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TazDave wrote on Nov 12, 2009 6:18 AM:

" Gatekeeper - I would expect the police to uphold the law and cite people for disobeying it. That is their job. The issue I have is that laws do not tell you what you can not do, they simply tell you the consequence for breaking said law. At some point, a judge comes into the equation to see if the citation was valid. I was the designated boater, not attending the concert, or lack thereof, at Kokomo. While waiting in the channel we cleaned up the area around my boat, as well as others, and had actually left the channel area around 11:30. BTW, the channel looks like a dump on holiday weekends - makes me sick. There needs to be more trash cans, trash service and litterers need to be cited. There is no non-guest parking for Kokomo's after 6PM and we have stayed in the channel after 11PM almost every visit. At times talking to the infrequent officer passing by. I received notice through the mail that I has received a parking citation, did not get one on the boat, and was directed to fax the traffic judge stating my case. The result was obvious and this is just one small part of the reason your city is seeing a downturn. It is as dumb as raising taxes in a down economy, which I give you guys credit for voting down. "




TazDave wrote on Nov 12, 2009 5:58 AM:

" D-Rat. Don't forget the bed tax. This was supposed to be an "anchor issue", an avenue for a 33% increase in the hotel and campground revenue. The summer visitors are being bullied and their is so little creativity in your city the snow birds are getting bored. "




o'really wrote on Nov 11, 2009 11:12 PM:

" Gatekeeper, who has suggested the police abandon law enforcement in the channel? I have seen people WANT the enforcement of laws but ONLY the enforcement of laws-not the indulgence of a court that overlooks when police "make it up" to fill the courts fine coffers so that somebody can say he has the most "profitable" court in Arizona. "




gatekeeper wrote on Nov 11, 2009 5:45 PM:

" 2disturbed: It sounds like you’re on the would of could of should of end of those who opt to break the law instead of just obeying the law. My neighbor received a ticket for overnight mooring, and when asked, said she was aware she was in the wrong per the signage, and expected some type of citation. She talked about how she contemplated her options of waiting in line for hours and other issues to that of just leaving the boat parked there over night, and returning the next day to pick up where they left off. The cost of the ticket was worth it to her, and she ignored the postings, and therefore consciously violated the law. What it boils down to is regardless of anyone’s opinion, the law is the law. Should we choose to violate it we should expect consequence. Think about how children these days fail to respect their teachers, or other adult’s, mostly as the result of how their being raised. If a youngster constantly views their parent’s defiance for authority, there is a solid chance that youngster will follow suit, and even more likely will eventually encounter a situation for which their profound disrespect will lour substantial consequence. For some, they violate the law as a convenience, and therefore choose to complain about the consequences of their actions, however, common sense suggests taking our lumps, and moving on. Some direct the police to abandon channel enforcement, and instead enforce traffic laws, however, on the flip side, you have dozens more which suggest not enforcing any laws at all. It boils down to obvious reality that the police are never going away. Law will only become stricter, and separate from breaking the law, from the age of conception until 17 parents regulate actions, and thereafter, you’re actions are monitored by the Police. No one likes to be told what to do. I doubt very seriously any cop working the tri-state area will lose sleep because anyone fails to agree with their enforcement efforts. I called the Sheriff's Department and asked an Officer the following question: Why can the police enforce the laws which some of us might not agree with? His response: Because the book says we can. "




bobo wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:26 PM:

" Will all you teachers and administrators and mothers of children quit your whining and complaining. We had a vote, you lost. Shame on you. Your teaching the children that if you lose in a fair and democratic election, you whine and complain to get what you want. The override was temporary, voted in when times were good. We are now in a recession, so we have to do with less. All of us, including YOU! "




LakeLizard wrote on Nov 10, 2009 7:17 PM:

" Roco you wrote "I know I am going to get rimmed on this, but I know for a fact that the current way of teaching and the politics around it are not helping the students. Something needs to change and throwing money after a problem will not solve it. "


Agree with you one hundred percent "




tomgarven wrote on Nov 10, 2009 4:38 PM:

" Roco wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:54 PM:
tomgarven@hotmail.com responds.

Roco:

You did not comment on "The opportunity for enrichment of the curriculum."
Was this intentional or just an oversight? Or, did I miss it in your post?

Here is some additional information you might find helpful.

The District maintains a website with a "Comments? Problems?" e-mail link. This is the link where you can send any comments you might have regarding our Lake Havasu City schools.

If you send me an e-mail I will be happy to send you the link since links can not be posted here. Or if you prefer you can do a Google search for "Lake Havasu City School District" and look around until you find the names, e-mail addressed and phone numbers of the individuals you want to contact.

You also don't appear to be very pleased with the actions of certain individuals in our school District. In that case I suggest you make direct contact with that individual and resolve any difference you might have.

In the past, I have made contact with members of the School Board and the administrative staff at our schools with very good results. They will treat you with decency, respect and will listen to your recommendations for improvement.

However, they will probably not be so gracious if you hand over a list of 10 problems without at least a few recommendations for improvement LOL

If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to write.

tomgarven@hotmail.com "




Roco wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:54 PM:

" tomgarven@hotmail.com responds:

As I understand it, one of the over-rides was to have the following benefits.

• Better academic preparation
• The opportunity for enrichment of the curriculum
• More interaction between teachers and students
• More focused participation during early childhood education which positively impacts later academic performance
• A more productive learning environment and the opportunity to learn to work well with peers

To me, these objectives seems to be standard procedures for teaching.

Better academic preparation-isn't that the purpose of honors classes? Or extra assignments for the student that shows a need for a little more challenge?

• More interaction between teachers and students-I'm not sure what this means other than less students in the class.

More focused participation during early childhood education which positively impacts later academic performance-isn't this also related to student/teacher ratio?

• A more productive learning environment and the opportunity to learn to work well with peers-again does this means class size and a little education from the parents showing that their children must work well with others?

I'm not trying to be critical, but these items doesn't seem to be things that cost a great deal of money. Children need to step away from their video games and apply themselves more to school work. I'm not sure how it works today, but school first, play second when I was in high scholl. A certain grade point average not obtained meant something of value to the student taken away. No weekend playtime; phone privileges taken. If you were a athlete, that meant no sports-period. My parents, personally, told all my coaches if my grades dropped below a B+, my participation in sports was over until my grades improved. I feel something may be missing in the classroom today. My understanding from some teachers that every students most reach a certain standard and if there is a student that is above or below this level, there is nothing to really help that student. Also, this standard is not a standard that allows the student to compete with the rest of the world. A child most want to strive, not be pushed along. I know I am going to get rimmed on this, but I know for a fact that the current way of teaching and the politics around it are not helping the students. Something needs to change and throwing money after a problem will not solve it. "




tomgarven wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:49 AM:

" Roco wrote[in part]Nov 10: "Can someone explain exactly what was the purpose of the override".

tomgarven@hotmail.com responds:

As I understand it, one of the over-rides was to have the following benefits.

• Better academic preparation
• The opportunity for enrichment of the curriculum
• More interaction between teachers and students
• More focused participation during early childhood education which positively impacts later academic performance
• A more productive learning environment and the opportunity to learn to work well with peers

Hopefully this helps answer your question. "




Desertrat wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:29 AM:

" Taz- if you are a boater just visiting, hanging out at Kokomos -why do you care about the school district? This article has NOTHING to do with courts, boaters or tickets. See? Under EVERY article by the same people. Now, about those schools.......... "




Roco wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:57 AM:

" I have heard all of the pros and cons about the override vote. Can someone explain exactly what was the purpose of the override. The override was to be temporary for four years, right? It purpose was specific, right? So, by it not passing, does this call for the total school budget to collapse? If this is true, it seems that there has been some major mismanagement by the school board. The school board wanted the override to continue indefinitely. "




riverruner wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:45 AM:

" Johnjay I’d love to engage you in debate regarding the Federalists and the difference between and relative value of public goods v. private goods. However you did not answer the question Sir. How many people did not consider the impact to the community of the loss of purchasing power when the inevitable layoffs come at the school district?
From your posting can I assume you see no value to our society from the contributions of firefighters, police officers, and especially teachers? I guess those salaries, just like the contributions these people make, just don’t count for very much.
As for the district living with-in its means…the means the state provides schools have been and will be so drastically reduced there will soon be nothing left to do but to eliminate positions and programs…which is why those overrides were so important. But since the people in those positions do not make any real contribution to society much less the economy it really won’t matter will it? "




n2havasu09 wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:49 AM:

" To Havasu Student-

It must make your teachers proud to know you take such an interest in what's happening to your community and your school! I think it's great you have a voice and are ready to stand-up and say so! Don't be discouraged by some of the angry, bitter, and plain mean people who post here. That's their problem, and it's nobody's fault but their own that life didn't turn out how they "expected" it to. Having a negative attitude towards life will get you negative results!

You're right that extra-cirriculars are important to students and the community. They, unfortunately, will be the first things cut when funding is down. Most adults just complain that "kids these days" are fat, lazy, and stupid and you're trying to prove they're not! The ironic thing is you've ended up catching a lot of attitude for trying to be a productive member of this community. Just because you're not 18 or a home owner that doesn't make you a second-class citizen.

