Our Opinion

By Staff
There’s no excuse for not applying for school board
It takes tough skin to be a member of the Hartselle School Board.
Buffeted by more than their share of slings and arrows, the group is called on to make tough decisions, none more so than the proposed property tax increase to fund the construction of a new high school.
Given all the criticism they receive, it’s a wonder anyone would want to serve on the board at all.
Add a new wrinkle to the criticism. Recent appointments to the board have resulted in criticism that the City Council is only interested in reappointing incumbents, in this case current member Jennifer Sittason. Two council members were quoted as saying they saw no reason to deny Sittason’s appointment. This sparked outcries from the public that there was no reason to apply for the position.
That’s not true. City Council members are elected to vote on issues before them. There’s nothing wrong with members saying whom they support for a position, especially if that person has done a good job. And whether you agree with her opinions or not, you have to give Sittason credit for taking on the thankless job of leading the tax increase measure.
What is wrong is constantly criticizing the board yet refusing to throw your name into the hat when it comes time to reappoint. If enough people would apply for the positions, the council would have to address the equity issue. As it is, the council has no options other than to reappoint the incumbents.
Who’s to blame? All those who gripe and complain but don’t want to make the sacrifices themselves to become a member of a group they say they so desperately want to change. It’s easy to blame the board, the city council or even the newspaper. It’s harder, however, to take the steps to make real changes.