For the Record – May, 21, 2015

by Barbara Mastriania

My two cents …

The following is definitely an opinion piece, definitely me expressing my own thoughts about an issue that’s being discussed in various quarters in Renovo. The issue is “the sign.” A member of a community service organization has proposed to that organization to purchase an LED sign that could be used to recognize in lights in public notable achievement by individuals. Notably students in the Bucktail system. The proposed sign is proposed for the school property.

The organization has agreed to pay for the purchase of the sign and is to be commended for doing so.

My concern is about the means to the end in this case. About how what seemingly would be a business matter discussed reasonably, turned out instead to having a county commissioner being told to “shut up.”

My concern is also that if we as adults cannot engage in reasonable discussion with respect how can we expect younger generations to show respect.

As I said, the issue evolved from a proposal to purchase a sign.

The first proposal was that the sign be located in Renovo, possibly at the Flaming Foliage lot where it could be seen from routes 144 and 120. That proposal also included the possibility that area businesses could pay for advertisements on it with proceeds going to a sponsoring organization. That didn’t work out.

The next proposal was that perhaps the sign could be erected on school property to recognize student achievement and school related activity notices. That proposal was more acceptable. The community organization has also agreed to pay the full purchase price for the sign. But in getting to that point, a county commissioner was told to shut up.

I fervently hope I am not the only one who finds this totally unacceptable, and that an apology is due to the county commissioner.