Home > Albemarle Talk > Archives > 2007 > August
August 2007
What’s up with SAT scores? Not much
The most recent scores just released on the nationally administered Scholastic Aptitute Tests, or SAT, are disappointing to say the least. Student scores fell across the board locally, statewide and nationally. It was the second consecutive year scores have fallen. This test is used across the country to measure of how well students have learned and how successful they will be in college. But with scores falling, one must wonder if the latest results indicate a demise in our education system, or, is it just a temporary downturn, or maybe it’s that more students are taking the test? What’s your opinion?
Cycle and Seethe
The Elizabeth City City Council decided in June that the city will no longer offer power bill credits for customers who use the “Cycle and Save” switches on their water heaters and air-conditioners. Additionally, to help save energy and create a savings on power bills, the city plans to require that all city water and electricity customers install the switches. A government expert says the city can require the switches, but should customers lose the “Cycle and Save” credit?
Rivers: Bills, bills everywhere
City Councilor Kirk Rivers apparently runs a pretty loose ship when it comes to paying his bills. Several months ago, he was reported as delinquent on paying his local property taxes, which has happened in the past. And now Pasquotank County has a judgment against him for $3,678, which he owes for his company’s unpaid landfill disposal fees. These fees have been outstanding since 2004. Should Rivers’ delinquency on paying his bills be a concern to city residents who depend on their councilors to be good stewards of millions of taxpayer dollars? What’s your take on this?
Landfill thrown on trash heap
The Legislature effectively killed the Camden landfill plan when it recently approved the Solid Waste Management Act. The intent of the new law, although effective statewide, was pointed directly at stopping the Camden project, which was being developed by Black Bear Disposal. Camden officials had planned to use the $2 million to $3 million in annual host fees from the landfill to build new schools, which are getting crowded, and to pay for other needs like water, sewer and the like to benefit residents. Without the landfill revenue, the county is in a very difficult position. It will probably have to raise taxes, which are already high, to pay for schools. Or, is there a better alternative?
