For the sake of being factual, Eric Dangerfield, Sandra Bailey, Tank Genco and Sonya Traylor DID NOT vote for this massive tax hike. So it seems a shame to me, to include them by always referring to the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in detrimental fashion. Also, considering Mark Kolwe is not a member of the board and yet the driver of the bus in this instance, only touting the School Board as a culprit seems unfitting and uninclusive. So I have decided to call 'em as I see 'em. Whores. The Tangipahoa Parish Whores (TPW) for short.
The TPW, have been given the go-ahead by Judge Ivan Lemelle to siphon $250 million off the taxpayers of Tangipahoa Parish during a time when people are trying to hang on to their homes, and jobs, and money, in general. The TPW are unconcerned with the fact that Sheriff Edwards needs a new jail, they are unconcerned with the fact that Parish Government is nearly bankrupt. ON TOP of it all, they're sitting on $214 million dollars and intend not to spend a dime of it if they can manipulate people into voting for the LARGEST TAX IN THE HISTORY OF LOUISIANA.
Ok, now keep up with me because this gets complicated. The Hammond Blues and BBQ festival hapens on March 26 (Friday night) and March 27 (Saturday). The TPW is having an election on that day. Now as history goes, black people tend to vote FOR a school tax in this area, where white folks tend NOT to. Obviously, black people have been shut out of private schools and are wanting better schools for their children, so they vote yes, while white parents are by in large sending their children to private or parochial schools in Hammond and vote against school taxes. Not faulting white people for doing the best for their children, but paying tuition for schools and adding taxes to the mix is unattractive to these parents.
So far so good? Ok, but it gets better. Tax propositions are FAMOUSLY HELD on days where the fewest people will turn out. That way, those who want the tax can get their vote out quietly. March 27 will be one of those days. The TPW plans on getting out the black vote that Saturday while scores of white folks go on with their lives, maybe go to the Blues and BBQ festival and FORGET TO VOTE - or better yet, they don't even realize it is an election day.
Here's the rub. There are people who will be able to vote in that election on March 27 who will NOT have to be assessed the tax (9 mills) - and wait, it gets better, there will be folks assessed the tax who won't have the privilege of even voting for it! (people in Woodbridge and Natalbany for instance). How's that for salt in the wound?
What are you voting for? Oh, I forgot to mention that part. You're voting to spend $1.2 million dollars so that 327 lucky kids can go to a magnet program at Hammond East Side and Hammond West Side elementary schools. Yes, that translates to over $14,000 per child. Can you tell me how much you spend at Holy Ghost? Yea, I thought so - not even close.
Michelle Gallo, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Hammond, had the audacity to tell the NAACP that she needed this magnet school tax to pass because she couldn't afford private school. REALLY? So does that mean that this magnet school acts as a private school for some lucky parents? Interesting thought isn't it? According to Michelle Gallo, the Hammond Chamber fully supports the TPW in hoarding 1.2 million taxpayer dollars for 327 children.
Ok let me clarify something. Did you know that this magnet tax is still going to the ballot even after the Judge ruled they could put that in the $200 million dollar (34 mill) tax ballot? Guess what Hammond? You're gonna get hosed!
We got a call from a mother whose children passed the test for the magnet program. Guess what? Her kids can't go. Whose fault? Not Pat Morris, that's for sure. There are so many kids from outside the district who are connected enough to attend, that this mother can't get her children in a school within her district. How's that for fair? She pays tax dollars to that magnet school and her children can't attend because people like Louis Joseph send his grand daughter ( who lives in Loranger) to the magnet school. I am sure Torrence Joseph (father of the child) would like to thank Hammond people for supporting his daughter's education.
Actually, that sort of thing has been going on at the Lab School for years, but nobody does anything about it.
In conclusion dear reader, on Saturday, March 27, start sending your message to the TPW, by voting AGAINST the magnet tax. Mark Kolwe already made the statement that the school board could afford it without the tax. Afterall, Amite has had its magnet program for quite some time now, and they are funded with NO TAXES whatsoever. How come Hammond has to pay?
After you've voted down the magnet tax, make a clear statement by voting AGAINST the $200 million dollar (34 mill) tax which will come sometime before April 2011. Did I mention the Tangipahoa Parish School System has $214 million dollars in bondable money they're not letting you know about? Check the Louisiana Legislative Audit for 2009. You'll be amazed.