Better Neighbors

It is often said that good neighbors are made by good fences. The WayneWho staff does not believe that this is the case when it comes to multiple local governments working together. Our systems of government are intended to mesh together, not in perfect harmony, but in a way that protects citizens from what unchecked government powers can do. This is why we have independent governments that are focused on specific areas such as city, county, or school needs. These separate local governments do not exist so those who are elected to represent them can work to build their own private empires that remove the best interests of those governed from the process. While things may not get done as quickly, and special interests may not get paid as quickly as some would like, this is a form of government that was designed by those who understood the dangers of empires. Our Constitution protects this system of checks and balances that were designed to protect government from the rule of the mob, and the people from a government that becomes a mob.

And so the story continues with the School Board working to remove itself from the confines of a constitutional form of government. They are misrepresenting facts to state legislatures to change laws so they can remove themselves from growth controls established to protect our communities. We are not sure at what point governments and elected officials decided it was their job to misrepresent us instead of represent us, but we are sure this instance is not the first. We also find it absurd how local elected officials are now downplaying the fact that lies were told by the school board to create a false need of this legislation. A lie is a lie. While lying may have become the expected norm for elected officials, it is obvious that the public can no longer financially afford the problems that have been created because of this practice. The WayneWho staff pondered this issue and wondered if regular citizens could begin a practice of misrepresenting the value of their own property for their own financial benefit? Would this be acceptable under the rules of the new empire?

What is most sad about SB 474, and the elected officials of the school boards across the state that are pushing it, is the fact that what they are really trying to do is stop being good neighbors in our communities. Besides the amendment to the bill that would guarantee school boards could get into the business of building affordable housing, or launder property to developers who would do it for them, the meat of this bill would create a situation where citizens would not be able to address problems created when a school is built. This bill would stop the public from being allowed to address their concerns and would give the school board the ultimate authority.

The school board would have you believe that since the schools are an infrastructure item, that they should not have to go through the same development or zoning process as say a road, a government building, or heck, even a hospital. They also seem to claim that since they are not developers, that they should be exempt from these rules because they are just too difficult to understand. While we do believe their claim of ignorance, we do not feel that ignorance of the law is any excuse. It is a reason to be removed from office, but not to pull a fast one on the residents who live here and who work hard to be the best neighbors they possibly can.

Tear Down That Wall Mr. Greer.