officer against him? That’s called spite, not what is good for the citizens.

    • CC says:

      Well….look what you have seated on the Commissioners Court…..One that has no business what so ever being there!!!! The kilowatt!!!!! A JOKE

      • Renee says:

        U are so right…Kilowatt is a total joke. Never there..on his way to Mexico for extended vacation. He has been on one since being elected. Thinks he can buy his way again next time…Wake up dumb a$%, Charles. Brags to underpaid employees about his wife driving 90,000 Mercedes…Go figure.

  8. Longtime Nacogdochian says:

    Why don’t some of you commissioners respond with your real names,OH I see, let’s cut LAW Enforcement
    , but let’s not cut our FAT A$$ pay check, we are too important

  9. Spying on you says:

    Hang on Jason. Ego kingdoms always fall. Its is going to look a metor shower around that place one day. They may have cut your budget but that can’t get your spirit. Oh they gave it all they had to hurt you and a few others, but it will all come back. Their egos won’t let them see it. Some kingdoms don’t like to be touched. And when they are, on my what a fuss! They say we are in bad shape but their spending tells a different story. In four more years, they will all be gone….and those left behind, will pick up the pieces and carry on just like always.
    I know some of the employees and they are all looking forward to a new day. We need officials that do not have to have groupies all around to make them feel good. I have heard some of those groupies say some pretty bad things about them but they need their jobs so, they do what they have to. So sad. Jason Bridges will do the impossible
    with the little he has been given. He will put the egos to shame. It’s a real shame that people can’t work together for the good of its citizens…but now they know the egos just don’t care. Why their egos are so big I can’t understand, because they are so small minded. I have lived in this community for a long time and have watched the politics play out and I can say without a doubt, we now have the most unprofessional group we have ever had. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. God Bless our new Sheriff Jason Bridges.

  10. concerned says:

    i would like to know how is it justice for a human to accidently harm a child get 35 years. Never had an felony or been in trouble and a human kills a baby and yes they lie also about what happened and they get 5 years. How in the hell is that justice

  11. Frances says:

    How productive can one be sitting in the jail? Poor old you. Must be so embarrased!!!
    I’m sick of your comments. Go sell a car or try to get your children to stay married. DUH

  12. Frances says:

    Must be your grandson or you wouldn’t have responded so negatively. You might just find yourself in the slammer one day. Not so honest ABE…Hiding cars to keep from paying tax on them. You are such a goody goody. Nac knows all about your shenanigans.

  13. Frances says:

    NChumanresources

    You really know her don’t you. I do not understand why the cc can keep a loudmouth, pot stirrer. She needs to be gone so bad. Never in her office…Incompetent, hateful, sarcastic.

  14. Frances says:

    Nac Taxpayer

    Well…I do believe we are all taxpayers. You are not being singled out! Are you so pro Bridges because maybe he can help keep your grandson out of jail? Like DWI/illegally carrying a handgun. Pretty scary combination.
    Get your facts straight before mouthing off about things you are so ignorant.

    • NAC_TAXPAYER says:

      FRANCES

      BLESS YOUR HEART. IGNORANCE WOULD BE IN YOUR “NECK OF THE BACK WOODS” I AM PRO MY FAMILY’S SAFETY. IF YOU WERE AS INTELLIGENT AS YOU SO ESTEEM YOURSELF TO BE THEN YOU WOULD KNOW IT IS NOT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WHO LETS DWI/ILLEGAL HANDGUN CARRIERS OFF. YOU SHOULD HAVE THAT CONVERSATION WITH YOUR COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE. HOWEVER, I’M NOT VOICING MY OPINION TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU, WHO JUST LIKE TO STIR THE POT. MY OPINION IS MY OPINION. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ANOTHER REPLY FROM ME. IN FACT, YOU NO LONGER EXIST TO ME SINCE YOU OBVIOUSLY ARE NOT PRO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LIKELY FIT INTO THE CATEGORY OF CRIMINALS I SPOKE ABOUT IN MY LAST POST. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. I’M SURE THE JAIL WILL FEED YOU WELL……AND BY THE WAY, MY CHILDREN AND/OR GRANDCHILDREN ARE AND WILL BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN THIS COUNTY. IF THEY DO HAPPEN TO MAKE A NEGATIVE CHOICE THAT LANDS THEM IN JAIL, THEN THEY WILL SIT IN THE JAIL JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. THEIR MOMMY AND DADDY WILL NOT BE BAILING THEM OUT…..AND WHO KNOWS, MAYBE YOU AND/OR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN WILL MEET THEM IN THERE.

