Dear editor,

I was planning to write a story of a knight in shining armor riding in to save the kingdom, and of a damsel with tears of joy at the kingdom's salvation from collapse.

However, as I'm learning in economics, there are opportunity costs and, lately, mine seem to be in the realm of time so I'll jump right to the point.

There is an initiative — origination unknown — to push for a half-cent sales tax increase for the Okaloosa County School District, with hopes to place it on the March 2017 municipal elections ballot.

By the way, that election averages 14 to 25 percent voter participation, and probably less next year after the General Election this fall.

At the Oct. 24 School Board meeting, Ted Corcoran, president of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, asked the board what the needs of the district were and, once given that info, he would present them with some options on how best to achieve the goal.

Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson had already tasked the schools to compile lists of their needs. The state Department of Education requires a similar list of prioritized projects to be compiled and sent annually.

Christmas is coming, so it probably doesn't hurt to check the list twice. Of course, the economics professors would probably view such repetitive tasks as an unnecessary expenditure of valuable resources.

It may well be that the current revenue stream of $371 million in the annual budget is not enough to get the job of educating our children done effectively. I don't think the chamber of commerce needs to determine whether or not we need a tax increase; we voted five board members into office to do that. I expect they will do their due diligence and evaluate the budget and see if money is being wisely spent.

If we need more money to fix the mentioned leaky roofs and any capital outlay projects, so be it, but they need to make sure current funds are properly spent, the five-year plan is appropriated for in a fiscally responsible manner and the sun will continue to shine on Camelot.

WENDELL BEATTIE

Crestview

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Do this before raising sales tax for Okaloosa schools

Dear editor,

After listening to the carrying on of the media and the so-called celebrities; after watching idiots (yes, that's what you are) burning other people's property in a temper tantrum — grow the hell up.

College students being given time off from classes because they are too “fragile” to handle the disappointment — seriously? Folks, this is what you've created: an entire generation that has grown up getting gold stars just for breathing. Kids who played games where no one kept score because having to accept a loss, well, that would damage them.

Reality check: Sometimes you win and sometimes you don't. That's is life.

If what I'm seeing play out on the news feed is supposed to win me over to the 'liberal' way of thinking, no thank you. So-called protesters yelling that we should kill people because of how they voted; vandalizing property — no you aren't fragile at all. You are being an unmitigated brat.

To those folks, I say, suck it up buttercup. It happened and it's over.

This is the time that you need to stand up and turn off the reality TV; put the bloody phone down. Twitter will wait and the world won't end if you don't stay connected every single second to an electronic device. America has an election for president once every four years. One side will win and the other will lose. People will not agree with one side and will support the other.

It happens. Get over it.

The American people went out and voted. Whether you voted for the winner or not, you exercised your right as a citizen of this great country. It is now your duty to define what that country is going to look like. Are you going to be a patriot and support this country? Are you going to speak words that heal and help?

We need now, more than ever, to prove that we are not defined by wins and losses but rather from our determination to make this country great. We need to reach out to each other, not with derision but with encouragement.

Both candidates were gracious in their victory and in their defeat; should we be any less gracious to each other? People will not always agree, and that's okay! Seek a common ground instead of repeating the drivel that spews from mainstream media.

Start demanding that your information sources be, among other things, unbiased. They should provide information and keep their opinions to themselves.

Put that damned phone down and pay attention to the world around you.

What needs to be done?

What are the needs of your home?

Your street?

Your town?

Your county?

Your state?

I have no respect for those who say they'll move out of the country now. If that's how you truly feel, then please don't let the door hit you on the way out. But if, and it's way more likely, you're simply trying to get noticed, then go sit in the corner and color.

Let the real patriots, those folks on both sides of the aisle who love this country and cherish our freedoms, get on with the work of bringing us back together.

And if someone unfriends you because of your beliefs, then they weren't your friend to begin with. You are better off without them.

Take a moment and grieve if you must or celebrate if you want to. It's time to move on and deal with the events of today. You don't get to deal with tomorrow because that isn't promised to you and you can't do anything about yesterday.

