Taxpayer-paid lobbyists; Arlington principal resigns
Taxpayer-paid lobbyists
The Star-Telegram editorial opposing State Sen. Konnie Burton’s stand on taxpayer paid lobbyist failed to address the issue as to whether or not it is appropriate to spend taxpayer’s money to lobby against their own interests.
In many instances, local county, city, and school district taxpayer paid lobbyists are lobbying for issues that would result in a tax increase on the very taxpayers who are paying for their services.
Taxpayers are involuntarily being required to pay lobbyist to advocate against their own interests.
For example, a few years ago, Gov. Perry proposed the Legislature place an annual 3 percent cap on property evaluation increases.
If adopted, local elected officials would no longer have enjoyed revenue from outlandish tax increases without having to go on record as voting for a tax rate increase to satisfy their wasteful spending habits.
This proposal had widespread enthusiastic support from the general public but was adamantly opposed by most local county, city and school district officials and their lobbyists.
I applaud Sen. Burton on her stand to not talk to taxpayer-paid lobbyists and strongly support legislation that would prohibit local governing entities in Texas from spending taxpayers’ dollars to pay lobbyists.
— Bob Stewart,
Bedford
Arlington principal resigns
We were shocked and deeply saddened to read “Backers say loss of principal a mistake” in the Sunday Star-Telegram.
We have known Lloyd Day, now-former-principal of Hill Elementary in Arlington for several years and have the utmost respect for him.
We have seen him greet each student by name as they entered the school in the morning.
They love him.
He is a wonderful role model.
His departure is a great loss.
This entire episode was the result of one anonymous parent who was offended by a hands-on, interactive learning experience.
The point of the lesson was to demonstrate that slavery was a bad thing, not to pretend it didn’t happen.
What is wrong with our society?
How many leaders, celebrities and good people have had their careers and lives ruined because someone was offended by something?
Political correctness has gone absolutely berserk in this country.
That “anonymous parent” was way off base and owes Mr. Day a huge apology.
— Jim and Diane Withaeger,
Arlington
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This story was originally published February 19, 2015 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Taxpayer-paid lobbyists; Arlington principal resigns."