Editor: 

Recently, I heard JaNay Dawson, interim superintendent of Baldwin County Schools, speak on the upcoming 1 percent tax referendum.

I have been grappling with the proposed tax referendum for weeks. It is complex. It is being “spun” by both sides. It is what is called a “Hobson choice,” both a yes or no vote will have huge negative consequences. Only one will actually fix the problem.

 Ms. Dawson’s impassioned call for a “yes” vote had two impacts on me: it increased my confidence in operating leadership and staff and confirmed to me that the real problem with our schools does not reside in Baldwin County. Frankly, the problem resides in Montgomery in our legislature, a convoluted education regulations and tax system and the toxic impact and political power of the Alabama Education Association.

After much thought, I must vote NO on the proposed 1 percent tax referendum for the following reasons:

I dare say every public school system in America is now facing massive funding issues. We are foolish to believe we can solve this crisis in our county alone through a local tax initiative without meaningful changes in our state regulations and the restrictive and often destructive influence of the Alabama Education Association. (Stop blocking charter schools, Paul Hubbert!)

As repeatedly stated, fully 80 percent of the costs in our school system are state and federally mandated. Passing the 1 percent tax removes all pressure on our government to act — and takes the same pressure off of every Alabama citizen to finally put the legislature and the AEA under the transparent microscope of an outraged public feeling the pain. Sometimes, particularly in a Hobson choice, pain is a positive.

I take no joy in my “no” vote. I believe we need to join the battle with Montgomery today — not three years from now. Nothing will force meaningful political and structural changes quicker than outraged citizens; and nothing causes more outrage and action than our children at risk. Votes will get the change we need to finally free our educators to educate.  

Let’s really fix this problem without a local sales tax “Band-Aid.” Let’s join together with our educators to fix our sick system for once and for all. Our children deserve nothing less.

Ernest L. Berger

Daphne