Today, folks; it's a gift — that's why it's called the present!

You can either sit there and bemoan the events or you can stand up, dust yourself off and be a part of the solution — whatever that turns out to be.

MARGARET STEWART

Crestview

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Take cues from Clinton and Trump — be gracious; find common ground

Dear editor,

One big “Congratulations!” goes out to the VFW Post 5450 for the outstanding job on the building, the landscaping and inside the VFW home to over 500 members.

With the help of your members, the grant and Home Depot, you have made all your VFW members proud of the facilities and the surrounding area.

We veterans and the surrounding community stand and salute you on a job well done.

BILL EVERETT

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Baker

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Compliments for Crestview’s VFW

Editor’s Note: This letter refers to Crestview’s recent celebration of its two-decade relationship with Noirmoutier, France, under Sister Cities International.

Hello everyone,

On behalf of the Twinning Committee and our whole group, I want to thank you for the wonderful and warm welcome that was reserved for us during our stay for the 100th and 20th anniversaries.

I would like to thank Brian (Hughes) and his team of volunteers, all host families, Mayor David Cadle and municipal councilors, all the sponsors and associations who welcomed us for lunch and visits.

This trip was a complete and total success. The friendship between our citizens on both sides of the Atlantic came out much stronger and deeper.

I cannot express the joy and happiness of each of us, as they are great.

The 30 people who came for the first time in Crestview were delighted with their stay and the discovery of life in an American family.

We will keep for a long time wonderful memories of our stay, the ceremony of Jardin de Noirmoutier (at Northwest Florida State College’s Crestview campus) and gala dinner.

We expect you all in September 2017.

Thank you very much and see you soon in Noirmoutier.

René Relandeau

President, Noirmoutier, France Sister City Committee

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A Frenchman's gratitude for Crestview hospitality

Dear editor,

When the 2016 presidential election is over, all of us want the political system to work for America and Americans. 

This means that America’s critical needs must make it to the floor of the Senate and the House and be debated and resolved. There has to be some kind of vote on every issue, and the public needs to be able to respond to the direction of the vote.

Two parties have proved that this type of result is not currently happening and the current system is actually proving to be slowly shutting down, ultimately reaching stagnation. 

Why? 

Because the two-party system has emerged as a ‘blame game’ system in an instant gratification society. We have reached the place that nobody can be right; rather, they can only be flawed.

The technology of 2016 has allowed instant access to what people say, tweet and almost think (and nobody knows how to interpret the ‘spins’ on the purported newscasts that result).

So we need to give serious thought to what gave rise to someone like a Donald Trump. He basically is an attack dog on both parties (which is needed) but has emerged as a loose cannon and self-touted god-like replacement who will show all of us (Republicans, Democrats or Independents) how America can be run better under his unique autocracy (which is not needed).

I think he proved (to me) that we need a new party in America. I’d call it the Catalysis Party, which might live up to its name. Unlike being Independent (which means you don’t want to pledge allegiance to any party directly) you’d rather vote for the best candidate of any party.

The Catalysis Party would not have its own platform; it would be a party to ensure that the Democratic Party or the Republican Party gets the job done. This new party would have equal ability to run for office and obtain seats in the House and Senate.

Of course, if they won all the seats, then they would need their own platform.

JIM MOORE

Pace

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Clinton nor Trump would be enough to move 2016 America

Dear editor,

I just heard Donald Trump’s sincere apology for his decade-old offensive video. He probably said what some presidents committed!

The Clintons lied and degraded several women. Kennedy had girlfriends: one, the famous Marilyn Monroe. Only some know Obama’s probable flirtations. Only God knows who else sinned morally. One president allegedly fathered a child by a slave/servant!

Drop out of the race? Ridiculous! Some so-called spineless Republicans are defecting! Some “chicken” supporters, naysayers, bad guys — are maligning Trump. How petty!

