YOUR VIEWS

Thank the Blue

This is National Police Week, when we pay special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, ensuring the safety and protection of others. By recognizing these officers’ ultimate sacrifices, we ensure that we never forget those who courageously protect our communities. National Police Week also reminds us of the committed public service given each day by our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement members.

Why do they do it?

For you. They fearlessly protect you when you are in danger, promptly react when you call, graciously help when you are in need, tirelessly work when you sleep, selflessly rush to combat threats against you, willingly respond to horrific crime and accident scenes for you, vigilantly patrol to prevent criminals from victimizing you, and diligently pursue those who have harmed you to bring them to justice.

While working for the safety of our community each day, they are often criticized, demonized and even politicized. Officers who have made such sacrifices deserve better. Let’s remember the service of all our law enforcement members and take time to thank the Blue — they do it for you!

Robert J. Troester, Oklahoma City Troester is acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

A threat to education

Many questions remain to be tackled regarding public education in Oklahoma. Most of the state seems to agree that we can, and should, support students and teachers. Yet years of broken promises and shell games have left people frustrated. Oklahoma still spends less on education than it did a decade ago, despite welcoming tens of thousands of new students.

For generations, we have robbed students of a proper education and opportunities for success later in life. Our struggling schools reflect the declining investment we have made over the past 25. Following the recent passage of long-overdue, hard-fought pro-public school legislation, signatures are being collected to put State Question 799 on the November ballot. The purpose of SQ 799 is to rescind all recent gains for public education. The group proposing the question claims to not be against education, but provides no realistic alternative to HB 1010x.

Ninety-six percent of Oklahoma students are served by public schools, with private school enrollment dropping in the past 10 years. Public schools in Oklahoma welcome everybody and they keep alive smaller communities, what many of us consider to be the backbone of the country. In some small Oklahoma towns, the school system can serve as the social and cultural center for an entire region.

It has taken more than 25 years to step forward for public education. We can’t afford to take any steps back. SQ 799 is a threat, and I implore you not to sign the petition.

William Blair, Norman

Blair is a special education teacher.

Insatiable appetite

This real property tax ride only goes one way: up. If you live in an existing home in an active sales area, you were either real happy or real sad when you received this year’s Oklahoma County assessor’s valuation. I was sad. The 12 percent increase in the fair cash value of my home opens the window for the taxable fair cash value. Yes, it is capped at 3 percent annual increase, but this 3 percent is relentless. At least with income tax you pay more tax when you make more money. With the ad valorem, you pay more by just living in your home. Equity is not cash.

In Oklahoma County, 52 percent of your ad valorem tax goes to Oklahoma City schools. Look at how much your property tax has increased in the past 10 years. Where did that additional money go? It certainly didn’t go to teachers.

Citizens wake up! Contact your representative. The hunger of our government is insatiable.

Stephen Hill, Oklahoma City