I bet many adults (myself included) couldn't imagine their high school years without football games and the other kinds of "extras" that kept them busy, but now it's all too much of a reality for students. I myself was a huge "art geek" in high school and couldn't imagine those years without art club!

Keep doing what you're doing, keep an open mind, and stay involved in the community! One day people like you will be the one's to change things! Hopefully the negativity of this community doesn't discourage you! "




FORD FAIRLANE wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:12 PM:

" O'REALLY wrote on Nov 9, 2009 5:42 PM:
Now is it the property tax ? (mine went up this year) or the sales tax from the tourist ?? I think you dont really know what you speak (another Blow Hard) "




TazDave wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:12 PM:

" Good job Havasu. If we need to live with less, so do they. As how the tourism and courts play together, a $270.00 fine for being parked in the channel after 11pm, WHILE CLEANING THE AREA AS I WAITED TO PERFORM MY DUTIES AS A DESIGNATED BOATER to a group that was seeing the worst concert of the season at Kokomo. I have to do the math as to how to recoup the $270. We typically spend $500 - $800 each visit. My "frugalness" will not make a dent in the local economy, but clearly, the "frugalness" of many of us have. Keep fleecing us and see what happens. "




O'REALLY wrote on Nov 9, 2009 5:42 PM:

" I guess it has not crossed the minds of those who are saying the School district gets enough money that money to the school district is tied to property values. As we have suffered more than most here because of the dropping tourism due to the city courts fleecing, that school are already getting less money. "




suzyq wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:03 PM:

" Bravo!! 'Havasu Student' Congrats on your intelligence and your desire to want to make something of yourself ...and for speaking so highly of our hard working Teachers. And PLEASE don't be disheartened by the 'Nay-Sayers' here in Lake Havasu..go forth dispite their negative outlooks and views ...Unfortunately LHC seems to have become a mecca for bitter people, angry at the world and eagar to lay blame. "




johnjay wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:03 AM:

" riverruner,
Government positions do not create purchasing power, they transfer purchasing power from those that create it. In theory you hope when you educate someone or have governement policy that is friendly towards business then you create purchasing power. On the other hand when you have a government that spends everything it brings in plus takes on huge public debt, the result is stifling tax burdens on the private sector. No business in the world wants anything to do with you when you're in that position. "




riverruner wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Did anyone give any thought to the economic impact in LHC of the loss of teaching jobs? When these jobs go whether professional or Para-professional there goes a tremendous amount of purchasing power, too. In addition to educating our kids these people pay rent, have mortgages, buy groceries, clothes, and gas…etc. "




Had it with Havasu wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:27 AM:

" Hey - Havasu Student...

Lets do some math, shall we?

As Override #2 affects K-3 it doesn't change things for you as a HS Student.

Override # 1) 10%

Primarily for salaries. Spread out over K-12 you just don't get a 3% kicker for your instructors at the high school.

Some here contend that class size will double. If we don't get 3% that we are not entitled to and we lose 3% of our instructors and as a result we lose 3% of the scheduled classes, how does that amount to any more than a modest 3% increase, if any?

Is that an insurmountable loss? 3%? For grades 9-12? Many act as if this is a disaster. 3%. The district should consider itself fortunate to be so well insulated from the economic abyss the majority of this country has been led into.

Save this nonsense for people who don't know any better. The entire country is taking a hit. If it were just 3% we wouldn't even feel it.

Let's take another tack. The total of both overrides adds up to 15%. Shave 2% off the top for administration of that extra money and we're looking at 1% less revenue for the operations and maintenance budget for each grade. Gail seems to think that this 1% is gong to affect our kids academically. Only if you let it Gail. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get with the program.

It makes me sick to keep hearing about this. This is a non issue. Our students will not suffer provided administration keeps in mind what the primary purpose of our public schools is. Oh wait, we'll talk about that after we spend $150,000 to rebuild one track. "




bill516 wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:25 AM:

" This vote simply reflects the mindset of the majority of Havasu residents.There angry at Obama for the financial disasters of the Bush years, its a good thing the Trillions spent on the crusade, I mean the war aren't "on the books". Then what?
Schools aren't profitable so there's no "interest" in them.Wars are very profitable for many. "




FORD FAIRLANE wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:02 PM:

" Hey Havasu Student suck it up like the rest of the country,,,I am unemployed I would be happy to work for 1/2 of teacher pay,,I have a Masters "




ivehadit wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:01 PM:

" After coming back to his blog now and then, I find it amazing that it is still going. Most for it are PO'd at the retires for not voting for it and those opposed are against higher taxes. My lingering question is, each student has parents. Each parent has a vote. If the parents themselves felt strong enough to pass it, I'm sure it would have passed. It didn't, its over and now for the next chapter. But for Almighty's sake, lets get on with something else. "




Havasu Student wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:26 PM:

" I am a student at the high school. The students at the school are the ones who are going to pay for the fact that the override did not pass. I am an athlete also and that's one of the first things that will be cut; sports.

To former Resident; To some people driving 200+ miles to play our games is necessary. That is a way for some kids to get some of their college paid for. Playing just in Havasu is not going to get them looked at by anyone. I'm sure the people of this city would rather have us kids doing sports than doing bad things around the city. Sports are good for us! They keep us healthy!

Also, people who are making comments on how teachers are babysitters...wow! I sit in about 6 classes a day. Believe it or not but students ACTUALLY learn things during the day. I can tell you by personal experience by sitting in school every day, I learn something new every day whether it be about science, math, or english. Teachers actually do what they are supposed to do. They are busy almost all day teaching us things, making up worksheets for us to practice things, or to test us on the material we are taught. They really do work hard, even though they don't get paid as much as some of you people think.


THANK YOU TEACHERS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO HELPING US LEARN AS MUCH AS WE CAN. WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOU! "




LakeLizard wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:51 PM:

" City manager is gone cal, now what do we have to do to get rid of you? Build another dog park before the overappreciated fire union gets it's way... "




LosTacos wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:36 PM:

" Wow that started a firestorm? Still tryin to figure why Lakelizard assumes everone is a cop? and 2disturbed, who does have some valid opinions, started it by bashing LHPD when this article is clearly about voters outcome on the bed tax not crime waves from 2007. My opinion:Bring on the tourists and jack up the hotel room prices, why should I pay a tax for a hotel I don't even stay at. Who needs to watch Soaps and drink metamucil all day this forum has enough drama and enternainment to last a lifetime. "




2Disturbed wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:31 PM:

" PS: I have never received a ticket for leaving my boat overnight in the channel. In fact, I have never received a ticket of any kind from LHCPD or any other LE in AZ.

I see, hear, and read about the negative results of revenue generating enforcement and unprofessional actions by LHCPD from residents and tourists.

I truly respect, support, and appreciate law enforcement, but LHCPD needs better direction from the Chief, supervisors, and managers, not the money hungry city leaders who are ruining the image of the department. There are many fine officers on LHCPD, but there are some that put a negative light on the whole department.

The city leaders need to follow the models of other successful cities that promote and encourage tourism and a friendly boating atmosphere! "




cal/hav wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:50 AM:

" Forget the kids, Spend some money on another dog park instead. Is there anyway I can keep my tax dollar from being spent on things that make a better exotic meal than Potential , Doctors & Nurses. "




LakeLizard wrote on Nov 8, 2009 8:52 AM:

" O boy the law man "tacos" is scolding someone for the ticket he wrote them. LOL "




2Disturbed wrote on Nov 8, 2009 2:24 AM:

" LosLocos, I live on planet earth. I reviewed the website, and my opinion is the same.

You stated: (Fact: more crime in 2007 then 2009 and these stats don't include dangerous drugs, DV's, Juvenile crimes, or federal crimes). If crime is out of control in LHC as you allude, then why is there a team of officers writing such C.S. citations as mooring overnight in the channel? Your qouted website listed property crimes, theft, and burglary as the top 3 crimes in LHC. Shouldn't the officers concentrate, focus, and deter these 3,279 crimes committed so far in 2009. These crimes are commonly caused by tweakers and dirtbags. The Chief of Police and the sworn officers should be focusing on these crimes, not enforcing a C.S. overnight mooring tickets in the early and late hours of the evening for revenue during DUI and tweaker hours. Officers have the ability to use common sense and use their discretion to enforce laws. These officers should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves to waste valuable police time and energy on these "parking tickets." How about DUI enforcment, traffic enforcement, patrol, and stake outs to catch the thieves stealing and damaging our property?

Besides, does LHCPD really have the authority to write these tickets below the 450 ft lake level. Doesn't the BLM have the sole authority as discussed regarding the current orange boat fiasco? Are these officers also violating the rights of boaters? Did you know that these officers have scratched and damaged the gel coat and paint jobs of numerous boats with their police boots while climbing and rummaging through their property? Just because the boat is illegally moored doesn't give the police the authority to damage property and be disrespectful. What authority and probable cause do they have boarding a boat and searching the contents of a boat for a parking violation? They are required by case law and have the ability to run boat registration numbers via radio without rummaging, searching, and damaging property without the owners consent and probable cause. The city and LHCPD could and should be sued for their negligent actions.

