> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Reader supports Hibbard’s raise



It is time to acknowledge the New Albany-Floyd County School Board for making the correct decision to increase Superintendent Bruce Hibbard’s compensation. It should be viewed as recognizing his role in the corporation’s educational achievements.

As a taxpayer in Floyd County, retired, without children in the school district and not knowing Hibbard, I still appreciate the job he, as well as countless others, are doing to improve local education. It is vitally important to all of us. It seems to me it is educationally and fiscally responsible to encourage and recognize improvements in our schools.

While I certainly understand the views of those that say it is the wrong time because of budget constraints and economic uncertainty, I believe that makes it even more important to value and recognize the leadership that is needed in these times. Hibbard, by most accounts, seems to provide strong leadership to make the tough decisions that are needed. He has shown himself willing to take the time to prove himself. He has a reasonable expectation to be compensated at a level similar to his peers.

If the elected leadership believe Hibbard has proven himself capable of providing the excellent leadership we all should desire and expect, it is appropriate to attempt to compensate him accordingly. Whether or not he is looking at other positions is completely irrelevant to me. We pay him for what he does in Floyd County.

I do not see this issue as paying Hibbard instead of someone else or in any way not being willing to recognize other staff or faculty. It should not be a zero-sum game. It is important to remember the improving achievements is a result of the efforts of many, many people. This was and is an opportunity to recognize one part of the equation at this time. Hopefully, the school board can continue this effort as they more forward.

I have not always been a fan of some of the decisions made by the board. Some of the spending has been downright silly to me. This decision they got right, and I applaud their decision and the leadership they have shown.

— Greg Fitzloff, Georgetown



An alternative to Obamacare



If you asked yourself early in 2009, “What are we going to do when Obamacare starts its giant over-reaching sweep to eliminate the best health care system in the world?” take heart, there is hope.   

Indiana is one of 13 state legislatures to introduce the Health Care Compact this session in its General Assembly. Four states have already passed this important legislation: Texas, Georgia, Arkansas and Missouri.

The Health Care Compact is an interstate compact — which is simply an agreement between two or more states that is consented by Congress — that restores authority and responsibility for health care regulation to the member states. The HCC does not conflict with the efforts by states attorneys general, state legislators and members of Congress to repeal or modify the health care law.

Once signed into law by the governor and consented by Congress, HCC will transfer health care decisions to the member states, receive funding and supersede federal law regarding health care decisions, therefore, exempting Indiana from the clutches of Obamacare. See www.healthcarecompact.com or visit Facebook to learn more.

HB 1269 passed the Indiana House and the Senate Health Committee. Gov. Daniels has promised to sign it.

This is an important bill for Indiana and for each Hoosier who wishes to have more control over his or her own health choices. Let’s thank our conscientious lawmakers who are moving it through the Indiana General Assembly.

— Angela Hayes, Clark County



Building workers deserve raise as well



I would like to voice my opinion on the New Albany-Floyd County school system. Did you know that the people that clean and manage the buildings have had their wages frozen three years or more; no cost of living raise, not one penny. Although everything else has gone up — groceries, gas, bills, insurance — everyone keeps there mouth shut because they’re afraid they’ll lose their jobs.

Now, the superintendent gets a substantial raise. It must be nice, not worrying about us poor people who work very hard for your buildings. It really has affected each and everyone’s life, as if you care.

We all talk among us, we are not stupid, we can see what’s going on. Will you ever be fair and truthful with us and unfreeze our wages? Believe it or not, we’re everyday people who have to work for a living, and we need to feel like human beings.

— Jeannie Payton, Clarksville