Everyone knows that Spalding has 3 times as many rentals as there are primary residences. Rentals are usually not kept to the same standards as primary residences, therefore property values are lower for rentals. The majority of rent you paid went in to your landlords pocket. Not the local government. Its a common practice that slumlords in Griffin depriciate their properties to skate taxes. Just take a look around then pull up the property taxes online. You'll see.

It was not my intention to get into a contest of words. I did however want to stand up for people who through no choice of their own in many case must rent the house they live in. In today’s economy with a lack of good paying jobs many of Griffins good citizens have no other choice but to rent. Instead of belittling them and telling them they don't contribute to the taxes that pay our elected officials, which is completely false. I merely wanted to point out the fact that they still do, only in a roundabout way. Then you come back with figures, from who knows where, that Griffin has three times more renters than homeowners. You insinuate that renters live in slums, which is also completely false, though some do. So now somehow they don't pay a fair share. According to the latest records I could find from 2010, Spalding County had 63.2% Owner Occupied Housing Units and 36.8% Renter Owner Occupied Units. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6%. These figures speak for themselves. I’m thankful that I was able to buy my home years ago. I am not anymore valuable to our county because I own property than someone who rents a home. My voice should not be heard or carry any more weight simply because I own property. These records are online at:

http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_3YR_S1101&prodType=table

DBaugh,

Its always your intention to get into a contest with words. I've been reading My Two Cents for a few years now. I have been a renter myself. Probably we all have at one time or another. So, in no way was I belittling renters as you indicated. My direct response to your comment still stands. From what I have seen from your comments you are perfectly happy with the "share the wealth" administration that currently presides over this country. You probably bought your home when mindful people were in office that knew how to grow an economy--not to make dependents of big government. "My voice should not be heard or carry any more weight simply because I own property." That's your opinion--and you know what they say about opinions!

But, please, don't deflect the real nature of this whole war of words. Its about the competency of the Griffin-Spalding School System Administration and how they treat their teachers.

Julie,

Your words were: "Its the PROPERTY OWNERS (young and old) of Griffin--not public housing residents or renters that pay YOUR salary"

People can judge for themselves what you meant by that.

I've never used the term "Share the wealth" anywhere and do not believe in such a thing but I do believe people should be treated fair. Your statement about "not public housing residents or renters" just didn't sound fair to me. There was a time when only property owners could vote in this country. Surely you don't think that was fair? Black folks were denied the right to vote during my lifetime.

But back to the school system. I'm not sure what a school board member makes but I doubt they are in it for the money. More headache than it would be worth. One thing is for sure. They do run for office and if the citizens are not happy with the decisions they make they can be voted out.

Mr. Jones should not have said what he did but I don't think it was bad enough to be fired over. Even the teacher said that. It would have been better if he had just left it alone and not transfered the teacher. It might not be but it sure does sound like retaliation. I think Julie and I can agree on that. Until we know the facts who can say?