Direct anger into something positive
LORIMELLINGER editor@bullardnews.com

After reading Ms. Showers letter, I was taken aback.

We -- as the media, the city and both Smith and Cherokee counties -- may not be doing our jobs informing the public of what it means to be a school taxpayer, a city taxpayer and a resident of the county.

Understandably she's upset.

But she's directed her anger in the wrong area.

For several months now, the Bullard newspaper has been conducting a subscription drive with a percentage of the proceeds benefitting O.L. Ferrell Park.

Ms. Showers -- along with many others -- signed up for a subscription to the newspaper, and those on the park committee and at the newspaper appreciate it.

But the points which the writer addresses are things city officials have no control over.

When you live in the city limits, you receive city services and you pay city taxes.

When you live in the school district, the same applies.

When you live out of the city limits, you get your water provided by a water cooperative, your sewage is handled by a septic system and your law enforcement is either Cherokee or Smith County Sheriff's Departments.

I understand she's upset over loose animals, crime and trash -- but that must be addressed by her county commissioner and the sheriff's department.

And as for our school taxes -- I think we can all commisserate with her. They're high all across the state -- but that's why we have to make our voices known. It's also the price we pay for a good school system.

We have elected officials - - on the school board and at the state level who work on that very issue.

When we don't take the time to make our voices heard, we become victims of the system instead of active participants.

As a woman, I take my vote seriously. Although I don't remember it, my grandmother was blocked from voting because my grandfather didn't feel it necessary to pay the poll tax that was still in effect --- disenfranchising both women and minorities.

So for all of you who feel as Ms. Showers does, I urge you to become active -- educate yourselves and above all else -- make your opinions known and your voice heard.

Just pick the correct arena to direct your anger.