Why stay tied to downtown site?
As a Rowan-Salisbury School Board member, I am both disappointed and disheartened by (Friday’s) decision. Even though we as a board were recently given five alternative sites for our proposed central office, five of our members chose to remain tied to the downtown site. As I stated in the meeting, the board all knew that the county would not approve this site selection. With that being said, we have yet again ignored a solution that could have resulted in brick and mortar early next year.
Although the downtown site appears less costly than the alternate sites, the board cannot ignore that the difference in cost is funded in some way. Some members argued that we would be wasting tax dollars by paying more at a different site. Although we have been offered multiple perks by the city at no cost to the board, there is certainly a cost. The city, county and school system have no revenue of their own. Any money, aside from a private grant, comes out of taxpayers’ pockets. Therefore, any perk “given” by the city is being paid for by tax dollars. The idea that government offers anything for free is laughable.
As a school board member, I apologize for this decision. I truly hoped that this board would have chosen a solution over spite. At this point, I am uncertain of the exact outcome; however, we can rest assured that a consolidated central office is no closer today than it was when this discussion began.
— Josh Wagner
Salisbury

Civil discourse
I have been reading and listening for the last week and have read most of the comments directed at Jim Sides and Craig Pierce and wonder why no one commented on the snarky and lawyerly comments that Doug Paris directed at the folks at this obviously political men’s club meeting. This young man represents himself as just a civilian interested in what is happening and that he had an invitation. My recollection is, he was talking for his bosses in the city, both those elected and those pulling the strings.
The young Mr. Paris, working as an advocate for the property owners in the downtown, talked about the importance of the school central office in the downtown, while the two county commissioners who represent all 138,000 people in the county were trying to state the obvious — that what is good for the county is their first concern.
Mr. Paris says in the Post that moving the central office to 329 S. Main St. would increase sales in the downtown by $1.25 million, but at what cost to the economy of East Spencer, the place they will close down? Not Mr. Paris’s problem.
When asked if he would welcome an independent audit of the city, he answered, we are audited every year. The attendee meant to say a forensic audit — a close review of what the funds were used for, not just if the numbers add up.
Mr. Paris could have answered but he chose the political or lawyerly way. Mr. Pierce, on the other hand, spoke from his heart; he didn’t show the same filter.
It has always interested me that people complain that our politicians don’t speak their mind, that they measure their words, i.e. Mr. Paris, then the same people are offended when Mr. Pierce speaks his mind. My guess is those taking the largest offense with Craig didn’t vote for him.
— Joe Coladarci
High Rock Lake

Grateful victor
I wanted to take a moment to thank the people who were so instrumental in my winning the election for City Council in Kannapolis that was held on Nov. 5.
Ray and Betty Moss; Doug, Lucinda, and Crawford McClain, Ernie and Martha Macon, Ronnie and Debbie Funderburk, Olin and Shelby Miles, Jan Query, Janelle Murray, Michelle Chrismon, Butch Anthony, Dane Laney, Roger Haas, Grant Radar, David Compton, Harry Greene Jr, William McGinnis, Buddy Amerson, Randy Whitley, Carl Ford, Ryan Dayvault, my Daughters Natalie and Emily, and my biggest supporter my wife Cathy. This group continually gave words of advice and tremendous encouragement. My Church Family at Trinity Methodist was always a source of strength.
Also to the over 100 families who allowed me to place my campaign sign on their property and to the 1,426 people who showed enough confidence in me to represent them and gave me their vote, I say thank you.
Words like “character,” “trust” and “integrity” were heard a lot during this campaign. Those words mean a lot and carry much responsibility. It’s time now to do the best to live up them, and as my old mentor Ray Moss has often said, “do your best to make a difference “
Thanks to Kannapolis for giving me this opportunity.
— Douglas Wilson Jr.
Kannapolis