Most, NOT ALL, of the members of the School Board and County Council claim they want our input, but from what I have seen in the past and during the present this couldn’t be further from the truth. They may start out that way but they soon changes. The overpaid talking heads that they hire, mostly from out of this County and without a vested interest, have their ears far more then the taxpayers. I am not typically known as a person who is anti-government. I was born and raised in Volusia County and I have contributed back more than most. I know this County and its politics very well. It sickens me to see how this so called financial crisis is being handled and how poorly things have been run over the years. I have witnessed the out of control growth of County Government and the School System. I know firsthand of the lack of planning that has occurred. They have grown the government and spent our money like rock stars on crack. There has been a lot of empire building allowed. Many County employees drive around in large luxury vehicles paid for by the taxpayers and we now have assistance with assistance. The citizens of this County would be appalled if they knew the truth and if they knew how many high paid management positions have been added in just a few short years. Words cannot express how angry I am. The education our children are receiving is despicable. It was poor before the down turn of the economy and now it is going to get worse without leadership. NOTE TO COUNTY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD---Enough of the sound bites for the press and enough of the political rhetoric. We do not have time to waste. Members of the School Board and County Council do what you were elected to do. Make the tough decisions and get this County and our childrens education back on track. Most all of you ran for office along the lines of being “a voice for the people”. Open the dialog with the people and the employees, anonymous or not, and compile the recommendations. Employees and citizens should not need to fear any sort of retaliation. Then hold open meetings in chambers. Even if you have to meet for twelve hours a day every day of the week, DO IT. Everyone needs to realize that we are in crisis mode and luxuries need to be cut. Educating our children for this changing world, improving our local economy, and insuring the citizens of Volusia County are safe should be top priority. (HEALTH/SAFETY/WELFARE/FUTURE)