It is time for Iola to stop trying to convince taxpayers we need a new hospital, school, revamped downtown, etc.
July 15, employees at Haldex were notified the plant was being closed in Iola and relocated. This puts 163 employees out of employment. Many workdays I come in contact with people inquiring about employment opportunities. Some inform me they have been looking for employment for X amount of time. They are told they can fill out an application and will be put on file, however, the company is not hiring at this time.
When will the powers to be, committee people, etc. realize the middle class can not take on any more pro-jects and tax burdens.
What is wrong with paying a company $15,000 for someone to come to Iola and convince the taxpayers they must build a new hospital? The guarantee of another $35,000 if that person gets the public convinced. Without the expenditure there would be $50,000 saved.
What Iola needs is more jobs. Thankfully there are shared time work programs and/or unemployment benefits for most of the unemployed. However, taxpayers pay for all the helpful programs, etc. The money has to come from somewhere and that is your and my pockets.
Judy Snavely,
Iola, Kan.
