Letters to the editor

By Staff
Cain family thankful
for prayers
Editor:
Many thanks to so many who came to our aid Nov. 3. A sweet lady prayed almost immediately for us. Jane Ann Fields’ bright face appeared and was such a welcome sight, as were Catherine Ann and Billy Sims, Pat and Skip Drinkard. Skip sat with J. (J. P. Cain) as the rescue team worked to rescue him. The ambulance driver gave me a seat as close as possible to his vehicle. Our firemen came quickly.
Brother Roberts’ prayer. Robis and Hudson’s appearance, hugs and prayers, Charley and Shari’s previous faces, prayers and love. Mr. James at our window. The Jaws of Life rescue team helping J as much as they could. Chief Ron Puckett and his officers diligently performed their duties and reported to us. Air EVAC helicopter was there and after J was freed they allowed me a quick kiss as they loaded him. Coach gave me a “thumbs up” in response. Charley, Shari and I headed to Huntsville Hospital.
Paul had arthroscopic knee surgery that morning at 7:30 a.m. in Madison. Paul’s family met us at the emergency room in Huntsville. Ann’s family was there at our arrival and our angels were all around us, so many people we all love. Jim Yarbrough was there. What great people we have. How wonderful that they all love their friend, principal, coach, neighbor, J.P. Cain. Bless you all.
Thank you for our deepest hearts for your words of encouragement in so many beautiful ways. Thanks to everyone, especially Willie Pearl and Heath. Our entire immediate family of 30 members thanks you.
J.P. Cain Family
Where do land
purchases end?
Editor:
It’s been approximately five years since the city of Hartselle became deeply involved in the real estate business. Since then, they have bought far more land than they have sold. Now we hear that the city wants to buy more land to build a new high school. What is their thinking on this and where and when does it end?
During the same period, while the city was spending all these millions of dollars on land, I suggested that there was a truck stop chain that was looking to build in North Alabama. When I pitched this to the mayor and council, the two biggest concerns against the idea were increased traffic and not enough revenue being generated from a truck stop.
Now, using the council and mayor’s own arguments, if a truck stop would be too much increased traffic flow five years ago, what would a high school do to the traffic problem? There’s a blind hill just east of Lando Cain Road. Can we see increased accidents, possibly deaths and congestion?
From sources around Falkville, the revenue from Love’s is approximately $500,000 a year and growing. A restaurant has been built and another one is on the horizon. Along with that, a major grocery store chain there after Falkville possibly votes yes on the wet-dry referendum is being rumored.
Here’s my take on all of this. It would appear that this is a hidden play in an attempt to lure businesses to the 19 acres that can’t be given away, much less be sold. In order to do this, the city must build an overpriced Taj Mahal-style Hartselle High School near it.
Why spend more money to buy land, when we already have land to build a school? Repairing a road is far more easier and less costly than buying more undeveloped land that is once again, over priced. If the Bethel Road land was suitable just a few years ago for everything, including an outside playing field, how, when and why did it suddenly change?
Lastly, the school system should aggressively step forward in helping to pay for this, also. Starting next year, charge every family of out-of-district students $2,500 per student, per year with no discounts for additional students of the same household. Every penny garnered from this should be applied to paying off the bonds.
After all, if we build this Taj Mahal-type school in Hartselle, then prepare to “pony up” in order for out-of-district students to attend it. Maybe then people will see that Hartselle School System isn’t much different from other systems. Building’s don’t create great schools, it’s the educators that do.
Mike Dowdy
Hartselle
School is good idea, location isn’t
Editor:
After listening to the debate around town about the need for a new high school, I agree it is needed to keep our high quality academic standards. Our school system has been a huge reason for people moving into our community and it needs to be the best we can offer and afford.
When I heard some of our local politicians talk about buying land from J.P Cain and locating the new school on the East side of I-65, I was amazed. It was a decision based on politics and friendship, and not thought out logistically.
First, about 95 percent of Hartselle lives West of I-65 and to move all those students and teachers across the Hwy 36 bridge crossing I-65 would be mass grid-lock. Secondly, transporting the students from the new location to the football stadium for practices and games will be a logistic nightmare and add cost to running buses.
It makes more sense to find a good location within the city that has fairly easy access for all concerned that use the high school so that we get the best value for the money spent.
I hope that good sense prevails in selecting a site, and not the “good old boy” politics that is evident with our local politicians.
Bob Jaques
Hartselle
School will strap city financially
Editor:
Recently, the Hartselle Enquirer reported a desire by citizens for a new high school in Hartselle. Against the stated wishes of most citizens, the City Council voted and passed a 1-cent sales tax increase to help fund this project.
The funding of $22 million in interest-free money from the Obama administration was too good to pass up, as stated by the city council. Construction costs for the new school are estimated at $40 million. This means another $18 million, with interest, is needed to meet the estimated construction costs.
If the borrowed money is paid back over 30 years with interest, the required payment will be $114,958 per month. A payment of $61,112 per month will be needed to pay back the interest free money in the same period of time.
When both notes are combined, $176,070 per month is obligated by the citizens of Hartselle to pay back the loan to cover the cost of a new high school.
If every penny of this 1-cent increase goes to pay for this project, the city of Hartselle would have to generate this money per month in new business sales and services to generate the extra sales tax revenue.
The increase volume of sales and services must be maintained for 360 months or 30 years. Is this possible? Is this the cost of robbing Peter to pay Paul? What other services will suffer?
Steve Sloan
Hartselle
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