You are quick to blame Californians for the ignoring laws for their selfish benefit. Based on my business that caters to boaters and direct observations, the majority of the boaters cited are residents in LHC, and other cities in AZ. Even one snowbird was cited for overnight mooring right after buying the boat in LHC and supporting the economy of LHC! Do you think that snowbird will be back?

You have the typical anti-boater and anti-tourist attitude of a city leader or police officer. You are ignorant, narrow minded, and fail to see the big picture. You blame the economy woes and the lack of tourism on the sign of the times. Try thinking out of the box. Encourage tourism, and draw the boaters back. Get rid of anti-boating and anti-tourism laws. Train police officers to show respect for the rights and property of citizens, boaters, and tourists. You have this big blue beautiful lake, so build, support, and encourage the construction of boating facilities, slips, marinas, etc. In this day and age, why hasn't it been done? What are our city leaders doing?

God help us and LHC! "




Desertrat wrote on Nov 7, 2009 9:15 PM:

" Here we go....an article about the School override tax turns into a lecture how terrible our city officials are - it all falls on deaf ears since it is under EVERY article. And it is defintely by the same people. Now about those schools..... "




LosTacos wrote on Nov 7, 2009 8:55 PM:

" And most boaters don't moor in the channel over night because it's against the law. Just overzealous, "The rules don't apply to me cause I'm a Tax payer (but I'm frm California) OK but your in AZ. Sure things are bad in Havasu yet if you don't live in a bubble and watch CNN you realize the entire country not just Havasu is having economic whoes and tourism is down everywhere. This is 2009 almost 2010 not 2007, so I enjoy how some speculate and missquote old crime stats (Fact: more crime in 2007 then 2009 and these stats don't include dangerous drugs, DV's, Juvenile crimes, or federal crimes). Then blame it on LHCPD? Any where else in the country if you break the law you get a warning, ticket or arrested. Is Havasu Special (Come to Havasu there are no rules here HHMMF.) That's not an opinion that's ignorance. The people to blame are City council and US government for not doing there jobs. "




LosTacos wrote on Nov 7, 2009 8:27 PM:

" 2disturbed, "There is no mistake, there was no crime wave in 2007!" What planet do you live on? check the stats then have an opinion. note 3 murders in Havasu in 2007

profiles.nationalrelocation.com/Arizona/Lake%20Havasu%20City/

hmmmmm? "




johnjay wrote on Nov 7, 2009 8:10 PM:

" 2Disturbed
You don't get it. The vast majority of the population of Lake Havasu doesn't want working young people here. They don't want boaters or off-road type visitors. They don't want you earning a living here. When your retired then you'll be welcome. Complaining about the police is old news, that damage is done. There's no one left to give tickets to except the locals. "




2Disturbed wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:38 AM:

" Great job LHC citizens for not voting to raise the bed tax! The city needs to stop raising taxes and placing laws on the books that are detrimental to the city and tourism. LHCPD needs to stop harassing and writing C.S. tickets to soley generate revenue for the city. The statistics published earlier regarding the 300% increase in revenue from LHCPD citations in 2007 is incredible and proof the city leaders and Chief of Police is pushing their officers to generate revenue from citations. There is no mistake, there was no crime wave in 2007!

Today, the LHC economy is a wreck. Numerous businesses and manufactures have gone bankupt, unemployment is high, tourism is low, and the city leaders still want to gouge the tourists.

Cal Sheehy, general manager of London Bridge Resort, wanted the tax increase. Why? Free advertisement for her resort. London Bridge Resort can pay for their own advertising, and not harm the overall tourism in LHC. Let them raise their own room rates for advertisement!

To LHCPD: Quit sneaking teams of officers to the channel during the late night and early hours to write $250.00 C.S. tickets for overnight mooring. These tickets are affecting the future of LHC's tourism. The boaters will come here less, or disappear and take their money somewhere friendlier as proven by past articles. What harm is there if someone wants to leave their boat in front of the Heat Hotel, London Bridge Resort or at the Kings condos. There is no city liablility, unless you charge a fee! So, don't charge a fee! It was legal and unenforced to moor overnight not too long ago. If the boat or their personal contents are stolen, it was at their own risk. The visitors leave their boats out overnight for convienence, and it minimizes traffic congestion and the long lines for the rest of us at the launch ramps. There is not one legitimate safety issue to cite the boats, other than for generating revenue in the worst way. There is no crime wave at the Isles with overnight mooring! Send your officers to enforce DUI and traffic laws. How about patrolling the businesses and residential areas for tweakers burglarizing our property.

Due to the shortage of boat slips, you can't even rent a slip unless you arrive in town during the middle of the week! Until the city provides, allows, or promotes the building of adequate slips and adequate boating facilities, they should just get rid of that stupid law! They should allow boaters to moor overnight in front of these hotels and condos at their own risk!

I have a lot of friends who live and work in Lake Havasu that have been impacted by the city's poor handling of tourism and its future. Their homes are foreclosing, and they are losing their jobs!

I run a small part-time business operation that is mainly tailored toward boaters. I generate approximately $120,000 in taxable sales for LHC, and I employ numerous employees and subcontracted employees living in LHC. I also support and conduct business with numerous other companies in LHC. I do have a grasp on the negative impact that these tickets are causing to boaters and tourists.

Overall, the city needs to step up to the big city boys, run the city properly and fiscally responsible, and cater to the boaters and tourists. I'm not saying that we should be like Los Angeles, but we don't need to be run by hillbillies!

I care deeply for Lake Havasu and its future, and it steams me to see how our city leaders are destroying our city. "




Dusan wrote on Nov 7, 2009 1:04 AM:

" Yea its the citys new marketing tool,,,You have the police bone the visitors,,You move the vendors out,,Have city council member make racial slur,,And raise the price of a room,,I can see them flocking now! $14,00 rooms in LAUGHLIN folks "




FORMER JUDGE wrote on Nov 6, 2009 1:42 PM:

" Hey NON RESIDENT,,,,I didnt say the "N" word YOU DID,,I just implyed throwing money at a problem,,But I think you showed us how you think! And you vote elsewhere so go blog there!!! Also I can say the "N" word because I is one! "




Davel wrote on Nov 6, 2009 12:16 PM:

" How pathetic and sad. Is there anything the people of Havasu are willing to pay toward the future of our town? our country? Your solution to the health care crisis is to hold a bake sale. I guess that must be your solution to education as well. Maybe you'll work in a couple of car washes too. They raise property taxes, utility bills, etc., and hardly a word is said, but the needed funding that can actually improve the quality of life for everyone, your neighbors, your family, etc., always get the thumbs down in Havasu.
For a town that has more churches then gas stations, you have to wonder what kind of people live here or what they are being told by their pastors. The teachers salaries are so low they can't possibly live very well, but the head of APS makes $750.000 a year and wants an increase in rates and nobody has much to say. Think and then get your priorities in order. Investing in our PUBLIC schools and teachers is an investment in tomorrow's leaders. "




non resident wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:55 AM:

" IT'S A SHAME THAT ALL YOU PEOPLE DO IS CRITICISE GRAMMAR, SPELLING AND WRITING IN CAPS.

YOU MISSED FORD FAIRLANE'S RACIST REMARK ABOUT HOW THE SCHOOL DISTRICT GOT OBAMA(THE N WORD)RICH.

THEN A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER'S JEWISH COMMENT.NICE GOING HAVASU!

I WISH I COULD HAVE VOTED, I AM A PROPERTY OWNER FOR OVER 20 YEARS BUT GET NO VOTE ON PROPERTY TAX MATTERS BECAUSE I VOTE IN ANOTHER STATE "




bobo wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:52 AM:

" If you read the Friday 11/06 Editorial in this newspaper, you will see that the District is operating on a $37 million dollar budget, considerably more than in 2005 before the override. They had 4 years to get their budget in order. How many of us are doing with less than we made in 2005? And Gail Malay's comment that "we will feel the impact of this vote" is exactly what we got from the State by threatening to close State Parks, rest areas, etc. Make sure we feel it. How long are we going to tolerate this from our elected officials? Oh, and by the way, GATEKEEPER, A fifth grader would spell it "they're". "




Teacher First wrote on Nov 6, 2009 8:09 AM:

" I have just finished rewriting my resume, I planned on Havasu as my home. Will I have a job next year? Maybe, maybe not.
You did not ask me to teach your children all day, grade papers and plan the next day lessons till late at night, weekends spent doing the same. You did not ask me to buy materials and supplies out of my pocket for your children and grandchildren to use. I was not asked or told to earn a degree in education and become a teacher.
All for 30k a year and raising a family. I became a teacher because I care about our children, your child, your grandchild.
Since most of the negative bloggers have all the answers about our educators, administration, district and budget, all this without visiting a board meeting, school or classroom, spend just one day in a classroom. And then we can have a productive discussion forum. "




Mr. Havasu wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:43 AM:

" A Havasu Resident and Havasures, thank you I think that sums it up pretty well and to Oranges and Lemons, for someone who considers themself to be sooo smart, you haven't realized that making your argument by insulting the opposition will bear little fruit. "




gatekeeper wrote on Nov 5, 2009 1:03 PM:

" Bobo: Never absolutely assume nothing; however you may presuppose inevitabilities using a very simple mathematical prototype focusing on at least two applicable dimensions devised from the provided supposition. Anyone else think there smarter than a fifth grader? "




Oranges and Lemons wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:23 AM:

" To A Havasu Resident “Wow, it just amazes me that the position of some are so weak, all they can do is attack the spelling of some who post here.” You obviously missed my point—how can people say funding shouldn’t go to education when they negate their point by showing how uneducated they are? If someone can’t take the time and effort to spell and punctuate properly in a few paragraphs about EDUCATION, then how do they live the rest of their lives? What kinds of choices are they making? Not the right ones for our kids.

