Barbara Gray
Regarding the article “Race rears head in school debate” (Dec. 21):
The statements by Barbara Gray display a fundamental lack of appreciation of the processes of city government.
Appointment as a member of the school board is for a term of years, not an entitlement for life. She has been on the board for 20 years, which should be long enough for anyone.
The appointee is nominated by the mayor, not by the City Council on petition of someone wanting the job. The mayor is free to make the choice of a nominee she thinks best for the position, who may be someone different than the choice someone else might make. That is the way city government operates, and it is not about race.
MOP
•••
I read with disgust the article in the Commonwealth about David Jordan spewing the “race card” in regard to Greenwood Mayor Carolyn McAdams’ decision to appoint new representatives to the city school board.
I didn’t think it could get much worse until I watched the City Council meeting on the Taxpayers Channel. Never in my life have I seen such utter disrespect and rudeness displayed by Jordan and also Nettie Threadgill toward our mayor.
Anyone with eyes can see that we need better schools, and sometimes it might be a good thing to have new ideas by fresh people who would like an opportunity to serve, just as Barbara Gray has served.
Honey
Donna’s digs
Regarding the article “MVSU president’s hotel bill: $85,800” (Dec. 21):
What can be done about this? How on earth can the College Board allow Mississippi Valley State University to continue putting Donna Oliver up “temporarily” as school administrators fail to build a house.
If the president’s house is falling down and money has been appropriated to build a new one, it’s a pretty simple matter to just do that. If the bids are too high, perhaps a smaller house would be the answer.
Personally, I don’t find her housing costs very out of line considering utilities, etc. are all included. But the disadvantage of her being housed off-campus may be part of the negative atmosphere concerning her leadership. However, if she’s serious about fitting in, moving out of the luxury atmosphere and into a normal rental situation would be a start, even if there aren’t significant savings.
Just Sayin
Troy Brown
I wonder if I am the only one sick of Troy Brown’s knowing everything-plus. I wish he had a full-time job. Then he wouldn’t have the time to pretend to write guest columns to the Greenwood Commonwealth, or maybe they could pay him for his rhetoric. It’s interesting to note the select few people he speaks out against.
His agenda is obvious to some of us. I could take some of the things he said seriously in his last column (“City school district likes the family plan,” Dec. 21) if he had ever had a child in the Greenwood city schools or even lived in the city of Greenwood.
Margie Pulley is not without fault, but she is the only superintendent bringing the school up to the criteria set by the state.
Thank you, Sir
