tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post115342444824612229..comments2009-07-13T10:34:05.124-05:00Oley Concerned Citizensoleytaxpayers@hotmail.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1160514722683445282006-10-10T16:12:00.000-05:002006-10-10T16:12:00.000-05:00The only time I have felt "unwelcome" around members of the OVHS school board was when I tried to convince them that we needed our boys to have a football team. Some people don't like hockey and soccer, but do like to watch a good high school game, or a bad high school game for that matter. Remember the scholarship potential for football players. Our male students are being short changed in this department.mightycapnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154346525737521232006-07-31T06:48:00.000-05:002006-07-31T06:48:00.000-05:00The Oley Concerned Citizens have been represented in Harrisburg, at both the big rally as well as contacting a number of representatives. <BR/><BR/>The politicians are well aware of our position on school property taxes.<BR/><BR/>An e-mail was sent to our supporters requesting they forward a request that the House Bill 39 exemptions to the back end referendum be eliminated.<BR/><BR/>The e-mail addresses of the Governor and our representatives were listed so that the OCC recipients could present their views.<BR/><BR/>If anyone posting on this blog is not on our e-mail list, contact us at oleytaxpayers@hotmail.com<BR/><BR/>The other taxpayer groups in the area seem to be asking that House Bill 39 be repealed.<BR/><BR/>At the present time, this does not appear to be a good idea. Anything is better than the former tax system.<BR/><BR/>As weak as the back-end referendum is under HB 39, it will serve a purpose and it would be not in our interests to throw it away.<BR/><BR/>There is no substantial support in Harrisburg for the Commonwealth Caucus tax plan.<BR/><BR/>The Governor and the legislature will not support a true tax reform package.<BR/><BR/>Therefore, at this juncture, we need to protect the referendum the PSBA and the PSEA want to eliminate.<BR/><BR/>Both these special interest groups are in a frenzy to dump any referendum on spending.<BR/><BR/>This speaks volumes as to the effect HB39 will have on blank check budgets.<BR/><BR/>We stand with all taxpayer groups who want a fair tax system.Oley Concerned Citizenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16686840946027491442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154337479852123382006-07-31T04:17:00.000-05:002006-07-31T04:17:00.000-05:00dear ho hum...<BR/><BR/>Have <B>you</B> come up with any constructive and workable ideas/plans for improvement of our school board's efficiency?EERnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154313497813052522006-07-30T21:38:00.000-05:002006-07-30T21:38:00.000-05:00sure am!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154310195413769832006-07-30T20:43:00.000-05:002006-07-30T20:43:00.000-05:00"yadda, yadda, yadda...."<BR/><BR/>Uh-oh....you're dating yourself!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154307461019442582006-07-30T19:57:00.000-05:002006-07-30T19:57:00.000-05:00ho hum! yadda yadda yaddaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154216449653528312006-07-29T18:40:00.000-05:002006-07-29T18:40:00.000-05:00"or are six people at a board meeting and this blog as far as it goes?"<BR/><BR/>I understand where the 12:11 p.m. reaction comes from. Are you one of those six people at those board meetings? If not, are you able to attend any of the board meetings at all? I'm not picking on you, honestly. I'm just asking the questions now. Do you ever attend the board meetings? Does your schedule permit your presence there, or is there always a conflict between meeting times and your other obligations? See, that is what many people have a problem with. Either they are working a night job or a second job, or they are still shuttling kids back and forth to activities, or they're attempting to have a family meal. For the most part, the meeting times are not convenitent for alot of us. But if we truly want to address current issues with the board, something has to give. The board is getting alot of bad press re: the sunshine law. If, in fact, they are breaking the rules by curbing free speech, and if it truly bothers the taxpayers, then way more than 6 people have to attend the meetings and make the point that we want to know exactly what is going on with the Oley School District, and, if we don't understand or agree with any of it, we sure as all heck better be allowed to have the time to ask the questions we have AND get an answer. You see, that is the crux of the problem. Many questions are asked at meetings, and the answeres are not given. Actually, the board often looks like they have no idea exactly what answer the people are looking for. Well, if any board members are gazing at the blog and read this, I can help you out on that one. The only answer we want to any question is the truth. Plain and simple. If you don't know the answers to the questions asked by the taxpayers, then maybe you don't belong on a board that is handling something like $25,000,000 a year. That's a business. A big business. When stockholders ask questions of any other business, they expect answers. Correct answers. They don't expect to get ignored, blown off, laughed at, or have questions shifted onto another subject or taken up at another meeting...which gets cancelled, and cancelled again. If I'd invested in a business that turned out to be run like that, they'd have a nice big gap where my money used to be.