That’s very nice that you have a master’s degree. So do I. Who cares about comparing diplomas when the point is that the residents of LHC are voting against something because it is labeled “tax increase” or because they don’t know any better and have never been in a classroom? You obviously know the hardships and pressures of being a teacher. You must have been teaching here when our students had to endure half-day kindergarten and reduced art, music, and PE. Don’t you think the kids suffer from that? You also obviously know where the budgeting comes from and that certain pots of money cannot be used in other places. You also neglected say to say which of my points were weak. Way to deflect the issue by just stating an opinion.

I hope your principal knows you voted no.

Also, those of you who say the teachers are being lumped with administration--that's a great point. I never thought of it that way. Thank you for being so articulate about that and making me see it in a different light. :) "




bobo wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:09 AM:

" Intellectual?... are you kidding?... It seems a lot of people here assume there is a direct correlation of school spending vs academic achievement. Not true. Don't assume if we cut school spending test scores will drop.
This blog won't let me post a link to a website, so just google: "state school spending vs achievement"

Fact: The three states with the highest per pupil school spending scored lower than Arizona. "




bobo wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:17 AM:

" Gail Malay's comment: "This is going to hurt the entire community. The whole community is going to feel the effects of this.”
Is this a threat? "




havasures wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:24 AM:

" The more I read these blogs it seems that the no vote was really more of a statement directed at the adminstrators of the district, not the students, teacher or education itself. If that is the case perhaps the administration and board should step down and do what is in the best interest of the children, which is what they claim they want. It is obvious that the community will not longer support them the individuals. "




rvrjeep wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:49 AM:

" IN regards to ford fairlane I for one a motel owner and I for one and others help the jetski and marine assoc by letting you guys brind your flyiers in and recomending you.Where were you when we need your help? As for one I do support having some vendors down at the beach but they need to pay the taxes and a lease just like the others.So when you cry where was the hotel and motel when you need help don't go there> "




former Resident wrote on Nov 5, 2009 6:57 AM:

" Everyone who voted these down should go dig a hole and put their head in it. Education is the most important thing we can provide our children. The teachers are very hard workers and do the best that they can. For those who voted this down - do not complain when the class rooms size gets bigger and less teachers to go around. What should be cut is all the spending on sports. Going around the state to play football or basketball is crazy. No need to travel 200 miles. Thats what needs to be cut - sports. Its time that America wakes up and smell the coffee. Lets focus on education and we will have a better society. "




doglover wrote on Nov 5, 2009 4:29 AM:

" What really needs to be looked at are administrator's salaries, perks, allowances, etc. How do they compare with large city salaries? Because this is not a large city. Who approves these salaries, who approves raises? How do they compare to actual educators (teachers) salaries? The boots on the ground actually teaching our children.

I believe this is what the voters are angry about. While the rest of us are forced to exist on far less and do without, some feel seem to feel they are above us. They must feel entitled to a salary that 4 families (or more) could comfortably live on. Just like the state, have those at the top in state government taken pay cuts? Have our elected representatives taken pay cuts? I don't believe they have, they'd rather cut jobs at the bottom, cut pay at the bottom, and do things like close rest stops on our highways. How expensive is it to keep an unmanned rest stop open? All they did was cut the job of the person who cleaned the restrooms. Big savings there.....

When you also consider that during the housing bubble our property taxes increased dramatically, that the 2005 override was not meant to be permanent and was not campaigned to be permanent, and that teachers have since been forced to take pay cuts on salaries already below what they should be.... while the district was still getting this 2005 override money.....

It is not the teachers that people voted against, it's the administrators.

So put it out on the table, let's see how much they're making while telling us that our children's test scores will go down because of less funding.

MCC administrators too. Show us the money.

The newspaper should publish all of their salaries and perks. Let's have total transparency. They published the fired city manager's salary, perks, etc.

Another question would be, how many kids are there in our schools now compared to 2005? 2006? 2007? 2008? I remember reading an article in this newspaper about enrollment being way down - due to people moving out of town looking for work. Less students means less money from the state, which means less money for who? Teachers/students or administrators? I'll give you 2 guesses.

Education is a service industry usually not a chosen career to live high on the hog - unless your goal is to become an administrator apparently.

If the district wanted the override to pass, the administrators should've taken pay cuts themselves first. Did they? I didn't see any articles stating they had. Then voters would've taken them seriously and would've been more supportive. But it seems they'll keep their fat paychecks and take it out on our kids and their teachers and blame voters.

Home schooling is always an option..... home schooled kids seem to get a better education. "




intellectual wrote on Nov 5, 2009 12:33 AM:

" Had it with Havasu: Tekki's posting was at 4:45. School ends at 2:30. Most Teachers will stay after hours for counseling, and helping children improve their grades. We have no idea where he/she was when they posted, and frankly speaking, current events are a part of teacher’s on-going responsibilities. Every day is a new adventure in a classroom. This may come as a shock, but many so called parents leave raising their children up to teachers. Teachers do the very best they can, so they can go home, clean the lice from their hair, take care of their own families, volunteer, and grade 200 papers before falling asleep in the living room by 1 am, to be back in the classroom at 6am to do it all over again. I dated a teacher who paid a lot of money out of pocket for supplies, and because children couldn’t afford paper, and other important materials, she would use the money left in her check to pay for those extras. Also, there was always a child whose parents couldn’t afford something important. Teachers are part of America’s heroes, and like all other heroes, they struggle to make a positive impact on the lives of kids while ill-spirited naysayers watch ex-felons playing ball for a living making in excess of $ 10 million per year. In conclusion: All teachers out there. You need not explain yourselves to some of these people who thrive on dull-witted egocentrisms as they are all truly beneath you. "




intellectual wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:53 PM:

" Hasn’t Lake Havasu experienced enough bad press lately? So, how many parents voted today? Well laziness; just cost the farm, and this situation will have an enormous negative impact on our community. People are suffering out there, and nothing is more precious to Americans than their children’s education. It’s always a sad day when the public education system receives a major blow, as it truly places offers a perspective for societies priorities. This impact will have overwhelming consequences. Did you ever think sending your child to school would compare to sending them to private school? The numbers won’t lie. Millions of Dollars in operating costs will need to be recovered. Kids will now be required to pack their own toilet paper. Classes of already packed classrooms of 40+ students will now sit in excess of 60 children per class, as sadly, a large number of teachers, and also educational assistants will inevitably be laid off, and those who remain will undoubtedly face pay-cuts. In addition to the Teachers facing termination, an additionally estimated 12% of Teachers who remain will also leave. We are talking about College educated professionals skilled at the Masters level. They can go anywhere, and when morale is low, people go where success is rewarded. This will send the educational quality and control of classes spiraling to failure. All supplies will now be paid for by the Students parents regardless of their financial situation. There will be a book rental fee implemented. This means you will pay a fee for your child to access a limited quantity of books. There will be an emergency fee implemented for visits to the School nurse who will now bill your insurance company for an office visit, and any / all supplies used during treatment. Parents of disobedient children will pay a fee, including additional costs for after school detention. School lunches will increase to a rate higher than most California School districts. The new sports eligibility fee will go from $250.00 per child to $500.00 per child to be entitled to play a sport. Additional individual sports fees will also increase, including higher costs for uniforms, and travel. More than likely sports will be done away with completely as coaches might be the first to go. This will have a detrimental impact on our community in many ways. Many parents will relocate, and others won’t bother moving here because education is usually always a top priority for parents. Isn’t education supposed to be a high priority for this country? "




A Havasu Resident wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:46 PM:

" Wow, it just amazes me that the position of some are so weak, all they can do is attack the spelling of some who post here. I am not a typist but I am very well educated. I have a Masters degree, in Education, but that does not mean I type well. I am a teacher. 2nd grade. Have been for 20+ years. So, take your shot if I have a typo.... I would be happy to compare my diplomas to yours.

Now.... I do not feel the vote was a message against our teachers. I think it is a message against more, or a renewal of, taxes. I, for one, voted against the overrides. I too am tired of the government continuing to spend while the rest of us that to tighten out belts. I personally see many ways the district can cut the waste in our schools. But, the district staff has no interest in hearing from those of us who are in the classroom each and every day.

