Southwest Community Association

EDITORIAL by Carole Abitz

Aug 29, 2004

As we come up on the anniversary of Sep 11, 2001, we a fully aware of the sacrifices being made by many of our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. It makes us more aware of the tremendous cost paid by those who died in WWI & WWII to preserve the freedoms we have. They died to preserve our freedoms; but what have we done/what are we doing to preserve them?
Freedom is not static. It is not guaranteed and is subject to being chipped away everyday, if we are not vigilant. Unfortunately, today, it seems more people are willing to spend hours watching a sporting event?—or a ?“reality?” show?—than to stay aware of their own local happenings. They?’ll watch some idiot eat gross things on TV, but won?’t check out what local government officials are doing because it?’s ?“too boring?”. Well, ?“boring?” just might be putting them to sleep until, when they finally wake up, it?’s too late.
In the SWCA area, we have a unique situation that most government officials are aware of, many have taken advantage of, and some continue to do so. In our area, a great percentage of homeowners do NOT live in the homes they own here. Their primary home is elsewhere, where they live and VOTE. They rent their home here to others: many are Section 8 families, many are new immigrants, many are illegal immigrants. These renters have invested nothing in our area and don?’t know the background of issues. Many do (or believe) whatever they are told. Many are afraid to ask questions. They can (and do) move with little (or no) notice. Many don?’t or can?’t vote. That?’s why it even more critical that our area?’s resident homeowners and property tax-payers VOTE and/or SPEAK each time we see a problem; each time we see a disparity between what was promised and what we?’re getting.
For example, SWISD just announced it will NOT build a NEW Sky Harbour Elem (which voters approved in Dec ?‘01 and taxpayers have been paying higher taxes on). I believe they are betting that we?’ll all just roll over and play dead?—WHILE WE CONTINUE TO PAY HIGHER TAXES. Is that what YOU?’re going to do, or do YOU want to know more? If so, get involved. If not now, when?