<BR/>As far as getting organized like Brandywine and Daniel Boone, yes, we should be ONE GIANT GROUP. And other surrounding districts should be invited to form a very large, very serious minded group of parents/taxpayers that want real changes in our school and tax systems.six peoplenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154211760310557692006-07-29T17:22:00.000-05:002006-07-29T17:22:00.000-05:00Sorry for the misunderstanding. It's what we're used to by now. A handful of people trying to do something that will benefit all the kids and all the adults, too. My apologies for coming off gruff. Truly, it's all we hear. Please address that sort of question directly to Al Jacobs, as he's got more time invested in this concern than any of us. And thank you for your interest. Again, I'm sorry I came off soundling like, really, all the rest. I only want what's best for our kids, and if we could get it without anyone losing their home to it, that would be a real blessing.othersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154211205161208452006-07-29T17:13:00.000-05:002006-07-29T17:13:00.000-05:00Welcome to the Blog,<BR/>Where every question, comment, or suggestion will be promptly criticized.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154200271013660112006-07-29T14:11:00.000-05:002006-07-29T14:11:00.000-05:00Ain't you a little ray of sunshine?<BR/><BR/>Yes, there are several groups planning trips to Harrisburg. Wanna drive?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154196757904534442006-07-29T13:12:00.000-05:002006-07-29T13:12:00.000-05:00Al, Mary, Cindy, Linda, Russ and others:<BR/><BR/>Since you are "concerned with a fair tax system" as mentioned above, have you attended any of the meetings at the Capitol, are there any plans to organize a trip to Harrisburg, are the Oley Concerned Citizens scheduling local meetings with our legislators? There's never been any mention of getting involved at that level. It seems the Daniel Boone and Brandywine groups are. Or are six people at a board meeting and this blog as far as it goes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154169999848500612006-07-29T05:46:00.000-05:002006-07-29T05:46:00.000-05:00To those who have determined free speech to include unwarranted bashing:<BR/><BR/>Al, Mary, Cindy, Linda, Russ, and all others that have chosen to remain anonymous....are working for the good of their children, grandchildren, and all children of the Oley Valley. They are also concerned with a fair tax system. They are just like the rest of the Oley Valley. They want what is right for the children, and are demanding that the board spend our tax money in a fashion that is both beneficial to the students and at a level that is workable for <B>all</B> of Oley's citizens.<BR/>There is a growing list of people that question the above basher(s) as to why they feel motivated to attempt to stand in the way of these well meaning people. If said bashers are kind enough to take the time in their busy schedules to point out, in print, that someone didn't check with the head of the English department before they hit <B>"Publish Your Comment</B>, then perhaps they also have sufficient time and interest to attend all of the board meetings. You will find all of the people you're so quick to criticize....sitting in one room. Knock yourself out...point out their shortcomings right there, to their faces. I've heard that a few folks find it suitable to film such events.<BR/>If these comments are actually being made by board members and/or people they have prompted to act on their behalf, then...<B>We, The Concerned Citizens,</B> may request that said bashers fill out a little blue card. Incidently, <B>all citizens</B> are granted police protection, not just those sitting at the big tables up front.Earl E. Rizernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154142994222234572006-07-28T22:16:00.000-05:002006-07-28T22:16:00.000-05:00"My children miss me spending good fun time with them. They are more important then looking at the school board once a month giving their mother nasty looks."<BR/><BR/>Wow! That's truly a sad choice. I hope you choose to spend more time with them in the near future. They need you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154139960078782772006-07-28T21:26:00.000-05:002006-07-28T21:26:00.000-05:00to 5:41<BR/><BR/>May God continue to bless you and yours. Hopefully you will never need the friendship or help of a person as good as Mary Swartz. Even though you found time in your busy schedule to insult her in print, if you needed her help, she'd probably come to your aid, no questions asked. Shame on you, you're a creep. Hope I spelled all of that okay for you. I don't have any children to proof read for me. I have two cats though, and they are nicer than you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154139623986741422006-07-28T21:20:00.000-05:002006-07-28T21:20:00.000-05:00Mary,<BR/><BR/>Don't even listen to what those creeps are trying to say to you or about you. Anyone with a brain knows that you and your husband have a REAL family. You have great kids, and the people that really know you, really like you. Heaven only knows what THEIR homelife must be like. It must be terrible, because look how miserable they are! Jealousy does terrible things to people.<BR/>Keep up the good work, Mary, you know you're doing the right thing! <BR/>We will all pray for the likes of those that throw digs at caring parents. That experience must be new to them, because it seems as though they just don't understand it.<BR/>As for the proof reading: tell them the truth! If you didn't spend nearly every waking hour being the good parent and wife that you are, you'd have more than enough time to proof read. This is a BLOG...not a term paper!<BR/><BR/>You've got alot of friends and we know your first concern is what is best for all children.another momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154136473801891702006-07-28T20:27:00.000-05:002006-07-28T20:27:00.000-05:00Do not talk about Mary and her children. She is the most caring parent I have ever met and her children are polite nice young ladies. Mary and Andy do a great job raising their girls. Who cares if words are not spelled correctly. You always try to upset the messenger. Mary does not care what you think of her she is doing what is right for the children and public of this district. She cares deeply for all people.A neighbor of Mary'snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154134484265107612006-07-28T19:54:00.000-05:002006-07-28T19:54:00.000-05:00Your head is in a paper bag boys!