CLARK COUNTY — Resident wants jobs kept local at Greater Clark

Recently, I attended a Greater Clark County Schools board meeting and was on the agenda to use my three minutes to acquaint the board members with Constitution Day/Citizenship Day on Sept. 17.

It is required that each school district receiving federal funds recognize the Constitution on that day. I plan on working with Travis Haire and Amy Schnellenberg to develop curriculum for all the children in our system.

My agenda was overshadowed by Terri Wimsett and Gail Parrish — two folks I consider the best of the best — who spoke previous to me. They were speaking on behalf of the bus drivers, cafeteria staff and custodial staff who are fearful of losing their jobs to outsourcing.

I do not have all the facts. But even the smartest person reaches conclusions without all the facts. The conclusion I have reached is: I pay the taxes that pay these fine folks who work in our schools and so do you. We all have a say in this.

Here is my two cents. We need to keep them here. Keep our neighbors working. Grow our community and secure its prosperity for future generations of school children.

I think it was a fantastic suggestion made by Ms. Parrish to form a committee to include representation of the public (taxpayers/parents) administration (also taxpayers/employees) and GCCS employees affected. They do the jobs. They know how to tighten their belts — what was it Ms. Parrish said — “they turn leftovers into hash.” Good job.

We have all got to be more fiscally responsible. We have got to start working together. The board has to make every effort. They have the experts right under their noses. The current employees know where to cut — how to make better use of their time, how to get creative to improve their respective positions.

We all have been used to going along to get along. Time is up and now it is time to shore up our school system. Let them save their jobs. Give them the opportunity. We cannot afford to lose a large part of the local work force. If the board chooses to outsource these jobs, the trickle down effect spells more of the same economic woes for our community. Do we need more unemployed?

Let’s start the dialogue in committee now. We have to make hash  — er, hay, while the sun shines.

I welcome all citizens concerned with this and other topics to the weekly meetings of the Clark County Tea Party every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Silver Creek Middle School in Sellersburg.

— Kelly Khuri, Jeffersonville



Reader gives thoughts on Dick Jones



Recent headlines of Dick Jones’ decision to not seek re-election deeply saddened me.

I have known Dicky and his family for years, and I am honored to witness the wonderful things this family has done for our community. Dicky is one of Jeffersonville’s finest.

When I heard the news, before this went public, I was hoping it couldn’t be true, and with all my heart and tears, I wish this was not happening. Barbara Haas said it, and I agree, the building would not have been the same. (Jones decided this week to allow himself to be placed back on the November ballot by Democratic Party Chairman Rod Pate).

I can’t help but feel someone was behind this horrible nightmare to cause him to decide to remove himself from the November ballot in the first place. And, if I’m correct, one day we will know who is responsible for this heartache and, when we do, I hope that person has moved to another state. It made me sick.

Anyone behind this should hang their head in shame — trying, and I repeat, trying — to ruin a good man’s reputation. But, it can’t be done and it won’t happen. His reputation and honesty should not be tested. I know of no one that would question this man’s honor.

To you, Dicky, my family and I wish you well and I thank you for everything you have done for my family and Clark County. I am so proud of you and my family will always support you in anything you do. Best wishes to my friend.

— Candy Wilson and family, Jeffersonville