  15. NAC_TAXPAYER says:

    HOPEFULLY EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE COUNTY BUDGET BY NOW. MONDAY MORNING AT 8 A.M. THE COMMISSIONERS ARE GOING TO MEET SO THAT THE COUNTY’S BUDGET CAN BE SET FOR 2013.
    IT IS DETRIMENTAL THAT EVERYONE IN THIS COUNTY KNOWS WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
    IN THIS PROPOSED BUDGET, THE COMMISSIONERS INTEND TO CUT THE BUDGET FOR THE NACOGDOCHES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE BY AROUND 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS.
    SOME OF YOU ARE PROBABLY THINKING “SO WHAT, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE CAN JUST CUT BACK ON STAFF”. I AGREE WITH THIS THOUGHT TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, BUT AS A RESIDENT AND A TAXPAYER IN THIS COUNTY I AM VERY CONCERNED.
    IF THE BUDGET FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE (THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYEES OF THIS COUNTY) DOES INDEED GET A 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET CUT, THERE WILL BE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO EVERYONE LIVING IN THIS COUNTY.
    OBVIOUSLY A BUDGET CUT THIS EXTREME WILL CAUSE MULTIPLE PEOPLE TO LOOSE THEIR JOBS THAT ARE EMPLOYED BY THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE, WHICH WILL CREATE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF CRIME TO INCREASE IN OUR COUNTY. WITHOUT DEPUTIES TO PATROL AND INVESTIGATE CRIMES, THE SO CALLED “SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS” WILL NO LONGER BE SO SAFE.
    LESS LAW ENFORCEMENT MEANS MORE CRIME. SPECIFICALLY THEFTS, BURGLARIES, DRUGS, RAPES, FAMILY VIOLENCE, ECT. ECT. ECT……
    PUTTING FEWER DEPUTIES ON THE STREET JEOPARDIZES THE SAFETY OF THE FEW DEPUTIES THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE STREET.
    THIS COUNTY IS ROUGHLY 1,000 SQUARE MILES. DEPUTIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PATROLLING ALL OF IT. IT IS SCARY TO THINK THAT IF A DEPUTY IS DISPATCHED TO A FAMILY VIOLENCE CALL IN ETOILE, HE ARRIVES ON SCENE, HAS TO FIGHT A DRUNK HUSBAND THAT JUST FINISHED BEATING HIS WIFE, THIS DEPUTY IS ALONE AND WAITING FOR BACK UP FOR AROUND 20 TO 30 MINUTES AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW. IT IS EVEN SADDER THAT MOST OF THE TIME, THE DEPUTY CANT EVEN CALL FOR HELP BECAUSE THE PORTABLE RADIO THAT HE WEARS ON HIS SIDE IS BASICALLY USELESS IN ETOILE, WODEN, MARTINSVILLE, DOUGLASS, CUSHING, SACUL, AND SOMETIMES EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN.
    I HAVE HEARD MULTIPLE COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS AND OTHER CITIZENS THAT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE DOESN’T DO ANYTHING ANYWAY.
    WELL, BELIEVE WHAT YOU WANT TO BELIEVE, BUT IT IS A FACT, WHEN SOME CRACK HEAD OR METH HEAD LOOKING FOR THEIR NEXT FIX KICKS YOUR FRONT DOOR IN AT 3 IN THE MORNING, A DEPUTY SHERIFF WILL BE THE ONE RISKING HIS LIFE TO COME SAVE YOUR LIVES. THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE PUSHING FOR THIS BUDGET CUT, WILL BE THE VERY SAME ONES COMPLAINING WHEN YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND IT TAKES A DEPUTY 30 MINUTES OR MORE TO GET THERE.
    THE CROOKS AND DRUG USERS PAY ATTENTION TO THE NEWS ALONG WITH ALL OF US. SO BE ASSURED, WHEN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE’S BUDGET GETS CUT BY 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS, THE CRIME RATE IS GOING TO SKY ROCKET.
    RIGHT NOW, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AT ANY GIVEN TIME, HAS 4 DEPUTIES ON PATROL FOR THE ENTIRE 1,000 SQUARE MILES OF THIS COUNTY. YES, ONLY 4. IF SOMEONE TAKES A DAY OFF OF WORK, THEN THE SHIFT ONLY HAS 3 DEPUTIES ON PATROL.
    I PERSONALLY APPLAUD THE COUNTY’S LAW ENFORCEMENT ( WHICH INCLUDES THE CONSTABLES OFFICES) FOR THE JOB THAT THEY HAVE DONE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO. IT SCARES ME TO THIS THAT THESE GUYS LIKELY WILL NOT HAVE ANYONE TO CALL FOR HELP WHEN THEY ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES WITH A PSYCHOPATH THAT DOESN’T CARE WHETHER HE LIVES OR DIES, BECAUSE HE/SHE IS A CAREER CRIMINAL, AND THAT IS ALL HE/SHE KNOWS.
    I WILL BE AT THIS COMMISSIONERS BUDGET MEETING MONDAY MORNING AT 8 AM TO SPEAK MY MIND, I HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU THAT CARE ABOUT YOUR LIVES, PROPERTY, AND CHILDREN WILL BE THERE TOO.
    I WAS ALSO RECENTLY INFORMED THAT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WAS CHANGED TO 8 AM SO THAT THE VOTERS OF THIS COUNTY WILL BE AT WORK AND NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING.
    THAT IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.

