This is my first letter to the editor because I guess I consider myself as part of the silent majority, and because I have concerns about our tax dollars. As reported in May 23 edition of The News and Sentinel regarding the Wood County Commission donating $1,900 to VanDevender Middle School.
The school's boosters met with the commission about a short-coming of needed money to purchase equipment for the football team. School booster "Boo" Henderson stated "the equipment was needed to better prepare the middle school students for high school football."
Why is the Wood County Commission giving tax dollars away to a "select school?" Is it, or would it be fair that all the middle schools would receive the same amount to enhance their programs? I live in Boaz, and we have many side roads in our area where these tax dollars could go for needed paving, instead of the present roads being dirt and mud! The present roads have been blacktopped by homeowners since I have lived here from 1969!
What do we get in Boaz for our tax dollars? Very little - maybe a sheriff's car in passing trying to pick up speeders in the 45 mph zone. Our fire protection is from volunteers from Williamstown and Vienna, who have always met the needs in time of emergency in our community.
Please use our tax money in such a way as to meet the needs of the citizens. We need hard surface roads in our area in the worst way.
Michael L. Heflin
Williamstown
