Well, here we are. The last issue of 2006, my last soapbox for the year.
There’s a ton to look back on, but that’s what the ‘Year in Review? is for. Instead, let’s look forward to 2007 and all the possibilities the new year holds.
Usually I only make predictions around election time, but this year I decided to make a few predications for the new year instead of a resolution, and I’ll share them with you.
Even though the Independence Township Senior Center millage proposal failed in November, the issue will likely come back into play over the next year.
Maybe township officials will figure out that renaming the project a ‘community center? which seniors will use will greatly increase the chances of people voting for it.
A new millage proposal? By this time next year, I’m sure it will be a discussion item.
Will ORCO and the idea of a big-box in Clarkston ever go away? Yeah, even the mighty Wal-Mart is beginning to falter from the negative attention they’re getting on a regular basis. Check out the documentary ‘Wal-Mart: The high cost of low prices? for more details that you could want on the subject.
The point is Wal-Mart and other big-box stores are beginning to be branded as a kiss of death to local businesses, and Clarkston protects its own. ORCO will eventually get the hint that they’re not wanted around here and this long strung-out battle will come to an exhaustive end.
Clarkston Schools started charging outside organizations for use of their facilities. It’s all part of their effort to make up some of their expenses. Problem is, everyone else is having a difficult time making ends meet too.
Over the summer, I expect the schools to keep charging but lower their rates. The district’s budget is looking gloomy so administrators will likely still want to try and earn some extra cash, but they’ll probably have better luck attracting customers with lower prices
Speaking of the school budget, the district has a lot to consider over the next few months, including employee contracts.
As bad as the financial situation may be, I still expect teachers to get a raise. I know the idea of raising salaries while simultaneously making millions in cuts seems contradictory, but there’s a good purpose behind such actions.
Teachers get paid pretty well in Clarkston, but there are districts that pay better. If the district does not take care of their employees, they run the risk of losing them.
So even though raises might make it harder to balance the budget, the extra strain is worth it to maintain the classroom quality of the district.
So will any of this stuff happen?
I don’t have a crystal ball obviously, but in the past I’ve been fairly accurate. In May, I correctly guessed the outcome of the school election and was only off by four percent ? that’s better than most news polls. In November, I correctly guessed all but one outcome of the election, so I have pretty good track record.
Only time will tell, of course, so here’s to the new year and all the unpredictably that will come with it. Happy New Year!