Speak Out 11/29/13

Editor's Note: For your convenience, Speak Out now offers two options, call 573-686-6548 or visit our website, click on "Speak Out" and leave a message. Thank you.

Can't afford

to pay taxes

Hi, I just read in the paper about all the new building the school board is trying to get in and how many millions of dollars and how much taxes. You know, as a citizen of Poplar Bluff, we have two or three doctors and a couple contractors and a big business man on there. How would they feel about all of this if they was on a fixed income of $1,200 a month? I would like for you to print this in Speak Out and let them stop and think about how much this is gonna raise our taxes and a home we've spent all years paying for. Now we can't afford because all the taxes are going up. I wish you'd please print this and I would for them to stop and think about this when they read it. Thank you.

Cut pay for commissioners

Yes, Ed Strenfel doesn't seem to like the sheriff's deputies. Maybe he should get no more pay and benefits than they do until they raise it. Bye.

Sorry for kids

I'm an old fogey, but I pity these poor kids that have to go to school nowadays. I've got a granddaughter in the eighth grade and she has to carry a backpack --it's actually three backpacks in one-- and this ain't even all she has to carry. She's got a computer, books, lunch, whatnots, track shoes--you name it that girl has got it in it. And when she walks down the street looks like Santa Claus's bag on her bag. Kids oughta be in prime shape. They don't even have to do PE. We had to do a PE to stay fit, but schools now overloading these kids with these backpacks and all this stuff to keep 'em in shape and wear the pounds off. Like I say, I pity you, if you're in the eighth grade. I'd hate to think what the high schools have to carry on their backs. But, the computers are good for 'em I gotta admit that 'cause got one at home for 'em. But to see them poor, little, ole kids carrying them big old bags on their backs makes me feel sorry for 'em. God bless you little kids. Bye.

Channel 12

needs men

Since I don't use computers somehow I hope Cape Channel 12 News will get this message. Why are you hiring so many women on your newscast and no new men? It seems like you're prejudice. Also I know you can hire more at less hours and pay no insurance. Men need jobs to take care of their families. Nothing against the women personally as I know none of them.

Deputy's Pay

People who reside in Butler County rely heavily on the Sheriff's department. Without a doubt, our conscientious officers are highly efficient, dependable, and very responsive to our calls. They are devoted to protecting the county residents. They too should and deserve a living salary. They have families and obligations as any other public servant.

I have lived in this county over 60 years, and have called upon the Sheriff's department several times with immediate response. I hold our officers in the highest esteem, and believe pay should reflect responsibility.

Our deputies freely give of their time, and service. They stay abreast on training and responsible procedures. Most officers know the residents, and check on our properties as they drive by, stop occasionally to ask if everything is OK.

They certainly deserve pay equal to the unionized county workers who do not put their lives on the line daily. I ask you, Mr. Strenfel, how would you like to raise a family on their salary?

These officers never consider they are working over time, they take their responsibilities seriously of protecting Butler County residents. Our deputies have worked diligently toward minimizing criminal activities.

Mr. Strenfel and Commissioners, it is time you allocate county finances more fairly, see the significance of our county officers, and see that pay's more equitably distributed based on responsibilities.