Opinion

In last week’s Local, there were four articles notifying the public about tax increases from the City of Eminence, Henry County Public Schools, Eminence Independent Schools and the Henry County Public Library. It seems like every year, they vote for a tax hike. With a bad economy, people losing their jobs, the cost of living increasing, many people won’t get a raise in salary this year and all of the hard times many people are experiencing, I get upset every time I see the words tax increase.

Several events over the past week have convinced me that, in spite of a lifetime of self-delusion, I am no gardener. I love gardens. I grew up surrounded by beautiful flower gardens that my father tended fastidiously. And in the summers we enjoyed the produce grown in a large vegetable garden in one of our fields. I can still remember the first juicy bites of warm tomatoes picked right off the vine.

Wow! What an interesting year this has been so far! We have been lucky enough to have some wonderful volunteers at Tri-County Community Action Agency. The citizens of our community have really been an asset to our seniors; however, we need a few more to assist in the aging services programs. As an incentive, Sage Hospitality is offering a free or discounted hotel stay in any of their 53 hotels in exchange for 8 hours of volunteer service at a 501(c)3 organization (that’s us!). They call it Give a day Get a night and it is in effect until December 20, 2009.

Last week brought about many very positive changes for students and parents of Henry County High School and Middle School.  One change appreciated by all is the turning lane that was installed in front of the middle school and high school campus.  As anyone who travels that route can tell you, it is a very welcome addition.  Parents, students, staff, bus drivers, community members and others just passing through are experiencing a much safer commute because of the efforts of State Representative Rick Rand, County Judge Executive John Logan Brent, and

We can all agree America needs healthcare reform, and an important debate is taking place in this country about how to best achieve that. I think answers can be found in the story of the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” and stimulus programs. The problems with these programs show why Americans are right to be skeptical of a government takeover of health care.

I have to say, I’m disappointed in this headline and its negativity.  As a member of the community, president of the local bank, athletic booster, volunteer coach and parent, Bill Covington made numerous contributions to Eminence Independent Schools, the City of Eminence and Henry County. I think it speaks volumes for his character that he wants to come back to Eminence and make additional contributions to the school, the students and the future of our community, all the while knowing that there will be some people who just can’t move on.

Having a national debate on health care reform is welcomed by President Obama. The trouble is, no sooner does the President call for “everyone to pitch in” and engage in the debate, that he vilifies anyone who criticizes his plans. Having a civil national debate will produce more lasting change; accusing opponents of engaging in scare tactics and fear mongering will not.

With the recent death of former Henry County Magistrate John Allgeier, Henry County lost one of our truly dedicated citizens. Words can not express how much his friendship meant to me and to so many others whose lives he touched. Maybe he did a wedding for you or a family member. Maybe you called him about a road that needed repairing, or you met him while he was serving as a volunteer fireman.  Maybe he told you a joke, or laughed with you at the stock yard sales. Maybe he was just there when you needed a friend.

Any successful health care reform legislation must include three basic components: reform of existing government health care programs (like Medicaid and Medicare) to ensure efficiency and accessibility, reform the private market insurance system and enact tort reform to end frivolous lawsuits.  Without all three, we will fail in our shared goal of reducing health care costs for families, businesses and the government.