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154134418042178702006-07-28T19:53:00.000-05:002006-07-28T19:53:00.000-05:00Hey Dale, Rob and my other fans, I do not proof read to satisfy you. The public knows what I am telling them, if it is mispelled or not. Have a great weekend, and remember to go to church. You need prayer big time.MSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154133704731703422006-07-28T19:41:00.000-05:002006-07-28T19:41:00.000-05:00To Mary Swartz-<BR/>God bless ya, and have a great weekend also, but please have one of your gifted children proof read what you blog. You couldn't write your way out of a brown paper bag.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154132699616027992006-07-28T19:24:00.000-05:002006-07-28T19:24:00.000-05:00Fundraisers for the track? Time was, Oley school kids were selling stuff all the time to raise money for things they wanted for their school. Nobody in my entire family has ever been asked to contribute in any way for the benefit of the new track.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154131122191483032006-07-28T18:58:00.000-05:002006-07-28T18:58:00.000-05:00Hey everyone heres some info you might find interesting: I was talking to a parent that has a son interested in football and she said that they have done many fundraisers and have gotten alot of money started for this program. She also said that the soccer parents are mad because they are now down to 2 teams this year instead of 4 teams. Well we told you this was going to happen. We do not have enough kids in this district to support all these sports programs. Also why hasn't the track kids and parents done any fundraisers? I have not been asked to buy anything to go towards the new big mamma track. Oh thats right the board said they will pay the big majority of it. How nice of them to use our money for such a big non-educational item. We should have been allowed to vote on a new track in November at the polls! Another kick in the butt. My butt is getting sore. I think it is time to take a break from this for a while. My children miss me spending good fun time with them. They are more important then looking at the school board once a month giving their mother nasty looks. God Bless the Dark Side and I will always stand by all of you. You all are what makes me have a little hope that something one day will happen with this district and it will be what we always thought it should be when we moved here.M. Swartznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154130630483489752006-07-28T18:50:00.000-05:002006-07-28T18:50:00.000-05:00Hello, if you read the blog below the robbery one you would have noticed I corrected myself and said the lady was try to get drug money, but I also said after talking to many people in this district, people are getting desperate to make ends meat. So do not be surprised if we do start to see a jump in robberies, or alot more homes for sale. The public of Oley do know what we are talking about, they just do not want to be put in the lime light at a school board meeting. They know what happens when you speak at these meetings. It is not a good site to see. Actually it makes anyone with a heart there bellies hurt with anger. So have a nice weekend and remember we do not live in a plastic bubble. Oley and the surrounding areas are prone to crime.Concerned citizennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154128460840369772006-07-28T18:14:00.000-05:002006-07-28T18:14:00.000-05:00Better get that track installed...<B>fast</B>. Able bodied young men better get used to it. Your Military career is closer than you think!us army vetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154127941650246722006-07-28T18:05:00.000-05:002006-07-28T18:05:00.000-05:00hehehe...that's <A>Limbaugh</A>, and Rush does sort of like to see his name in print, spelled correctly!<BR/><BR/>Rush would also be quick to point out that many may have missed the point:<BR/><BR/>We probably don't have too many desperate Oley taxpayers...<I>yet</I>. The good folks of Oley are, for the most part, doing well enough to make ends meet and their tax increase has not yet reached a level that gets their attention. It is inevitable that with some area businesses slacking off, or closing, there could be families that get hit harder than others. Those will be the ones that suddenly attend school board meetings and will probably <B>demand</B> instant explanations for the jump in taxes. And, of course, they won't want anything to do with new sports items. Face it, we're in <B>Berks County</B>, land of the eternal feast. Generations of local folks here eat <B>BIG</B>, and not just at the Oley Fair. Look around, you see one heck of a lot of chubby kids, heavy teens, and downright obese adults. If you think it's the norm for our country, look around. Berks County is noted for it's extremely high cholesterol levels. If better sports programs can help our kids, why on earth would anyone be against that?<BR/><BR/>Alot of sale signs here and there? Some of the owners passed away, of course. Some moved on to retirement communities in Florida, etc. And some of them could have gotten sick and tired of their belly aching neighbors that know all the answers about running schools, etc. <BR/><BR/>WMD? Hehehe...yeah, they are probably hiding them in the quarry! Let's ask Mr. Snerdley!mega dittosnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23302571.post-1154124199996686112006-07-28T17:03:00.000-05:002006-07-28T17:03:00.000-05:00Rush Linbaugh would probably call some writers "drive-by bloggers."<BR/><BR/>A drug addict commits a few robberies in the area and suddenly it's assumed that she's a desperate Oley home owner scavenging money to pay the property taxes.<BR/><BR/>Someone decides to sell their home, and the for sale sign out front must mean that they can't afford the taxes.<BR/><BR/>Traffic is heavy at times on Rt.73, it must be that evil Board at fault somehow.<BR/>What could be next?<BR/>Where are the WMD's?<BR/>There must be a conspiracy somewhere!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com