Toxic atmosphere must stop

To the Editor:

As a voter and retired school administrator, I am very concerned about the dysfunctional situation with the School Board in Osceola County. Evidently, some members of this organization do not understand the legal role of a school board member in the state of Florida is to be a policy maker, not a personnel manager.

The fiasco that was suppose to be a School Board meeting on June 19 just proved that Cindy Hartig is on such a power trip that she has lost sight of her lawful role as a board member. I question where “government in the sunshine” fits into her agenda. It was quite obvious that she and Mrs. Horn had discussed their dissatisfaction with Superintendent Terry Andrews’ job performance previously because as soon as Mrs. Horn surrendered the gavel and made her motion to terminate Mr. Andrews, Mrs. Hartig just so happened to have a boxful of “proof” to substantiate their displeasure.

I am thankful that the majority of the board members chose to use common sense and defeat their spiteful motion. However, the damage was done because Superintendent Terry Andrews has tendered his resignation effective Oct. 31. So Mrs. Hartig’s actions have again set our educational community into turmoil.

This board, under the direction of Cindy Hartig, terminated the contract of the previous superintendent just last year (again “government in the sunshine” was missing in that situation). Now her actions have caused Superintendent Andrews to realize that life is too short for him to have to deal with such a rude, vicious, vindictive, power-hungry person. What qualified candidate in their right mind would want to come work for a board with such a track record? Certainly not one who wants to become a long time resident of our county. However, Mrs. Hartig probably already has someone ready to put into place as she did with Mr. Andrews’ replacement of Dr. Grego. Obviously that didn’t work out to her satisfaction. I seldom agree with Mr. Wheeler, but he certainly made sense when he predicted that Mrs. Hartig will not be satisfied with anyone.

This toxic atmosphere MUST stop.

Cindy Hartig became a School Board member by default. She had no opponent so she was not elected by popular vote. This time, the voters of District 3 do have a chance to make an intelligent decision at the Primary Election on Aug. 14. Please vote to CANCEL Cindy Hartig’s “contract” and help the School District of Osceola County get back on tract by voting for Tim Weisheyer.

Kay White

Retired principal of Reedy Creek

Elementary School

Kissimmee

Happy birthday to us

To the Editor:

As our world and culture changes, it is important to remember on our Nation’s 236th Birthday, why we are proud to be Americans.  “The name American, which belongs to you in your national capacity must always exalt the just pride of patriotism”, George Washington’s Farewell Address. Many people feel that they are entitled to rights and just expect those rights to be in place for them.  Our new and ancestral Americans need to know and remember, that we are truly blessed by God to be living in America and that our country’s birth was not easy. The same revolutionary beliefs “for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God” (John F. Kennedy).The vision and dreams of those men and women, who came to America to seek freedom from European tyranny, was forged by their blood, sweat, tears and in many cases their very lives. Our foundation of freedom was molded by their unending spirit that we have unalienable rights which preserve and protect life, liberties and the pursuit of happiness... the American dream.  

We do not live in a free world, but are blessed to live in a free nation whose citizens believe freedom is worth fighting for. “God has given America to be free” implored Patrick Henry. Since our Declaration of Independence, many countries and peoples have tried to undermine and destroy our country. There have been many who have assailed our country from within, but all to no avail.  We will remain strongly vigilant and a beacon on the hill for the world to see and seek, as long as we, as a nation, are defined by E Pluribus Unum and In God We Trust and not separated by those provoking and promoting self interests.  

Our Bill of Rights highlights the initial freedoms for which so many have fought and died to preserve for the United States and our world. The federal government was established to protect and secure our freedoms, while allowing citizens to bear arms for individual and collective protection of those freedoms and not be forced to house soldiers. Every citizen has the right to a fair and speedy public trial with a jury of peers. Our legal system protects our privacy and people’s rights by presuming their innocence until proven guilty and any punishment rendered must not be cruel or unusual. Our State’s rights will be preserved unless expressly written in the Constitution, so power will remain close to the people and prevent too much federal control.

We must remember our past and pass on to our children our country’s legacy. As President Kennedy stated in his inaugural address, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

So as we celebrate our Nation’s Birthday, let Americans everywhere be ready and willing to stand up and step up to preserve our home, where freedom reigns and where through hard work and perseverance, one can achieve great things and dreams come true. May God continue to bless our Country and let us remember “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under”, Ronald Reagan.

Let us salute our with country once again with fireworks a blaze across the darkening sky, flags unfurled with the winds of freedom and hearts warmed by seeing the glow of  sparklers  in the faces of wondering children.

Lets us proudly sing the unfamiliar last verse of our national anthem as we stand shoulder to shoulder as Americans all:

“O, thus be it ever when freeman shall stand. Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation. Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven rescued land. Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us as a nation. Then conquer we must, when the cause is just. And this be our motto: In God is our trust. And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave. O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

Wade Davis

St Cloud