    • Shug says:

      “IT IS DETRIMENTAL THAT EVERYONE IN THIS COUNTY KNOWS WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.”

      man, what? it’s possibly IMPERATIVE or IMPORTANT, but DETRIMENTAL is probably not the right word here.

  16. hap says:

    So much for “combined dispatch” and Interoperability. Woke up this morning to the fact that NCSO has no contact with their units or VFD units over the high dollar radio system. Only channel working properly is the SO’s digital channel, which they have not been using. Hope this is not a sign of things to come.

  17. Anonymous says:

    we really need to put more things in this town for teens to do ….NOT COLLEGE KIDS …TEENS .. like batting cages…. or a video arcade something…. these kids have nothing to do here!!!!!

  18. nac tax payer says:

    Whats up with all the high class people in nac getting busted with dope . They must be paying off the wrong people.

  19. ironic isn't it says:

    As I myself graduated from SFA, as did my children, and both my parents. In fact, a grandparent to boot. Needless to say, I and my family are long time residents. In asking both my children who when attending SFA (who are now married with children of their own) what they thought the differences were. This dicussion lasted on and off for days. As we all attended school, and holding full time jobs, I believe the school was able and willingly to ‘work’ with a student’s ‘bottom line’. An education was worth the community helping with meals, a dorm, study halls, child care, family(on campus) housing(I was born in a duplex on campus), and more ‘backing’ all around. The college has become all about the bottom line in trying to compete with larger universities and at the same time doing away with everything those campuses offer. Both my children moved away with their educations as Nacogdoches without on-campus childcare, housing (having to live with 6 roommates to one home to afford to eat), all the while it is hard to find a landlord anymore who allows ‘college’ kids to rent without charging fees ‘in case of’ fires, keg parties, broken glass, carpet burns, whatever. Meanwhile, as much as we don’t care to admit, to most the college years are also years to be a little crazy. This town has upwards of 4 bars. Yes, bars. Where kids can drink, smoke, laugh, play music, and dance. Socialize. The only ‘frat’/birthday/dance/’topless” club was raided. The ‘river’ has died. Wasn’t that ALOT of money once? Nacogdoches wants to advertise itself as a ‘retirement’ community and at the same time draw a younger crowd to spend it’s money. It’s slowly dying. And retiring it is. From boredom.

  20. hap says:

    How SFA goes, so goes Nacogdoches. At least, that is how it seems. Several years back, before diversity and Purple Promise, kids attending SFA had spending money and dad’s credit card. This helped local merchants who catered to the college crowd. Today, so many students are having to rely on grants and loans, many do not have the disposable income to spend like they once did. SFA has continued to lower its standards for admission while increasing tuition, student fees, etc. In addition, the economy of Nac has suffered from these students not spending as much of their parents’ money.

    • Billy Dix says:

      Thanks to Baker’s recruitment policies graduation rates have dropped so students don’t even live in Nacogdoches long enough to spend much money. They aren’t getting jobs or starting businesses here after graduation like many did in the past either.

  21. Taxpayer says:

    Can someone tell me why we are spending Hundreds of Thousands of dollars out of our county budget on a “shelter/civic” center that we don’t need?