The people have spoken. They have spoken against paying more taxes than required by law. Time for all of us to just suck it up and do our jobs. I, for one, am happy to have mine! "




dunhavasu wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:55 PM:

" So the override didn't pass oh well! If most of the parents would spend another hour or two helping there kids when they got home, and not reach for a beer or six, then the kids would not be that bad off after all. "




Had it with Havasu wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:15 PM:

" Hey tekkie...

Are you telling us that you surf the web and pen responses to posts here while you're at the school?

Maybe if you weren't breaking the rules and killing time on the web your work would get done a little quicker and you wouldn't be stuck there 10 hours a day and half your Saturday.

I agree with you on the issues surrounding discipline. Pretty sure I touched on that already. Parents have a responsibility to prepare their children for school and I am acutely aware that many, many parents do not. In an affluent area like we live in it is inexcusable for children to be neglected as they are. So while school personnel do a lot to mitigate issues with clothing and hygiene and discipline, would you agree that the parents failed to learn these basic elements of pride and social obligation as children in public schools? That is the point I wish to make. Discipline and basic decorum have been neglected in favor of a tolerance doctrine for decades and that is why we have the problem today.

Many feel that education is a right. It is not a right, it is a privilege. It is not guaranteed in the US constitution as a right or an obligation of the government to provide. It is an obligation of society however, in my very humble opinion, as a lack of education is far more expensive than a good education. But, there is that tolerance doctrine telling use to put up with little Johnny's incorrigible behavior lest we snuff his creative talent...at the expense of 30 other students educational time.

Look, I am not so naive to believe that all the problems faced in public schools can be addressed with a few simple changes. I am also observant enough to see fantastic levels of waste in our school district. A million dollars is inconsequential in this picture but it does make it difficult to balance the checkbook without addressing the waste. Unfortunately, administration will cut programs and teachers rather than figure out how to eliminate the wasteful spending. "




AXE wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:11 PM:

" Tekkie- It's hard to support a school system that is failing.I do feel bad for the parents that have no choice but to send their kids to a public school.Teachers in the public school have no power to discipline children. I knew a kid from Lake Havasu that was in High school that couldn't read a clock with hands. He had to look at a digital clock. How did he continue to pass to the next year. More money wouldn't have made him better. His parents failed him and the school system kept moving him to the next level. I bet you can mention several ways the school district could save money. Are smartboards necessary for teaching. They are very useful but not a necessity like many things the school district spends money on. The majority of teachers are great but I have a huge problem with something. How can a teacher keep her job when the school district is aware she cheated on her husband in a classroom with another married teacher during work hours. It's hard to support a system that allows a teacher to get away with that. I also believe that if parents are involved in their education then they will succeed. To many parents don't care. "




desert iguana wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:37 PM:

" Hip Hip Hooray!1 We voted it out!
And the Visitors Bureau has to also learn to live within their means. Looks like about 15% less according to the stats in the Herald.
Now it's time for the School Administrators ( not the teachers) to take a 15% pay cut. That goes for the cops and the fire department too.
Man-up! Suck up to a pay cut like the rest of us Havasu's folk.
Business is down. So quit spending! "




pappabratt wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:24 PM:

" I think the city need to start using there brains and start getting some factorys in here. The people that live here need work. The more work people have the more money the schools would get. When will the city learn that you can not live on tourism alone. People are leaving this town because lack of good jobs.So wake up Havasu and listen to what the voters are telling you. "




johnjay wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:17 PM:

" Oranges and Lemons,

I think the teachers are being lumped in with the rest of the government departments, fair or not. It's kind of a situation where the citizens are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There's just far too many issues going on at city hall and the citizens are tired of it, they just don't trust the government bureaucrats. The ballot box is the one way citizens can show their displeasure with their leaders and this appears to be the case. Think about it:

-$250,000 dog parks
-$400,000,000 sewers
-$2 million consultation contracts
-Storage units on the island
-Airport Issues
-CVB fiasco
-Monies allocated for a second bridge that no one seems to know the status of
-Government entities constantly trying to add bonds to property taxes
-More government employees than private ones
-Seven different government entities patrolling the lake and river
-11 to 14 million dollar worth of fire department in the middle of the desert

It goes on and on and on...I believe arizona 5150 hit the nail on the head, the citizens of Havasu are hurting and they're tired of it. If teachers are looking to put the blame on someone, take a look at all the government agencies in town that are acting like pigs at the public trough, those are the ones killing the system and that's why the poor teachers took the brunt of the anger. "




olives741 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 5:59 PM:

" You're so right myopinion! People who are against money for schools should be fine when programs begin getting cut. First it will be buses, kindergarten...eventually sports, art, music, reading programs, important academic courses. Finally, without proper funding from state or community taxes, schools will become private. Anyone wanting an education at all will have to pay for one. Let's get rid of public schools altogether, since no one is willing to maintain them. Sometimes one must live in the gloomy rain before one can appreciate the sunshine. (For those of you who do not understand this message, sorry. Your overrides must not have passed too.) "




myopinion wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:54 PM:

" The community spoke and now it is time for the district to speak...cut busing of all regular education students to school and put 1/2 day kindergarten back into effect. People want to say how the failure of the overrides won't effect the city and how schools are nothing but glorified babysitters, well good for you then go back to have parents be responsible for getting their kids to school and arrange day care for them after kidnergarten. It how it use to me done here back in the day, so lets go back to when things were simpler. I am sure all the no voters will be okay with this. "




anniegirl wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:52 PM:

" For the lodging tax - How can we agree to having people pay more for visiting Havasu? At this point, I have not seen any marked improvement in "advertising" for Havasu as a vacation spot. On the contrary, the people who have visited are dismayed at how much they pay for so little. Our hotels are not luxury, heck - we don't even have a decent area by the bridge for visitors. Why on earth would we want people paying more for so little? Why would the powers that be think voters would go for such a deal? When our tourism bureau and hotels get their act together and provide true value for the money - then let's talk override. Until then, good for Havasu - let's stand for quality and not quantity. "




anniegirl wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:48 PM:

" I find it disheartening to hear all the comments made about teachers needing to basically "get their act together." Please understand that to instruct for a low middle waged income - teacher's must have no less than a Bachelors Degree, be Board Certified AND stay current in their individual continuing education credits. Mind you these requirements are not paid for by the school district - it is paid for by the individual teacher. Additional supplies, etc. needed for the classroom is also an expense straight out of the teacher's pocket. With that said, it is that the lack of override funds for the district are going to hurt. However, how can the district state that the children will suffer? Correct me if I am wrong but did the last override (2005) pass for the benefit of the all-day Kindergarten Program and Extra Curricular Activities at the High School Level? Also, were we not guaranteed that the $800,000+ funds going to solve this issue and was only for the term of the override? It has been 4 years now and yet the district is asking for more money or threaten the education of our children? This makes no sense. If the degree of education has improved so much in those 4 years and everyone is claiming it is being based on test score - AND if test scores have improved so remarkably as Ms. Malay states - shouldn't there be increased funds for the school at this point? Folks, the truth is, all those involved in our children's education are underpaid - PERIOD! That includes the support staff of the school to the teachers. However, for the Administration - I have my doubts. The lack of willingness to take a pay cut in salaries only prove their true lack of concern. Additionally, if so much is riding on the improvements made - where are the additional funds the district said would come if they made such improvements.

I don't feel that the population of Lake Havasu doesn't care about our children. However, I think we are all just tired of having the Administration continue to double-talk and no show marked management improvement. All I can say - if the student's scores have improved as much as the district claims - then BRAVO teachers, students and parents. Administration - you have done nothing in the eyes of this voter except waste time and money. SHAME ON YOU! "




tekkie wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:45 PM:

" I just saw the comment that I'm get excellent pay for being a degreed and glorified part time babysitter.

EXCELLENT PAY? I get to my school at 6:30am and stay - well now it is almost 5pm. I'm always in for at least 4 hours on Saturday.

If any parents want to blame me for their child not learning - they need to tell me that to my face.

I spend a lot of time dealing with discipline because I have so many children in my room who don't know the word NO.

Try having 30 kids in a room and being responsible for them learning.

I'm serious, to all the people saying vote no or yahoo, go to a school and spend all day in the classroom and make sure you are in one of the over maximum classrooms.

I wish education were thought of as highly here as in Asia. I teach because I care about these kids, but I'm pulled into a lot of other stuff instead of just teaching by being a teacher. "




tekkie wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:38 PM:

" I'd really like to know what the people do that are happy the school overrides which would have NOT added a new tax and is so minute unless you own a ton of properties.

The school district should live within their means? I don't agree with all of their decisions, but Kindergarten will be cut to half day and now they won't get all the foundation they need for first grade, so first grade will have to be more basic and it will trickle on to every grade thereafter.

Specialists will be cut meaning classroom teachers will have no breaks for planning and preparing for the next subject.

No school nurses so the secretaries and other admin staff will be tied up taking care of kids without a nursing education.

So you really think it was worth the few dollars that you pay in your property taxes?

