Published: May 09, 2008 12:20 am            

‘Golden opportunity’

Governor: Bond ‘best investment ever made in Marion County’

FAIRMONT — Gov. Joe Manchin encouraged every Marion County voter to cast their ballot in favor of the county school bond, just as he did.

Manchin attended an informational session for the bond held by the bond committee Thursday. Earlier that afternoon, he cast his ballot as an early voter. Manchin said he voted in favor of the bond because it provides an opportunity for Marion County.

“I think we have a golden opportunity,” Manchin said.

He explained the state needs people to take ownership of what happens in their community and that’s the opportunity here. If people treat their schools the same way they treat their cars and homes, making necessary investments and maintenance, the state will be a better place.

“This is the best investment ever made in Marion County,” he said. “I’ve never seen a plan this comprehensive; there’s something for everyone.”

Gov. Manchin wasn’t the only member of the Manchin family to speak Thursday. Mark A. Manchin, executive director of the state School Building Authority, spoke about the reasons Marion County has received a $20.2 million grant to build a new East Fairmont Middle School.

This year, the SBA had more than $250 million in requests from 42 counties. The agency only had $70 million to dole out, he said. Marion County’s plan was the top-rated plan and received funding before any other project.

“We have a unique opportunity to send a message to the state,” Mark Manchin said. “The future of the state is our children. We can’t build a future without a quality education, and you can’t do 21st century education without 21st century facilities.”

Mark Manchin and Gov. Manchin listened to the bond plan, and supporting statements like that of Kathe Jacquez, science teacher at Fairmont Senior High.

Jacquez said that school’s faculty is especially pleased with a new heating/ventilation and air conditioning system promised in the bond. Now, while one classroom may be sweltering hot, the one next door may be freezing, she said.

“My mother always said, ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ Please help us on Tuesday,” Jacquez said.

Schools officials and the governor weren’t the only ones in favor of the bond Thursday. Marion County Courthouse institution Al Babcock said the bond is just too good to pass up.

“People keep saying we can’t afford to do this,” he said. “We can’t afford not to do it.”

Attendees were encouraged to visit the bond Web site at www.investinmarioncowv.com. The Web site has a tax calculator where residents can plug in their tax information. The calculator will tell them exactly how much their taxes will go up if the bond is approved. The link is prominently displayed in the top left corner of the Web site home page.

The bond is part of a multi-million dollar package to improve Marion County schools. The plan would address needs at 13 schools, from upgrades at all three high schools and nine free-standing gymnasiums at elementary schools to a new middle school for the East attendance area, which would replace the current East Fairmont Junior High School.

E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.

        

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