    • Longtime Nacogdochian says:

      Why do commissoners make so much more than the ones that risk their lives everyday ? Makes you want to call a commish when law enforcement is need, surely they could do a better job since they are paid so much more.(NOT)

  22. Terry Lane says:

    Jared/Billy,

    Let me first say that as I understand it SFA is by no means alone in this artificially inflated system of costs associated with higher education in our state/country. My ire is therefore not directed at SFA or Baker Patillo but rather the cavalier attitude toward the burden which is being foisted upon on our young men and women by our state education system. As the old adage states, “A rising tide floats all boats.” Perhaps if we lowered tuition for all students many more would be benefitted.

    Based upon Michael O’Rear’s quotes, it appears that the TEA and all state universities have lobbied for this ability to “tax” a majority of students in order that the universities may show benevolence toward a minority . Though fiscally conservative I do not oppose reasonable taxation to provide any need for the common good of our society, including educating those “deserving” and otherwise without opportunity. I do however oppose taxation which one, appears to have been hidden from those on which is being imposed* and two, seems more inclined to be a redistribution of wealth rather than truly serving a common good.

    Please understand that deserving in my belief does not mean you simply show up and request attendance. There must be some prior record of excellence on the part of those wishing the opportunity.

    I have been told that the Purple Promise Program has no such “deserving” entrance requirement (i.e. no minimum GPA nor SAT/ACT standards**). From SFA’s own website the published GPA requirement for continuance in the program is a 2.2. This seems to me to be a particularly low standard for a program whose participants really have no other responsibility but to excell academically.

    Again gentlemen, my ire is not directed at SFA soley but rather the higher education system in this state which appears to give little consideration to expenditures while taxing our children presently and into their futures. Perhaps some thought should be given to this 20% hold back (tax) and reduction in tuition be considered for all students. As the old saw says, “A rising tide floats all boats.”

    * I have been deployed extensively overseas during the past seven years so if this was in fact well publicized in my absence, I will apologize for my ignorance.
    ** If what has been related to me is not correct, I will apologize for any misinformation and look forward to any factual corrections.

  23. Jared Cates says:

    Better watch it Terry, some liberal will call you a racist for not wanting to sponsor underprivledged kid’s educations! Socialism is hard at work in this country… Working hard for what you have means nothing, it’s all about what can be taken from you and given to the “less fortunate”. Complete and total BS.

  24. Billy Dix says:

    All part of Baker’s plan to drive SFA into the ditch. Make it a third rate University and merge it with another system for racial diversity purposes.

  25. Terry Lane says:

    Are no other parents/students concerned (angry) over the cost of educating our children and themselves? I just received my daughters’ SFA fall semester bills. The number and amount of tuition and fees are rediculous on their face but in light of what Michael O’Rear, Dir. of Fin, SFASU was quoting as saying in a recent Daily Sentinel article (08/03) it is down right infuriating. In the article, Mike was speaking specifically to SFA’s Purple Promise program but also mentioned other issues related to educational costs. (BTW, Mike was quoted as saying the Purlple Promis program “is doing well”. With a less than 6% success rate I would beg to differ with his characterization.)

    He was further quoted in the article stating that 20% of all student tuition above a base of $46/per hour is collected and used for educational funding (scholarships and Purple Promise). If I understood correctly, this means that the majority of students are contributing to the funding of a minority of other students who receive free or near free educations. This additional 20% on a standard 15 hour course load equates as best I can determine to in excess $400/semester or an additional $3,200 plus over a college career. This not only creates a per semester liability to these young men and women but a future one as well in the form of student loan repayments, including interest.

    Mike is quoted saying the SFA is not alone in this and that it is mandated by the TEA. I believe that is likely true, but how is this fair, when was it debated, and what legislator voted for this. I previously sent a number of questions to the author of the original article and though he responded indicating he would follow upon this issue I have heard nothing since. I hope that when Travis Clardy begins his representation of this district he will have time to look into this issue as well as the cost of education seems to be out of hand and getting worse.

    When myself and my bride were attending college (many year ago), we were able to work jobs which allowed us to school and pay as we went. We we actually both able to graduate without a heavy educational debt burden following us. Young men and women could not today work two full time jobs and pay for school at the curren costs.

    Perhaps if we did not have our children paying for the education of others while paying for their own they might have a greater opportunity to be debt free upon matriculation or a least reduce their future liability for their educations.

    Terry Lane

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