The editorial on Arconic’s property taxes to the Burrell School District (“Arconic appeal shows need for reform,” Jan. 16, TribLIVE) was interesting but leads to more questions.
For instance: Why would the school board vote to “invest” $2 million in a synthetic surface for the district’s football field? The party line was the district had “excess funds” to be “invested” only for “infrastructure.”
Another question would be: Why not spend the money on internet access, computer labs, laptops for remote learning, all of which was sorely needed and apparently woefully lacking when the district closed because of covid-19 two weeks later.
The Burrell School Board meeting on March 10 last year was a classic example of confirmational bias — or, said another way, a “give us Barabbas” mentality.
The “sheeple” — most in attendance were students who do not pay property taxes — wanted plastic grass and the school board was more than happy to vote to give the hoi polloi what they wanted. All walked away smiling.
Most elected officials engage in groupthink and lack vision, stewardship skills and courage to go against the prevailing winds of public opinion even if some decisions are unpopular.
In the end, you get what you vote for and then pay more in taxes.
David A. Scandrol
Lower Burrell