Have you ever volunteered in a school and seen what goes on or do you just sit by and whine about how you are tired of hearing Gail? I'm sick of hearing you people whine about this city's education.

The state of Arizona gives the students of Arizona less money than 48 or 49 states do so school districts HAVE to go to the voters for money.

I'm very sorry some of you don't see how this will effect the future of Havasu's children. I'm very sorry some of you don't care about their future. Do you go to board meetings and make sure the money being spent goes for what you think it should since you KNOW things are not as they should be?

Spend a day in my shoes and tell me these kids aren't worth the few dollars. At least on my $130k house it is not much. SAD Havasu, VERY VERY SAD.

You reap what you sow and you are sowing kids who are going to get a secondhand education. "




o'really wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:35 PM:

" So, when is the school district going to figure out that these elections need to be done in the summer when the people who have no children in school here are back home where they raised thier kids? "




tiredofbunk wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:34 PM:

" Quality communities have quality schools. Voting down the override just sends the message that education of our children is not important. Unfortunately that message gets sent over and over in this community from the recall to lack of support for our educational system. "




resident wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:32 PM:

" I don't believe this emotional issue is a referendum on teachers. It's more of a referendum on how tired the public taxpayer feels at this point in time. If the district wants to change attitudes, maybe they should start showing folks how they are spending (operationally) in a thrifty manner. Most people probably would favor teacher increases in pay. "




babalouie wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:28 PM:

" Those who supported the tax overrides are correct about one thing -- bad grammar definitely undermines one's position in a written argument. However, regardless of their good grammar or lack of it, the people have spoken. Most of us have had to tighten our belts considerably and some of us are barely hanging on, going deeply into debt to pay off the mountain of bills that keep being delivered to our mailboxes like clockwork. I'll say it again -- people used to the security of a comfortable lifestyle, holding down a good job with a nice salary and taking for granted all the trimmings (like medical insurance) simply don't understand what life is like for less fortunate folks, too often scraping by on next to nothing yet continually performing miracles with their time and money in order to hang in there. As for the school district, it's been pointed out that they are already taking more than 50% of the property tax in this, a retirement community. To be blunt, that's rather piggish of them, don't you think? Something is seriously out of whack here. Yet despite this, highly qualified prospective teachers, most of whom probably would be willing to work for less, are simply turned away by the schools and their calls about job opportunities not even returned. Twice now I've been strongly advised to call MCC by responsible people employed there regarding a possible teaching position. Both times, separated by several years, the administrators gave me lip service or simply ignored me. Talk about rude. People like that ought to be demoted and possibly even fired. The same thing just happened at the high school. And yet these are the same people crying big crocodile tears when they can't get blood out of a turnip from the cash-strapped property owners of Lake Havasu City. There should have been far more voters contributing to the results of this election. These were important issues, as the tough times and the intelligent remarks posted here plainly illustrate. More voters should have participated. And teachers, if you want to know how good you have it, just look into the 16-hour days poll workers put in, the many hours of preparation some of them have to put in beforehand, and the abysmally low compensation they receive for doing so. It's a wonder some of them aren't dropping dead during election cycles from all the stress and responsibility. Or maybe they are and we simply never hear about it because they don't get any glory and aren't getting any press. These are some highly intelligent and capable people, many of whom have never received the attention they deserve in other areas of their lives. The people of Havasu and the rest of the county and country owe ALL of these folks a real debt of gratitude, not just the ones you recognize and like. "




havasures wrote on Nov 4, 2009 2:52 PM:

" Before we start tarring and feathering people take a look at how the votes turned out for other school districts in Mohave County. Ours is not the only one that failed. Do you have the same feelings toward those school districts? The fact is this; staff will be lost, special programs will be cut, class sizes will increase, buildings will age further with no signs of repair. The fact is that with the lack of the override monies this community WILL be effected. For some you may not care because you obviously have a vendetta against the district administration. Have you ever stop to think about what doing something for the greater good? You may not like the administrators, but failures I don't believe they are. Additionally, I think the more troubling thought is what a small percentage of our registered voters even went out to vote. Everyone wants to criticize schools, government, the preseident, the war, taxes, health care, gas prices, and what ever else irritates them yet WE are still living in a country where the majority of the population doesn't go out and vote at each and every election! Yes, there are countries out there whose students far surpass ours because of how they value education. Yet, we can even be positive role models of being good citizens by voting. We have that right where so many other countries don't. Sadly, it is not the education of the children I fear...its the lack of one from the general public. "




kiermyc9 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 2:11 PM:

" To everyone that is saying these overrides will not affect our children are sadly mistaken. In the year that the overrides did not pass my youngest started Kindergarten. That school year Kindergarten was cut to half a day, my daughter was crammed in a classroom with over 30 students. The standards of learning did not go down they were just expected to learn in 2 1/2 hours what kids before them had 6 hours a day to learn. I also had a son in the 4th grade who was in a reading intervention program.(That's to help kids that are behind in their reading) Before anyone says it's the parents responsibility, my son has a hearing problem which put him behind other students. Due to the overrides not passing he lost this program. When the overrides passed these programs came back. Without this money it's affects every child in our school system. I hope that the school does a re-vote like it did in 2005 and every parent in Havasu shows up. Our children do not live in a 3rd world country they live in the United States of America. A good education is a right. If these schools lose programs due to the failing of these overrides I will be moving my children to somewhere the value a quality education of children. "




Oranges and Lemons wrote on Nov 4, 2009 2:04 PM:

" Had it with Havasu—Have you really had it with Havasu? Then get out! Havasu doesn’t need people who are ignorant and can’t see things for what they really are. You said: “Educators get excellent pay for being the degreed and glorified part time babysitters that they are. Our schools have become nothing more than massive daycare centers where non-adults are indoctrinated into a mindset of helplessness.” How silly you are! You should go ahead and take a day off work from whatever cushy office job it is that you’re sitting in right now and go see what the teachers, administrators, and support staff do on a daily basis. Babysitters? Can you say IGNORANT? Your whole argument goes out the door when you compare teachers to babysitters. So the kids leave high school with zero knowledge? Come on, don’t deal in absolutes and fallacies.

Bobo, you sound like the rest of the enabling parents who blame teachers for their student’s poor performance. Most teachers are in the profession because they genuinely care. They teach and teach and teach, and then it is up to the students and the parents to take responsibility and DO something with the education and opportunity they receive. Teachers can do the task, but student and parent responsibility is paramount. Think of all the other countries whose education system we consider to be superior to our own. What does it come down to? Expectation and involvement. Those parents genuinely expect their kids to do well, and the students genuinely want to do well. That doesn’t happen consistently in America. It starts at home. Teachers do everything they can to help students, and if the students don’t spend time on their learning or take ownership of it, then of course they’re going to fail.

Again, the answer for all of you is to spend time with a teacher or in a classroom. You’ll see that learning takes place, and teachers aren’t babysitters. That’s about the most insulting thing someone could say to a teacher. Do babysitters attend parent conferences, IEP meetings, staff in-services, events out of the school day? Do babysitters grade hundreds of papers a week, create lessons plans by implementing technology and the latest research-based teaching methods? If you’ve never been involved with the ins and outs of a school, then please stop responding like you know what’s going on. You don’t. "




Olives741 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:29 PM:

" Oh yes, havasures, you're right. Teachers did not "agree" to a 10% pay deduction; they had no choice. It was part of the contract. By signing the contract, is that not agreeing to a paycut if necessary?
I do agree that every staff is important as a school; that's why the override should have passed. "




Curious1 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:12 PM:

" To Arizona 5051, et al - Please explain what your opinion of the city's mismanagement of funds and programs has to do with the school district. The district is run by the county NOT the city. "




Luvinhavasu wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:04 PM:

" It never ceases to amaze me how uniformed so many are who post here. I'm not saying Malay, who I am not a fan of, can't reduce her salary but our teachers do not make enough money for the amount of education it takes to be qualified to do thier jobs. Do any of you read the paper to see the giant hole the state is in and the money that has already been cut from the school budget? And who knows how much more will be cut in the near future. Not only do Lk Havasu children receive some of the least amount of funding per child for education in the state but also in the entire United States. Voting down the overrides was a serious mistake and I guarantee you, the city will suffer because of it. God Bless the children. Somebody has too! "




WATCHING HAVASU DIE wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:59 PM:

" Oh this is gonna be like the Martin Luther King holiday,,,We are gonna keep voting til we get it right,,,All that money for a vote everyone knew the out come before it happened! STUPIDO "




Hidija wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:46 PM:

" .
Wow, this topic certainly envoked a lot of hastility! (Sorry Oranges & Lemons if I didn't spell something right!) But I have a real problem with what has happened to the "windfall" of money that the County and Cities have gotten with the "inflated property values" which in turn hugely inflated property taxes! (I have a VACANT LOT that went from $300 a year tax to $1500 per year taxes sinc 2006! Isn't some of that money going to the school??? If not who is realizing this windfall? "




bobo wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:31 PM:

" Eldensword, you got it backwards. People can't spell because their public school teachers failed them. I got so irate when I discovered my adult daughter who graduated high school got a skewed knowledge of American history and therefore couldn't apply current events.
Yeah, it's my fault for not paying closer attention back then, but I think you people forgot we hired you to do a particular task. If you cant do it, then QUIT! "




Had it with Havasu wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:10 PM:

" No, no and, no.

