TownNews

The Tea Party movement in our area is the real deal. I have realized that the unity of their passion is what makes this movement real. Smaller government, less taxes, and keeping the freedoms we enjoy today are their focus. Who doesn’t want that?  Hmm. The government, that’s who. Think about it, government is a system with no incentive for improvement. When there is not enough money to pay the bills, it borrows it and/or raises taxes to get it! Let’s compare. At some point in many of our lives we used an eight-track player as our preferred music listening device and rotary phones were the norm. Imagine if Apple had never improved upon that. Would you like to run around with and an eight-track player on your head? Why does Apple continue to improve? It’s simple – incentive!  The incentive is to create what people want and, in turn, generate revenue from the value they receive. Can you imagine no iPod or cell phone today? Apple would be doomed as a company. 

I recently read an article titled “Social Programs Are Not Socialism” and found it to be very informative. It was pointed out that when conservatives were in power no misery was unacceptable. People who could not afford food or were not able to purchase their medicines were forced to choose one over the other. The social programs President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, and President George W. Bush so proudly gutted decreased productivity of already struggling Americans while saving no more than pocket change in our federal budget, their spin being that they claimed to have saved $100 million with these cuts, which in actuality amounted to 3/10ths of 1 percent of a $300 billion budget. Conservatives so often complain about taxes they pay for social programs when the fact is that social welfare programs improve people’s circumstances, which creates contributors. And that is the best way to keep from having to raise taxes.  Social programs go much deeper than just welfare. President Obama’s budget to increase Pell Grants for need-based student tuitions to college or trade schools is sure to bring out cries of socialism. Nothing could be further from the truth. Increasing a person’s education also increases his or her chances of gaining more meaningful employment. Put simply, people who make money pay taxes; people who don’t make money cost taxes. Another good reason to educate America’s  working class is the fact that the likelihood of incarceration decreases. It is estimated that an inmate costs taxpayers anywhere from $ 10,000 to $ 37,000 dollars annually. That savings alone could and would educate many people who other wise not be given that chance.

As leaders of Kokomo-Center Schools (KCS), we want to inform the people of Kokomo of how KCS is responding to the recent announcement by Gov. Mitch Daniels to cut $300 million from Indiana’s public school districts’ General Funds.  The response will be a cooperative effort.

As our community heads into 2010, we must continue to embrace the future of the local, U.S, and global economy and the opportunities they present. This is not to say that we are not, but the transition in key industry sectors and new, emerging markets will be the next horizon for quality job growth and capital investment. None of us can be reliant on where we have been.

As I prepared to write my column this month, I talked with my wife, Kelly, about what I should write about. I have written a monthly opinion piece for more than six years, and sometimes it’s a challenge to find relevant, interesting topics. I never thought I’d say this, but I have developed a respect for news reporters who write on a daily basis. Just coming up with the material is difficult! Kelly suggested I explain in some detail the beliefs I hold since I am preparing to enter the race for House Distinct 30 in the Indiana General Assembly. So I started going down my list.  I’m pro life, I support the marriage amendment, and I hold a litany of other conservative positions — but people already know these things. Kelly responded, “No, no. I mean write about what you believe and how you work as a legislator.” So I’ve decided to take her advice and give that a try. 

What do Taylor Middle School students, Applebee’s Restaurant, Kokomo Fire Department firefighters, Kokomo Police Department officers, St. Joseph Hospital staff, Howard Regional Health System staff, and Rhum Music Academy all have in common? They all creatively had fun and “Live United” while helping their neighbors in Howard County. On Jan. 25, Laura Sheets, the 2009 United Way of Howard County campaign chair, will announce 2009 “Live United “ fundraising results and activities.