Comments

jodis wrote on Sep 12, 2008 8:43 AM:

" How sad it is for a parent to pressure their child to do anything they don't want to. And even worse, that the child (an adult) allowed the pressure to happen. That shows great weakness and lack of confidence. So sad. I hope Ms. Titla gains some confidence and security to pursue success. "




jodis wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:22 AM:

" There are requirements that should be met when voting school board members into office: 1. Are they active in the community? 2. Are they outgoing and confident enough to speak aloud and make solid decisions? 3. Do they know the school district policies and procedures? 4. Are they educated enough to be in office? It's so important to know the business before jumping in to something you know nothing about. It's more than hob nobbing with the good ole boys. "




Bylas Native wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:40 PM:

" Karen Titla withdrew her name from the ballot. She has said all along that she did not want to run, Her dad presured her to run. "




Thatcher girl wrote on Sep 9, 2008 6:46 PM:

" I was going to vote for Chisty Beals, heard she is not running and they put in Darlene Alder instead. "




jodis wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:35 AM:

" It is such a pleasure to see so many folks running for these positions. The Fort Thomas running mates are all great people and have extensive knowledge of the Ft. Thomas schools. Gerald Black worked for the schools and is well respected in the community, Billy K. Hinton doesn't have much of a "respectable" reputation, but he does have many years of experience as a principal. The existing school board members that are running just need a little more experience and confidence to make decisions for the school district. They too are great people. "




What a joke wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:51 PM:

" To Glad to live in Thatcher: What a joke you are. Because someone is a successful doctor or businessman they aren't capable of being a good school board member? And, if you knew anything about why Will Wright left Thatcher you would know it was because he refused to get in bed with the current powerman that runs the Thatcher council. Don't attack any of these three men's integrity. "




to glad to live in thatcher wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:26 PM:

" I bet you are Polly Merriman------ "




Glad to Live in Thatcher wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:02 PM:

" In response to "School Mom" and her family voting for Alder, Bryce, and Wright..........WOW! Those are really wise choices for the school board. Alder is busy trying to run a new tire franchise, Bryce SHOULD be busy as the only ortho doc in the valley, and Wright "resigned" (read "fired")as the Town Manager position in Thatcher! Yeah, those three guys will have loads of free time to dedicate their service to the school board and all are just overflowing with integrity. Just kidding! "




Jill R. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:53 PM:

" I called Safford schools and no, they left their portion of the property tax rate at the previously existing rate instead of lowering it as did the other local government agencies in the county.

This means, if your property value went up then your school portion if you live in Safford will also be higher. This I was told will increase revenues to the Safford school district by over a million dollars next year. "




Strengthen Schools wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:23 PM:

" It appears that we have some excellent choices for school board members. Remember that these individuals can make policy and determine how school monies are spent that will directly affect our children, so choose wisely. "




Cynthia wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:55 AM:

" I am very sad to hear about so much issues going on with Safford School. I was hoping to move to a better school for my daughter. However after reading about all these issues I feel that I am better off here in California with my daughter. I pray that all your issues are resolved. "




Jill R. wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:14 AM:

" Where do we find out about how high our taxes will be under the safford school district's rates? I mean, if everyone was lowering their tax rates because property values went up EXCEPT the school district shouldn't we ask the board why? "




to in my opinion wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Very good post!!!! I agree!!!! "




In my opinion wrote on Aug 26, 2008 7:27 PM:

" This is what I think:
If you like someone then vote for him. If you don't like someone then don't vote for him.
It is that simple.
You people want to come on here and gripe about things or people just because you can do it without anyone knowing who you are.
How brave of you.
Get on with your lives and come election day, vote for the people you want to represent your school district and children.
Enjoy the rest of your life.
Who knows what you will do when this post's gone! "




I Know wrote on Aug 26, 2008 7:04 PM:

" You asked who is Nolan Reed. I know him as I grew up with him. He was born and raised in Thatcher. He retired after more than 40 years in education. He has been a teacher and administrator in both high school and university. He was a university vice president. I will tell him you wanna know who he is and he can better respond. "




big brother wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:37 PM:

" Why do we have to deal with another bond issue Safford Schools? It is time for change - when can we vote Mark Tregaskes out! From Strip searches to bond issues to teenagers having sex at school. Safford has issues. Why don't other schools have such a bad reputation (Thatcher, Solomon, Pima). Because they actually have superintendents that know how to run a school. Mark take lessons. "




Voter wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:18 PM:

" I'm voting for Preston & Will - haven't decided on the third. "




G.Steven Bryce wrote on Aug 25, 2008 4:42 PM:

" I'm proud to call BK(Brian Keith)Merriman & his wife as close friend's of mine. BK is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. One person wanted to know what his qualifications are, his qualifications are that he is a concerned parent of three students who attend Thatcher Unified Schools. BK and his wife donate hundreds of hours every year for numerous foundations. They have sponsered me for the last four years for the Relay of Life and I know personaly they raised at least $1,500 this year alone.Steve Bryce "




back on topic wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Ask the Safford School Board why, when all other government agencies in our county lowered their property tax rates due to the increase in property valuations, Safford elected to leave the rate up where its been when our properties were valued less.

