Opinions

It is time for teachers and school boards of Mingus and Cottonwood-Oak Creek to stop being negative and more positive for all and look into reasons why school consolidation would be good for the students and the community and not their individual needs or wishes.

I believe there is a virus and that it is dangerous. But the people who are disseminating the information to us have a long record of lying to and showing dismissive contempt for American citizens as a whole.

The prestige of being a Dark Sky Community comes with responsibilities, lighting regulations, enforcement rules, and community commitment. When the designation was granted, Big Park seemingly had everything in place -- but, perhaps not.

The argument that we should not do it NOW is bogus. If it will improve the quality and cost of education we should do it as soon as possible.

We went to Bashas’ in Camp Verde this morning to shop. There are signs at the entrance which reads “To Protect our Customers and Members from COVID-19, Face Coverings are Required For Entry to our Stores.”

As Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Governing Board president, writing as a private citizen, I recommend a “No” vote at this time on consolidating the Mingus Unified (MUHSD) and Cottonwood-Oak Creek (COCSD) school districts.

Why anger? Wearing a mask while in a store is not much to ask to help America get through this pandemic.

Common Sense…. By now, it should be obvious to everyone that the COVID virus numbers will not just go to zero, and, like a miracle, disappear.

Arizona has not come close to duplicating the single-day high of 5,416 cases reported June 29.

Places like the Verde River Nature Preserve and the Duck Pond offer a sanctuary for many.

Therefore, statues, pictures, and relics of past misdeeds are to be studied and thought about so these deeds won’t be repeated.

Take a really close look at the message being put forward by both candidates’ political parties and ignore the messenger hatred. If you do so, you will make a wise decision.

Originally, Gov. Doug Ducey said students could return to the classroom Aug. 17. Now, he’s holding firm to that date with the disclaimer that it’s based on those who can and those who can’t.

With school district consolidation now firmly on the November ballot, there is no shortage of misinformation being peddled on social media about this proposed marriage of the Cottonwood-Oak Creek and Mingus Union school districts.

Clarkdale is in the process of design approval for 27 tiny homes to be built on 2.8 acres of Lincoln Drive. The builder wants to rent these units in a neighborhood of 25-year-old owner-occupied homes.

A few months back, after the Senate acquitted Donald Trump, Cottonwood resident Deborah Lozano stated her fears of what was likely to come next.

Muffy Vallely of Cornville attended the community's Farmers Market on July 20, and was very impressed with the social distancing that was being observed by everyone – vendors and prospective buyers.

The simple fact is that, if this consolidation is approved by you the voters, it will have the immediate and permanent effect of demanding that Clarkdale/Jerome/Yavapai Apache students pay tuition for the privilege of attending the same high school that has been serving their community for generations. While making this demand, it will also deprive these same families of the ability to vote for or serve on the governing board.

The problem is this isn’t an elective decision; Arizona State Statutes require that the Board of Supervisors “shall” provide the facilities for the sheriff to house prisoners.

I know that people do not want to create a confrontation, but what is the sense of having a policy that you do not enforce? I think they enforce a no shirt, no shoes, no service policy, so why not masks?

If you are one of those people not wearing a mask in public, I hope you will reconsider. Masks aren’t perfect but they have efficacy and, at this time, they are pretty much all we got.

By rejecting a sales tax ballot initiative, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors presents the false dichotomy that, we the people, somehow elected to pay for the proposed jail through a property tax increase instead.

As we get ready to vote on whether to abolish Mingus Union High School District and start charging tuition to students from Clarkdale and Jerome, it’s time for the proponents of this to put their mouth where their money is.

I am of that older group that dies more easily from the effects of COVID-19. I see the virus as an enemy. I take it seriously.

As for someone touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face, the CDC clearly warns against touching your face unless your hands have been sanitized.