Obnoxious Tim Kaine’s question: “Do you still think Trump should be president?” Some women interviewed said, “It’s no big deal; should have no bearing, etc.”

Good for them!

One said, “If everybody’s background was checked, there would be something found in everyone’s past.”

Hillary risking national security by mishandling classified information is a greater tragedy!

Have those crucifying Trump forgotten the Creator said, “All have sinned and came short of the glory of God.”

All means all — supporters, defectors, naysayers — including bad guys maligning Trump! He’s repented, apologized; is no longer who he was by God’s grace. He deserved forgiveness received by all trusting Jesus Christ. He must continue to make America great again, concentrating on issues of paramount concern to Americans, period!

Those who can’t forgive missed the whole message of Christ’s sacrifice, love and forgiveness … God bless us all as only He can — Maranatha!

CHRYS HOLLEY

Milton

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christians should forgive Trump for past misdeeds

Dear editor,

It's nice to see current ongoing projects in Crestview, but when will the people of Crestview, the biggest city with the most population in Okaloosa County, ever see major restaurant chains built here?

Like LongHorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, etc.

I don't want to be in a wheelchair or using a walker before one of these establishments might be built.

We have enough fast food restaurants here — and around 100 churches. People after church want to eat a real meal. I think it's way overdue we have the enjoyment of formal dining here instead of giving the revenue to other nearby cities.

There again, Crestview’s loss.

Raising taxes on our citizens is not the fix. It's Crestview leadership that creates which way the future goes.

Time to wake up and smell the roses. Hindsight 20-20 is not good management.

ARNIE HAUGER

Crestview

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview needs more restaurant chains

Dear editor,

Your article covering the Blue Star Memorial Highway event in the Weekend Edition of the Crestview News Bulletin highlighted accurately the contributions of Eglin Federal Credit Union and FDOT toward the refurbishment, relocation and rededication of the original 1968 marker in Garden Park.

Dogwood Garden Club appreciates our military and the support for this project from:

The City of Crestview: Mayor David Cadle, the City Council, Wayne Steele, Carlos Jones, Chuck Powell, James Watson and all at the Department of Public Services.

Crestview High School: JROTC, CW3 Jo Durm, instructor and Destiny choral group,  Kevin Lusk, director.

First United Methodist Church: Michael Precht, senior pastor, and Jennifer Morgan, children’s director.

Local businesses: McKinnie Funeral Home and Tim White Vault & Monument

Thank you, Crestview — a small town with a big heart!

Sincerely,

PAMELA R. CALLAHAN

Blue Star Chairman

Dogwood Garden Club

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thanking Blue Star Memorial Highway supporters

Dear editor,

I don’t understand why parents want to continue bashing on Walker for the way they have handled the traffic situation.

It’s the parents that show up 20 to 30 minutes before school even releases who are causing this big traffic jam.

If the parents would show up at 3 p.m. or after 3 p.m., when the kids have already been released from class, the traffic would flow a little better. I show up around 3:10 p.m. daily, and I am able to get in and get out without having to wait a long time.

I really think parents should be praising the school for the way they have been handling the traffic problem. They are getting kids in and out of the school parking lot daily without losing or getting any children injured. I personally think that’s a much bigger headline than reading about angry parents who can’t be patient while waiting to pick up their kids.

So, to all Walker Elementary faculty and staff, I think you’re doing an awesome job! Keep up the great work!

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Parents cause Walker’s traffic woes

Editor’s Note: This letter is in response to another letter to the editor, “About Walker Elementary's traffic fiasco."

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Dear editor,  

The whole situation is absurd. First, a few years ago, they took away the privilege of parking across the street from the school. Then last year you could no longer park in front of the school.

They have rearranged the whole picking-up-your-child concept, and it is not working.

School is out at 3, and my child is never in my car until 3:30. Today I was at school at 2:40 — up front, may I add — and (my child was) still not in my car until 3:30.

Not sure how it is going to be fixed, but something has to give.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Walker Elementary parking is ‘absurd’