Excellent report on cost overrun at school

Thank you for the excellent coverage Feb. 28 concerning the cost overrun associated with the construction of the Cranberry Station Elementary.

Once I got past my concern over the magnitude of the overrun ($1.7 million is equal to the county's real estate tax revenue from about 800 $200,000 residential properties), I was extremely dismayed by the callous indifference shown by two of Carroll County's principal officials toward protecting county residents' hard-earned tax dollars.

For a county commissioner to admit that he is unaware of the details of such a fiscally significant unbudgeted expense (more than 3.5 percent of the county's projected 1998-99 capital budget) is unconscionable.

For an assistant superintendent of schools to say that he has no regrets over a decision that unnecessarily diverted $1.7 million from school construction is preposterous.

He should have been taken to task for that decision rather than promoted.

Paul Desimune Eldersburg

Can't remain silent on school problems

I promised myself I would stop writing about the deficiencies in our county government, school board and the administration of the school system. I am reneging on that promise because they all have the strong penchant for shooting themselves in the foot or placing said foot in their mouth.

For three years, I have cut out and retained published quotes from these comedians. Unfortunately what I at one time laughed at gave way to somber and dark thoughts that these are our leaders and we are stuck with them.

Recent newspaper articles: "School cost rises after rock fight," $1.7 million over budget. The sole reason: the authority in the school administration (since promoted to a higher position) had a fit over not getting an apology. I have a constructive suggestion: Dock his pay and retirement funding until the budget overrun is satisfied.

For years, I've watched the school administration and school board operate their own fiefdom and, in essence, tell the public and taxpayers to shove it.

The article also stated that although this fiasco occurred during Brian Lockard's tenure as superintendent. He refused to comment.

The best part of the article was a statement by Commissioner Donald Dell, who sits on the school board as an ex-officio member and ventured the following in-depth analysis, "I'm not in a position to comment. I don't know much about it."

This is the same man who when commenting about the commissioners' streamlining of government staff said, "We just wanted to shake up the troops."

Another confidence builder in our school board was the flap over Dr. Martin Luther King Day. I and many others I talked to thought it was a good idea.

Studying the life of the man in school would have meant more to the students. I noticed one of the backers of the in-school plan was noticeably quiet when the you know what hit the fan: Scott Stone, where are you?

More political quotes of recent vintage: On the subject of the governor's cigarette tax, Sen. Timothy Ferguson said, "It will hurt the tobacco industry." That's enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Although my cupboard is filled with more quotes from our county representatives, I won't write anymore. It's too depressing.

Jack E. Winder Westminster

Strip Sheinbein's U.S. citizenship

We do not need to have Samuel Sheinbein extradited to this country. We need to strip him of his U.S. citizenship. He has already declared that he is an Israeli citizen. He should not be allowed dual citizenship.

If Mr. Sheinbein has admitted to committing this murder, he should be found guilty in absentia, and barred from re-entering this country. If he should return to America, his sentencing trial could then be held.

He would hopefully be sentenced to death with no appeal, thus saving the American people the expense of a lengthy trial. Let Israel protect, jail and support a murderer.

Richard Fox Westminster

Pub Date: 3/14/99