Ask them why they slid this little million dollar windfall by you voters! Even the Safford city council lowered the tax rate due to the increase in valuations.

What's Dr. Mark need the extra million plus dollars for that you haven't been told about yet? "




back on topic wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:41 PM:

" Here's one for the Courier to investigate. The Safford School Board did not lower the property tax rate but elected to leave it as is. This will result, due to the increase in your property's valuation, in over a million dollar windfall for the SUSD next budget year. Look at the massive increase in the SUSD budget.

With the windfall from your property taxes, SUSD Board is planning a bond issue to boot (bonds equal dept remember). So, have you asked the candidates why they need so much more of your money next year? "




unsavory flavors. wrote on Aug 24, 2008 3:26 AM:

" Stew sounds good right now "




To Boring wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:44 AM:

" You are quite ignorant I fear, and you'll vote. What a disaster! The Assessor's office must follow strict state law regarding property assessments. The Assessor has very little to do with the setting of values other than simply carry out the laws.

Darlene Alder doesn't know her elbow from her toes. She and her husband are in all sorts of dubious financial stews with unsavory flavors.

As someone said, STICK TO THE TOPIC. You don't want to look to deeply into Darlene's affairs. "




fustrated wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Sounds to me like some school board candidates are fustrated. I don't think the supervisor candidates or the assessor candidates are running for school board. Stick to the subject. "




sooo wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:59 PM:

" What did Polly do that she is being judged by her actions? "




to Casual Observation wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:59 PM:

" You're right. School Board members have very little to do. Except most school board members are elected because they and their family are known well and thought of well in the community. So lets just see where this race goes. "




Boring wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:26 PM:

" This is boring! The real issue in the county is the supervisors and the assessor. Time to get rid of Attaway and vote in Alder!!! That is the better topic. I really think that Alder will do a good job as the Assessor. Ms. Attaway isn't fair. Everyone's taxes went up, but those that appealed her, had their taxes lowered. How can that be if she was already being as fair as possible. Don't you wonder how much you would be saving if you would have appealed. I am glad I did, now maybe I can feed my family! "




yay wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:08 AM:

" I say yay to Chuck Fan!!! He has a point and has said the most sincere & intellegent thing on these posts!
GO CHUCK FAN!!! I think I love you!!! "




Casual Observation wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:20 AM:

" School Board's do what exactly?

The federal department of education puts out guidelines; then the state department of education puts out policy based on federal guidelines; then the school board simply rubber stamps what comes down to them at the end of the pipe.

If they don't, then the district risks loosing various state and federal fundings.

Very little latitude in which to govern. Does it rise to the bar of all this personal attacking??? "




Hmm wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:49 AM:

" But no one is taking any cheap shots huh? "




to outside looking in wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Unfortunately, you are also judged by the actions of your spouse!!!!! "




Outside looking in wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:56 AM:

" I have read these posts and I have to laugh. The very 1st post seemed to be an indirect accusation. I don't see Mr. Merriman's wife's name anywhere to indicate that she is running. That post did not ask who B.K. was, only who his wife was. So, people have responded to the indication that someone is being hateful, and I have to agree that it appears so. I know that B.K's 1st name is Brian, I don't know what K stands for, but most know him as BK.
As for debates, they are not promising issues, only their time. "




What the heck dude wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Mr. I'll try again, seriously, what are you smoking? There is one single comment thats asks information about "B.K." Most likely because of the initials. But the crazy response from his backers have seriously made me question if he would be right for the school board. If he is anything like the people who believe someone is attacking him, well then he belongs nowhere near a school board. Why don't you read the posts and attempt to comprehend what is being asked before you write and reveal yourself to be severly ignorant. "




Ill try again wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:32 PM:

" I'm not BK's wife or relative or even a close friend. I know him and it is obvious that some posters don't like him or his wife or something just from the tone of the posts.

I actually know all of the candidates for Thatcher School Board and think they are all good people. I just don't like cheap shots.

If you can read then you will realize my original post had less to do with that and more to do with consolidation of services which I still think is a good idea. "




to a couple more thoughts wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:28 PM:

" Wow - you must be his wife or someone very close. We just want to know alitte about B.K? Does he have a name or just initials? Will these candidates all be debating at sometime? "




A couple more thoughts wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:52 PM:

" Wow, maybe some people have a hard time READING and remembering who wrote what. I didn't refer to anyone as "haters". B.K. Merriman is a fireman, instructor, coach, family man and has been a good member of the community for years. He is level headed and cares about he community. Some one evidently has a problem with him or there wouldn't be the type of comments made that have been made toward him. Maybe those people are the real communist. "




observer wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:05 PM:

" If these are the kinda friends that BK? has - do we need someone like this on the school board? Just observing the quick response from BK's friends. "




