I wish I had the mystical resources that some members of the Franklin Regional School Board seem to have, so confidently voting to continue building at the Sloan school site (“Franklin Regional board votes to restart Sloan construction project,” April 14, TribLIVE). They must have had the advantages of some crystal ball that they can see a rosy financial future when there are more unemployed in the nation today than there were during the Great Depression. I wish I had the insight of the board members who could predict the tax revenues that could cover the costs of such a huge undertaking — costs that could not be met before the covid-19 lockdown.
I am curious to know just where the members who voted to continue building feel that employment is going to magically come from for those who are currently unemployed. Many businesses currently unable to open claim they will be declaring bankruptcy and permanently closing. People and businesses are going to take months/years to financially recover from this. Another tax hike and the continued issuance of bonds, which could have been deferred or even avoided, is hardly welcome at a time when people are already hurting financially.
Gov. Tom Wolf himself said even if construction is to continue, social distancing precautions much be in place. Masks must be worn, and people should be 6 feet apart. Who is going to ensure this is followed? Are there going to be fines? So again, it would seem many will sacrifice for the desires of a few.
Bettie Carlson
Murrysville