THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506220238
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 50 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 102 lines
If the Dare County Commissioners were sincerely interested in taxpayer input, there were many constructive suggestions offered in a budget hearing this month by several citizens, some of whom had obviously done the commissioners' homework and tediously gone over the preliminary budget line by line, cutting waste, frivolous spending and excesses, and increasing our tax collection rate to the point where all our needs could be met without a tax increase. All the speakers voiced similar opinions and logical arguments opposing merit pay for teachers due to its divisive, negative effect.
The general consensus regarding school technology was positive but that we shouldn't rush into it prematurely before we fully understand it and can make intelligent decisions and to see what the state will be funding. The general feeling in the audience was that with proper budgeting and prudent spending, our wishes and needs could easily be met without a tax increase. Several spoke of the county benefits package as an example of recent out-of-proportion cost increases and excesses.
The most disconcerting and ruinous part of the hearing was Commission Chairman Robert V. ``Bobby'' Owens' negative attitude toward helpful, well-intentioned citizens' suggestions. Although he did not speak until the end of the evening, his physical demeanor, with little bejeweled fingers covering his face throughout the whole meeting, had the effect of silently telling the audience he was going through this taxpayer-pacifying motion but really was not interested in what anyone had to say. It was plainly clear that he took each speaker's suggestions as a personal affront.
Commissioner Owens closed the hearing by thanking all the participants for their ideas, while clearly indicating that he will probably proceed with the budget as he pleases.
I wish to affirm that the last budget hearing was a very positive and informative meeting, if only the commissioners will listen: The only negative was Bobby Owens' attitude. It's no wonder intelligent people say they won't waste their time going to county meetings.
M-L Reifschneider
Kitty Hawk Like it or leave
Right on with Mr. David Stick! I very much appreciated his lauding North Carolina and the Outer Banks and the people who serve them.
I want to ask the ``complainers:'' If where you came from was so great, what are you doing here?
Jane C. Holmes
Nags Head Uninspirational sermon
The opinion as expressed by David Stick in the June 18 Carolina Coast struck me as being the epitome of a disgruntled old man, caught in a worn old body with a tired old mind and wearing an old hat.
The sanctimonious, self-serving, stale sermon of living in the past is completely devoid of any progressive, inspirational ideas that would pave the way to enhance the aspirations and future of the young'uns.
Until about 1981, there was no ``money'' on the Outer Banks; today, there is tons of it. Inordinately, money brings mismanagement and corruption.
Bud Koehler
Kill Devil Hills Apalled by letter
I was appalled when I read Wayne Lee's June 11 letter, in which he insinuated that the North Carolina Fisheries Association board and Jerry Schill, the executive director of that association, back a house bill that would ``gut'' the Clean Water Act.
As a member of the FA, I can honestly state that we ``are against this legislation'' as well as HB 893, HB 886, and SB 991; all of which are related to wetland loss and wastewater discharge. The NCFA Auxiliary has even addressed some of these bills in newsletters.
It appears to me once again that Mr. Lee is stirring his ``dirty'' little stick in trying to keep the commercial and recreational fishermen fighting among themselves in his personal little war. Cease-fire, Wayne; take a break!
Rick Scarborough
Buxton Learn boating laws
I find it amazing that people drive cars every day and obey the traffic laws, yet these same people will go out boating and never realize that there are operating rules on the waterways as well. And just like driving a car, if you don't know and obey the rules, the fact that you didn't know them is NO DEFENSE!
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Outer Banks Flotilla 16-07 has been serving the boating community for the past 20 years.
One of the main objectives of the flotilla is to educate the boating public, and this is accomplished by a series of safe boating courses offered by qualified and certified auxiliary instructors who voluntarily give their time to share their knowledge and experience in boating and seamanship skills.
For those people who are interested in Safe Boating, please call FSO-PE, Bill Draper at 261-4731.
Remember: Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today!
Ann Roschen
FSO-PA
U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary
Flotilla 16-07 by CNB