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Vital Views
The Severna Park Voice, January 2005
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Make this year the year of your Voice
By County Councilwoman Cathleen M Vitale
A quick not of thanks to everyone who is still communicating with me via
email, despite the notice last month that your emails and communications
are subject to review by the press. While slowed somewhat, there is
still a stream of requests, comments and issues to keep me busy in 2005.
January will bring the first round of my yearly trek to the State House
to begin to beg for funds for much needed projects in the district. Yes,
I said it - much needed projects. It never ceases to amaze me how
outside our district people see our area as one that accomplishes great
things with little services. I don't know about you, but just once, I
would like to see a budget that reflects the accomplishments of our area
and recognizes that successes should be rewarded not slighted. As far as
I am concerned, that could be a state budget, a County budget or a
school budget. Hey, I'm not picky, just determined. In order to meet my
goal, I am turning to you and asking for your help. Large, vocal,
boisterous help.
As I reflected over past budgets, I have found where we erred. We are
just too successful, too industrious and too self reliant. The "outside
world" sees our area as the one that turns every issue into a success
story. I'll give an example. Why worry about computers for the school
computer lab? The PTA will help! A field house? Don't worry. We have the
Severna Park Athletic boosters! With the leadership in that
organization, they can turn field dust into field houses. A senior
center in Severna Park? Heck, the Community Center of Severna Park is
building a multipurpose center, gymnasium, meeting rooms, swim center
and more. To think, all I asked for was $500,000.00 over five years for
that project. The County couldn't buy the land, build the building,
staff it and insure it for 500K. Sure seems an easy check to write. (As
an aside, have you given to the project? Something for everyone, and
more for our children. Alumni of SPHS - I'll send Coach Borland to visit
you if you need additional encouragement. As the leader of the Captial
Campaign, he and his crew have done amazing fund-raising. Consider a
donation today!)
In the coming months, I have one wish. Mobilize the families, teachers
and businesses of our area. Testify at a Council meeting. Attend the
Board of Education and tell them not to redistrict your children from
their home school. Tell the legislatures, the superintendent and the
County Executive what you want. I know what's on my list: Ballfields at
the Nike site;. Lights for Kinder Park fields; a grant towards the
booster programs in both high schools; walls for Oak Hill; sidewalks (or
at least a resolution to Jumpers); funding for the community center;
classrooms without dehumidifyers; partitions for the middle school
(actually a new building or a huge addition would be fine). The list
goes on and on. One problem though. I need voices. I need you to join in
the fight for our district. Be vocal, be boisterous. DO what we do best.
Be successful in this challenge.
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