I'm pretty happy that the voters said no to excess taxes which only serve to pad systems already in place.

I hope the trend is toward reducing the size of our bloated government. We can get everything done more efficiently than the government, just look at the BLM and the postal service for excellent examples of how red tape and favoritism works out.

arizdare is on the money, experience allows him to see right through the bs.

arizona 5150 is also correct, the overspending started by Harvey Jackson and propagated by everyone since along with the narcissistic self serving city managers beginning with Bruce Williams have every honest wage earning in this city fed up.

Where the overrides will affect the schools is in non-fundamental schooling. It is sad that the children will lose some fun programs but I really feel that the school system itself needs an overhaul more than an override for more money. Educators get excellent pay for being the degreed and glorified part time babysitters that they are. Our schools have become nothing more than massive daycare centers where non-adults are indoctrinated into a mindset of helplessness. True, schools are the only hope for some but they are also the downfall of most. Let's address that problem and our schools will once again be an asset to the overall education and skills of the populace.

Hey, as long as were talking public money why wasn't something about engaging a volunteer fire department in there? Something about contracting police service to the sheriff's office? Thoughts about that arizdare? "




havasures wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:52 AM:

" I wanted to clarify for people that not only does the failure of the override effect the students and teachers, but also the many, many support staff workers. No one ever stops to think about the effect on them. As for Olives 741 comment that teachers agreed to a salary freeze and proposed pay cut, that is untrue. The teachers did not agree to it, they have no say in how or what they are paid. Now, before feeling sorry for them be aware the the support staff; admin assistant, custodians, maintenance staff, office workers, etc, have been frozen over the past two years consecutively. This even after the State sent money to increase all employees pay and it was only given to teachers. I am not saying that teachers don't deserve more or at least what they have, but please don't forget about the rest. True it would be nice to see administrators take a pay cut, but that probably won't happen. Especially those who are on the PERO program. Has there been mis-management of spent monies in the District? Sure, but punishing the students, employees, and community for that is wrong. People need to hold accountable those who make those decisions. 95% of the District has no say in how money is spent. If they speak up their jobs are in jeopardy so the public needs to go to the school board and demand to know where every penny has been spent. It is your right! The problem however in addition to the administration is also the board. If we give the president of the United States a term limit why don't we do the same for board members. We would have a lot less shady business going on then we do. So, while bashing the administration please keep in mind that there are many others who are effected by your votes as well. Help find a reasonable solution before this comes up to vote again! "




lifer wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:58 AM:

" Congratulations, in your misguided attempts to show the leaders of the district something, you have punished the children. Way to go.
Do any of you realize that the state gives less funding per pupil to our kids than to kids in just about every other district in the state? Those that receive the same funding we do have overrides.
But hey, as long as Havasu is filled with people with boats more expensive than my house, we're fine. "




Oranges and Lemons wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:51 AM:

" Hey, arizdare, if you disapprove of the cops and education in LHC, then do something about it. Run for city council or the school board. If you’re unable to say something nice about the community you live in, then why do you live here? Contribute something worthwhile or hit the road. "




ridiculous wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:16 AM:

" Wow... Those of you trying to express an opinion about the school district haven't a clue what our schools provide do you? The schools in our district are the best performing schools in state of Arizona... Its absolutely ridiculous the amount of money the State of Arizona delegates to schools (near lowest in the country), then on top of that, the local community basically say, "Yeah, me don't care what me kids learn..." and vote down the continuation of funding that provide for more teachers, more student resources, and a better learning environment.

I find it absolutely ridiculous how Americans won't even bat an eye at spending an extra trillion dollars on war to protect freedom, but won't spend a dollar so the children can understand what that freedom provides them... Thank goodness our history show us Americans to make great farmers, because in about 20 years that will be the only living most Americans will try have to make a living... Selling lettuce to the Chinese...

I am shocked by the utter ignorance that continues to lead this nation... "




localbusiness wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:58 AM:

" I am glad the bed tax failed as the Tourism Bureau has far to much revenue as it is. The Chamber of Commerce added the Tourism Bureau back in the 90's and as the years went by, added to many high priced employees and to much support staff to do the job of only a few needed. As with most agencies, the favoritism in this city with money dispensed to Events is highly suspect. (Good 'ol boy syndrome) Thank you LHC for recognizing government waste! "




newmom07 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:47 AM:

" I want to know, did everyone that did not vote Yes on the School District have any idea what it truly was? I understand the ballot did not clearly state what it was exactly and a lot of people saw "increase". My only suggestion is if people are going to vote, do your due diligence and understand what you are voting on. And yes, Gail Malay is correct, our students are going to suffer. Arizona is already cutting the school budget and now our local community has helped in that. My child isn't even in school yet and I voted YES! Shame on everyone who voted NO! "




arizona 5150 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:26 AM:

" I believe the people have spoken, after talking to many people it looks like miss management of the sewer project is what broke the camels back, The micro managing and short cuts the city managers wanted done are not setting well with the tax payers of Havasu. The tax payer has no faith in the management of the city at all. It’s not the companies doing the work it’s the people who don’t know how to do it trying to manage the people that do. The retired people that moved here from other states trying to influence the city counsel this is how we did it in our state and so on. Hiring advisors at a big price tag “counsel business friends” to micro manage the micromanagers. All at the tax payers expense. Have to love Havasu this has been going on and on and the people a sick of it. Out of 50 states Arizona is number 49 in education money is not the answer. "




ILuvHavasu wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:15 AM:

" I am very dissapointed that the school override did not pass. It is awful that the citizens do not think well of of the leaders of tomorrow (our children). These teachers don't make ANY money as it is. Most citizens could not live off of what they make. Also the school budget does not reimburse them for allot of items they need in the classroom. As it is they ask for parent participation just to supply paper, kleenex, markers, pens, pencils, etc. THE PARENTS DO THAT! Maybe some of you should look at what it takes to run a school dictrict and see if you could do better. There is so much involved and you have no idea all you care about is that extra $10 coming from your wallet. This will be a huge effect on our children. It's very sad that we have so many uneducated adults in this community. Remember an educated child keeps them from drugs and violence. Teach the kids and let them lead the way. "




Oranges and Lemons wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:08 AM:

" To Tom Havasu: In response to your statement: “What do you want to bet we will be seeing this on the ballet again real soon?! " I think that had you had more individual attention from a teacher, maybe you would know that the word is “ballot,” not “ballet.” How can we even think about the performing arts when there might be overcrowded classrooms for core subjects? (In case you’re not bright enough, Tom, sense the tone and figure out your word usage.)

“Real soon?” Really? That kind of misuse of grammar is just the reason Lake Havasu is in need of more teachers and fewer students in the classroom—maybe kids like you would have learned how to communicate properly. You may think this is petty, but it’s just good sense to use proper grammar ANY TIME, especially when you’re blogging in support of schools having less money.

To Mr Hwy 95: In response to your statement: “Well the people have "spoken" so maybe it's time that the school teachers and administration step up to the plate and reduce their 9 month pay rates.” Have they or have they not spoken? As a tip for you, putting quotation marks around a word unnecessarily indicates that you mean the opposite of what you’re saying. For this gross misuse, I can tell you’re really “bright,” and I’m so “happy” you’re part of my community. Also, I don’t think you realize that teachers are professionals—it is a career, not a job, and they should be paid accordingly. Teachers have bachelor’s degrees, and a large number of them have master’s degrees. Not only do they have higher education because their jobs require it, but they are constantly taking classes and upgrading their education because the state requires it. The state requires that teachers have a certain number of hours in extra education to meet STATE ELL requirements and recertification. The state does not provide funding for these extra classes that can cost hundreds of dollars per class. The state requires teachers to constantly learn the most updated research-based teaching methods and implement those into the classroom. This means MORE time and money spent outside the classroom and school day and MORE time spent creating and updating lesson plans and curriculum. This is time spent after the school day lets out and on the weekends. A professional who has a degree and spends time outside of the work day and on the weekend creating lessons, not to mention the countless school events (sports, plays, dances, parade), deserves a base salary of $40,000. Teachers buy materials for their classrooms to further the learning experience of their students. New teachers can’t even afford to buy a house because one paycheck couldn’t make a house payment.

It is asinine to expect that a little over a thousand dollars every two weeks to a professional who has a degree and who is molding the future of America will sustain and retain a person of high quality. Teachers spend all this time and money training to be teachers to teach students it’s important to have a higher education, but why bother teaching students to aspire to higher education when teachers are being criticized for the job they do on the meager salaries they do make? Teachers do not just work 9 months out of the year, and you’re extremely ignorant if you think they do. "




Roco wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:41 AM:

" The hotel tax did not pass. I hope this sends a message to the CVB that their performance is not up to par. They ran off a very well qualified person to advance "their own agenda" (which is not in the interest of the city). Maybe it is time to either revamp the CVB or do away with it.

