Did the Coffee County School Board do the right thing by not extending the contract of Schools Director Kenny Casteel?

	Yes
	No
	The board's reason behind its decision should have been made clear

How We See It: The power of the ballot box

Written by TSI Editorial Board | 14 July 2010

With another celebration of our nation’s independence fresh in my mind, we were given cause to reflect on how the fight for one’s individual liberty was forced to rage on long after the final cannon fired in 1783.
Some 60 years later, another revolution took place, this time in Providence, R.I., led by state legislator Thomas Dorr to establish voting rights for the states poorest citizens, as the current law left more than 85 percent of the adult population out of the political process.
Long story short, it’s amazing what 3,000 supporters and two stolen cannons could accomplish in 1842. To say it’s sad that something that defines our nation as a democracy is now taken for granted is a woeful understatement... but you can change that on Aug. 5.
You can change a lot of things that day. You have a say in the direction taken in the halls of congress, state capital, and perhaps most importantly in county and city governments.
Your vote will decide the future of a child’'s education in local school board races. A vote cast this August can also make a bigger, if only symbolic statement. By stepping up to the ballot box you can strike a blow against a voter apathy that has been far too prevalent in our community in recent years.
And the list of things in need of change has never been longer. Massive tax rates and ballooning debt are the things we all talk about, with a looming wheel tax it’s hard to talk about much else, but where we we truly need change is mindset.
We must look at the changing world around us and respond accordingly. Individuals wishing to serve with a long term vision, while understanding they’re on a short term leash to begin that process. Any party seeking your vote should be able to return to you over four years and show what they have accomplished with your support for the betterment of your community. We believe you’re owed that.
One week ago today we honored not only the birth of a nation, but the local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the rights and principals that nation was founded on. Don’t allow that sacrifice to be in vain. Exercise your most basic and fundamental right. Early voting begins July 16 through July31. General election is Aug. 5.

Comments (1)

It will be interesting to watch the election results for the City of Manchester and the County to see if the citizens are fed up with those that are currently holding office. I have noticed that there is mention about raising taxes or imposing a Wheel Tax. At a time when many of our citizens are unemployed or just barely making ends meet, these options are totally unacceptable. We have a new school sitting out in the county with little or no funds to open it. I cannot believe Mr Casteel or other members of the school board or County Commissioners did not have more insight into the state of the economy in our County and City and proceeded as if there was no negative impacts to be concerned about. I urge the voters of Manchester and the County to get out and vote. Let your voices of unhappiness with the elected officials be heard. Vote in someone new, someone who just might take better care of you and your taxpayer dollars.

John E. Hall