A couple of thoughts is all you have wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:02 PM:

" To a couple of Thoughts, A question, are you some sort of communist or socialist or something? Just because you know the man running for office doesn't mean everybody in town does. How the heck are we supposed to know who B.K. is, those are just initials, not even a name. So if you lash out at people and call them "haters" because they ask for some information on the candidates, I think you should move to Safford. You'll get along real well with its Mayor. He doesn't like people asking questions either. "




Thanks for the question Thatcher resident wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:58 PM:

" You Thatcher LDS need to cool down. Just because someone wants information about a person running for the school board you jump all over them. Do you even realize what a poor light that casts on the community. I for one am glad people want to know who they are voting for and what they stand for. We don't want to end up like Safford and their Mayor do we? Don't hate just because someone's faimily tree doesn't go back till when the whites kicked the Indians out and we don't know everybody since they were just a little lad. "




A couple of thoughts wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:10 PM:

" First-I know BK, he is a good man. Quit taking cheap shots.

Second- Consolidation would be a good idea in many areas including schools, city and town governments (especially public works and streets), police and fire protection.

Problem- Politicans will not want to loose their "piece of the pie". Unless the citizens really step up the consolidations will never happen. "




Please wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Will there be a debate with the school board candidates? "




Wanna know wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Who is Nolan Reed? "




Bulldogs wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:46 AM:

" I think you're right. The entire valley should be a part of Safford Unified School District. "




if you think about it wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Unfortunately you are spot on the money; there are too many petty rivalries in this County for the good folks to think about how they could improve the education for their children AND save a ton of money through a consolidated school district.

What a shame too. "




Chuck Fan wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:44 PM:

" I nominate Chuck Norris because the Bermuda Triangle used to be called the Bermuda Square before he roundhouse kicked one of the corners off. "




to if you think about it wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:06 AM:

" A consolidated school district in this valley? What 50 years ago I played ball for Thatcher and you want me to send my kids to a school partially run by Pima and Safford. No way! Sad but true. We would not need to build any more buildings, keep what we have, each high school could specialize in one area and if your child wanted to emphasis in one area they attend that school. Great idea. You realize the state/legislature may come to the point where they will force schools to consolidate. Think ofthat. "




to Graham County wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:03 PM:

" You hit it on the head. School Board members do set school policy, therefore, we need to elect individuals that are leaders, positive people, and able to understand a budget while looking to the future. These might be "volunteer" jobs, but the decisions need to come from qualified individuals. "




Family Friend wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:53 PM:

" Way to go BK!! Good for you for wanting to continue helping people out. Ignore the comments posted by HATERS!! You are always willing to devote YOUR time to helping people out and are very respected for that. Keep up the good work!! And for anyone wondering there is no qualifications needed for volunteer work!! "




if you think about it wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:05 AM:

" What IF there was 1 consolidated county-wide school district?

So much duplication of resources and expenses here. Adding EAC to the list there are 9 educational bodies in the county.

That means 9 administrative organizations each complete with its own staff and support personnel. That's pretty expensive isn't it? "




Graham County wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:55 AM:

" BK Merriman is a parent who cares about his community and all kids. He does a great job teaching GIFT classes for EAC.

People do not want to run because it is a VOLUNTEER job, many hours and little or no thanks. Anyone who is running should be commended not questioned about their motives. Board members set the school policy and have a great opportunity to help students and improve their community. "




Where is the money wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Watch candidates come out of the wood work if the job of school board were a paid job. These unpaid people have control of a large portion of our tax money and you know what in most cases they do a great job. My only question is why some schools have to have a half dozen administrators and school board members go to big cities to conferences to learn to be "better" board members, could not one do this and report back to the other board members. Thanks for giving your time for a free time onceinawhile. "




wondering wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Ft Thomas and Thatcher are the only races. What does this say? Why aren't more people running for these positions? "




teacher wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:51 PM:

" I have had problems with some of these individuals. I would be careful and do my homework before I voted. "




School Mom wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:56 PM:

" My family will be voting for Alder, Wright & Bryce "




Well wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:42 PM:

" Apparently Thatcher Resident, you must not like Bk or maybe you don't like his wife "Polly". I don't see you questioning anyone else and their qualifications. Bk & his wife are very nice people and they are always giving their time for worthy causes. Bk is on the Thatcher VOLUNTEER Fire dept. Both of them give their time to the better of the community. So, quit nit-picking people and get a life. "




Good for him wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:16 PM:

" Good for Bk to be running for school board. He is an instructor for the Fire class for EAC and Gift. So, I think he has education experience. My son took his class & thinks he is wonderful.In case thatcher resident doesn't know this, you don't have to have qualifications for school board, you only have to care enough to volunteer to run. It is not a paid position. If you think he isn't qualified then maybe you should run next time! I for one say Way to go BK, you have my family's vote. "




Thatcher resident wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:19 PM:

" Is Mr. Merrimans wife Pauline? Is she running or him? What would be either of their qualifications? "