Let's think about the overrides. Was it really necessary when it was first voted in? No. Shall we equate money with the learning curve of children? No. What we need is those in charge (Gail Malay) to be fiscal responsible and put forward a real effort in children education. ($100,000 for band instruments-not too responsible). What we need is both the school system and parents to step up to the plate. "




Olives741 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:35 AM:

" I should have also mentioned the amount of money teachers spend out of their own pockets for kids who are not theirs... "




Olives741 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:24 AM:

" It amazes me that people are so tough on teachers and schools. I really wish that those of you who are quick to judge would only go into the classroom for one day; that's it, one day, just to see exactly the kind of hard work and heart that teachers put into kids who are not theirs.
I am sure they do it for the money; yeah, that's it! Teachers have agreed to salary freezes and a possible 10% pay cut this year, because they are so money hungry. Living within means does not mean hurting the futures of our students. The reason top notch schools produce great students is because people are willing to pay for it. It is not logical to say that $3.9 million will NOT hurt the students' education.
It is easy to complain about giving money. Think about that the next time you are buying your $9.00/person movie tickets (to see a flick for 1.5 hrs); popcorn that costs $6.00/bucket, or your $5-6 coffee from Starbuck's, only to think that $20/year per household would have increased the standards of our children's education! Ignorance is disastrous. "




arizdare wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:19 AM:

" There is intelligent life in Havasu after all. I got out real estate tax bill about 3 weeks ago and 57% of the bill was for educationin this state. Now, we moved here from the most corrupt city and state in the world (Chicago, Ill) where I worked for the city (policeman). So, after moving here, it was a joke to watch these amateures try and bs people.
Tell this Gail mallay to give back half of her $150,000 a year salary to start. Also, through personal experience, this high school needs a real principal and not a "delegator." With probably a half dozen vice princicpals or assisstance, its a wonder why they need extra money.
Please dont insult our intelligence about the "kids welfare." it reminds me of the ghetto in chicago complaining about guns causing all the violence and the killing. if they kept the crimals locked up you wouldnt have the same criminals committing the same crimes all of the time.
Why dont you have your police department stay on lake havasu ave and the lake front and inforce all of the laws on the books. Just take a ride one day and you will see half these boats being towed with unlicensed or no rear lights working, people driving drunk: instead of having the coppers sit by some school to try and jam some woman going 20mph in a 15mph school zone. if they need their hazardous moving violations quota, they need just stay on Lake Havasu Ave and the lake front. I'd say hwy 95 but they will tell you that is the stats and county's jurisdiction. they are right but its a bs excuse. I was a chicago cop and know all the crap they will give people to rationalize their actions or inactions. "




StillStanding wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:03 AM:

" Indeed it is time that a clear message was sent to the School District. Malay and her cohorts have created their own little empire overloaded at the top with administrators instead of loaded where the rubber meets the road with capable and qualified teachers administering education. The next message to them needs to be that school test scores WILL NOT go down and see them keep their jobs. Like all of us in these times, we are called to still deliver on par or better with less to work with, no exception should be afforded them.

Too bad that we did not see the vote totals large enough to approve the increase in the Bed Tax. It would have not direct effect on local tax-payers only effecting tourists, and for pete's sake it was only one percent, that would have had no effect whatsoever I kept thinking as I entered the booth and voted no. Why, because the dollars would go to CVB. Granted the mission of CVB is to promote LHC but in reality as those of us with some time spent in this community know CVB has done less to promote the city than to retain and/or promote themselves. Here's your message CVB, Mr. Schilling and your Board Members, do better with less or take a hike. "




Eldensword wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:48 AM:

" I love the comments pointing out the faults of teachers and how they "make plenty of money" and yatta, yatta, yatta....they're funny because they are mostly filled with bad grammar, poor punctuation and terrible spelling! It's obvious that people who have an issue with our kids' teachers being paid too much just have no idea what teachers deal with on a daily basis. Imagine the patience that went in to teaching you how to spell....and look where you are now? You still can't! Your old high school teachers should receive a bonus for being reminded every time you type something incorrectly that they tried....it’s just that you failed. "




Nightfalls wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:05 AM:

" So the school district is now saying that since the overides did not pass test scores are going to go down. I find that hard to belive as long as we have teachers that care and are not here just to collect a paycheck (as small as they are). "




blackcat wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:04 AM:

" I think it's good the bed tax didn't pass. I'm all for giving more money to the tourism industry but I think they need to make make the best with what they have and I can tell you right now that they aren't.

Also this will keep the hotel room prices down, even if it's just a couple dollars. "




Arliss wrote on Nov 4, 2009 5:27 AM:

" jkmi, TURN OFF your caplock!
Sheesh, have some courtesy and stop shouting! "




Mr Hwy 95 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:07 AM:

" Well the people have "spoken" so maybe it's time that the school teachers and administration step up to the plate and reduce their 9 month pay rates. After all we have hear from them "it only take more money to increase student performance".
What did the school district do with the people's money, Let see, maybe gave extra monies out for doing the job teachers were hired to do in the first place. "




FORD FAIRLANE wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:07 AM:

" P.S. FORGET YOU HOTEL OWNERS WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE LHC MARINE ASSN & CITY COUNCIL HAD THE VENDORS KICKED OFF THE BEACH,,THEIR CUSTOMERS WERE YOUR CUSTOMERS,,,MATTER OF FACT I GOT A FEW EMPTY ROOMS TO RENT TOO! "




Tom Havasu wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:04 AM:

" One more thing Ms. Malay....

Yes, I as part of the community will feel this. I will feel it in my pocketbook when I do not have to pay extra taxes to have to school district do something they are paid by to state to do already!!! "




FORD FAIRLANE wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:03 AM:

" WELL YEA IT FAILED,,,,What did you expect? I mean really did they need to have a vote ?? The school thing was temp when it was voted in,,,But Gail Malay. Must have forgot her own wording and thought they were entitled to it forever,,See what happens? You got Obama rich and spent it all,, Thinkin it was a endless supply and didnt save any,,Is this how you teach the children to handle money too ?? And if this is like it was years ago when it failed the teachers are gonna get the kids to protest and march (instead of teaching them you cannot protest a vote) "




Tom Havasu wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:57 PM:

" Thank you people of Lake Havasu for voting the school overrides down! It is about time we sent a message to the school district telling them they need to learn to live within thier budget. Heaven knows, the rest of us do! As for Gail Malay and her comments.... I am sick and tired of hearing her cry about how this is going to effect "the children". Do your job, tighten your belts,and the children will learn!!!

Thank you again to EVERYONE who voted these overrides down! What do you want to bet we will be seeing this on the ballet again real soon?! "




cal/hav wrote on Nov 3, 2009 11:06 PM:

" “I’m disappointed that it didn’t pass because in today’s economic environment, we need as much tourism dollars coming into our city as possible "
Start treating your tourist better and you won't have to raise taxes. Basic economic Laffler Curve of diminishing returns? Remember that from business 101.
Stop chasing away the tourist you have, you won't have to rape those that are left "




jkmi wrote on Nov 3, 2009 10:33 PM:

" THE HOTELIERS ARE STRUGGLING LIKE ALL OTHER BUSINESSES IN LAKE HAVASU CITY.
FIRSTLY,THERE IS A CONCERN AMONG HOTELIERS THAT MOST HOMES AND CONDO WHO ARE IN ZONE R1/R2/R3/R4 ARE RENTING HOME BY Day AND Week, AND ARE KNOWINGLY NOT PAYING ANY BED TAXES. SECONDLY, HOTELIERS PAY COMMERCIAL UTILITIES RATE AND PROPERTY TAXES WHERE AS, CONDOS AND HOMES PAY RESIDENTIAL UTILITIES RATE & PROPERTY TAXES AND STILL THEY ARE RENTING ROOMS AS A HOTEL UNIT DO. WHY?
THIRDLY, SOME REALTORS ARE ALSO MAKING HUGE SUM OF MONEY SELLING ROOMS AS DAILY/WEEKLY RENTALS UNITS. OWNERS OF PROPERTIES ARE STRUGGLING IN HOTEL INDUSTRY AND IT'S NO TIME TO RAISE BED TAX OR ANY OTHER TAXES. THEY KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO CHARGE EVEN 1% EXTRA TO ANY GUEST STAYING AT HOTELS AND MOTELS EITHER TO TOURISTS OR LOCALS.
FOURTH, WHY? STAY AT HOTEL AND MOTEL WHEN YOU CAN ACCOMODATE BETWEEN 4 TO 20 PEOPLE IN A HOME OR CONDO FOR THE PRICE OF A HOTEL ROOM AND THIS EFFECTS ALSO THE RESTAURANTS. AS RENTORS MOSTLY COOK THEIR FOOD AT HOME OR IN CONDO KITCHNETTE UNITS RATHER THAN, SPENDING MONEY AT RESTAURANTS.

IN SHORT HOTELIERS ARE LOSING REVENUE TO HOMES AND CONDOS UNITS PROPRIETIERS WHO HAVE STARTED RENTING ROOMS BY Day AND Week. "

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