Letters to the Editor

 


To: editor@neganews.com
Subject: school tuition

Dear Dave,
 
Hi!  My name is Richard Cobb and I live in Woodland Manor which is right past the Ramada Inn going toward Hartwell on Hwy. 29.  I've got a question about the school tuition that will be imposed to children that have not entered school yet that live in the city of Royston but in Hart County.  I talked to a school board member from Franklin County this past week, and they said  if Royston could supply the usual grounds maintenance they've been doing along with maybe selling natural gas at cost that something could possibly be worked out. They said that Dan Stroud had been looking at some of these figures.  Could this type of deal be worked out?  I've heard its already affecting the housing market on this side of town.

Sincerely,

Richard Cobb 
 
Ed note: We checked with the Franklin County School Superintendent's office.  Apparently, there are no changes as yet in the policy, which is:  Students already enrolled are grandfathered.  New students will pay tuition, beginning with the 2006-07 school year. 
 
No quid pro quo has been discussed formally.  If affected parents want to pursue, maybe approaching the new city council to explore options would be possible.  Right now, given the Franklin County and Hart County school boards' positions, it doesn't look promising. Hart residents will continue to pay Hart County taxes, with no hope of reimbursement if they choose to enroll their children at a neighborhood school (Royston) that is from six blocks to one mile away.  They always have the option of having their five year olds bussed eight to ten miles within Hart County. The law passed by the legislature recently  to allow transfer of funds is apparently useless in these situations.  You might want to check with your Representative, Alan Powell, to get his views on this matter. 

To: editor@neganews.com
 

Mr. Nelson,

When I heard you had restarted your site, I had to check it out.  I'm glad you're back in business!

Back when you first began to consider your venture into local politics, even before qualifying opened, we held a few conversations and you asked if I would vote for you.  I told you then, and my answer is the same, "Yes."  I've been an observer of local politics for over 22 years.  Not often, but occasionally a "newbie" enters the arena and the infusion of fresh ideas that they bring with them invigorates the council and is like a breath of fresh air to the city.

Before making any commitments to the public on any matters, such as a future recreation area for Royston, bear in mind there are various hidden land mines that must be traversed before you can live up to fulfilling any promises you make.  In the matter of the land purchased by the city a few years ago to use as a recreation area, Mr. Gurley forsees this growing over time to a "substructure of the county rec dept. in Carnesville."  Unfortunately, a major stumbling block to this ever happening is that the land that was purchased is in HART County and FRANKLIN County tax dollars can't be spent in Hart County.  I wouldn't count on much, if any tax money from Hart County being spent here either.  Everything in Hart County is centralized in Hartwell.  I'm not saying the recreation area can never come to pass, just that it will require a lot more effort than it would seem, at first glance, to require.  I forsee a major expense for the city taxpayers with limited, if any, assistance from either county government.  (Nothing new on that score!)

Politics!  Such is the nature of the Beast!

Good Luck!

Scott Strickland
 
 
Ed note:  Your point is well taken.  Just another example of the geographical no-man's-land Royston so often finds itself in (the school situation is another).  Carnesville (Franklin County) seems to forget us, except at election time, and we have no leverage with Hart County.

 

To: editor@neganews.com

Dave:

Good luck to you!  In my opinion, you have at least two very important attributes going for you; you have been involved and your only agenda is positive growth for Royston.  If you don't mind , let me add one added item I hope you and the council will focus on in the next four years and beyond. 

-Please don't forget about the land we bought for purposes of recreation dept. for Royston. This should grow over time to be a substructure of the county rec dept. in Carnesville.  By building fields in Royston, you will give children and families even more opportunities and will be even more attractive to potential new citizens.  However, this also goes hand in hand with bringing successful businesses to the area also, so I agree with your platform on that as well.

Best of luck to you and the other candidates; but more importantly, best of luck to Royston!

Sincerely,

Greg Gurley

Ed. note:  Thanks, Greg.  Good to hear from a Royston native who still has his hometown in his heart.  And especially from someone who has "been there" in local politics.   I think a ten-year plan in two to three year increments should be a goal for the park land. An overall plan, with small "bites" for funding and construction purposes might be the most realistic approach.  

 

To: editor@neganews.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 11:39 AM
Subject: ELECTION

Hello Friend...

I just had to write and congratulate you on your decision to run for City Council in Royston!  I am sorry that circumstances (good ones!) prevented me from staying in Royston to oppose you for Mayor because, as I told you, I'd have beaten the socks off of you!  I think you will make a wonderful addition to the council. 

 Now, as I always do, you know I have to give you my opinion of the upcoming election and it's candidates.  I do have my own opinions about each that are running but you know what they say about opinions...At any rate, I would urge the citizens of Royston to go to the polls to vote FOR someone, not AGAINST someone else.  Yes, there are questions in my mind about each of the mayoral candidates.  I do know who I would vote for if I still resided in Royston.  I have had the privilege of working with each of them.  I've seen how they both operate and they are on total opposite ends of the spectrum. The decision will weigh on whether or not you want a Mayor who rides the fence and can be blown over to either side by a puff of wind or if you want a mayor who voices his opinions (whether you like 'em or not!) and isn't swayed by anyone.  Each have their pro's and con's. 

As you know, I am now part of "big town" politics as City Clerk in Norcross, and we also have an upcoming election.  I find myself comparing the cities a lot.  Many of the same issues plague the large as well as the small towns.  One thing I have seen....you need a STRONG leader at the helm and one who isn't afraid to speak up for what they believe and one who will lead the group, not be LED BY the group.  I hope that each of those who win will be advocates for the employees of the city.  Theirs is a thankless job and one that is filled by many hard working people who do what they do because they love the town and take pride in their work more than because of the money they earn.  Of course, I would also urge that they support their City Manager and let him do his job.  That's what he's there for.  When you start to micro-manage, you need to change the form of government back to Mayor and Council control.  City Managers are not for the purpose of being a scape-goat.

As for the council seats, you know that YOU would have my vote!  I would encourage any and every citizen to place their mark along side your name.  Why?  Because I know that you will do what's best for the town and don't have a private agenda. I've always said that Royston needs a woman on the council and I congratulate Angie Pressley for stepping forward to run for office.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the DDA on the completion of the streetscape.  Downtown looks absolutely wonderful and I especially take pride in knowing that I had a little part in seeing this materialize.  Royston will always be home and will always have a soft spot in heart.  I have not regretted my decision to move and contrary to the "rumor mill", I wasn't run out of town nor did I have to make a "quick exit"...Opportunity knocked and I truly believe that when God opens a door for you, you need to stop, listen and walk through if that is where He leads you. I have gotten very adventuresome in my old age and am enjoying every minute of it! 

I'll look forward to seeing you in January at Mayor's Day...I'm confident that you will be there!
 
Always your friend,

Susan Brooks

P.S.  YES, you do have my permission to publish this letter on the web...I'm so glad to see you back online!

 

Ed.note: Good to hear from you, Susan.  I knew you couldn't stay out of a good fight.  And thanks for your kind words.  Your friend, the editor.   

 

 

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