‘Yes’ on referendum

In addition to deciding who of the four candidates will fill the three board of directors seats up for election this summer, Ocean Pines Association members will be asked whether to authorize the board to help pay for a new southside firehouse at 911 Ocean Parkway.

As referendums go, this one is about as uncomplicated as one could be. The indirect question voters will have to answer is whether the old southside station the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department uses to protect homes, residents and lives in that part of the community needs to be replaced.

More specifically, the referendum asks voters t0 permit the board to contribute up to $3.4 million, along with a 10% cushion for unforeseen expenses, to make it happen.

If the answer to that indirect question is “yes,” and it should be, then association members have no choice but to approve the board’s funding proposal by voting “yes” on this ballot question.

Thanks, Lou Taylor

So long, Lou Taylor, it’s been good to know you.

As Worcester County’s superintendent of schools prepares to retire after nine years at the helm of the county’s public school system and 41 years overall, he should be applauded  for a job well done and having handled those responsibilities during some exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Not only did he have to deal with a county commissioner majority that was decidedly unsympathetic to the needs of public education, but he was also confronted by blatant attempts by some of those commissioners to seize control of the legally independent school system by various means.

And then there was covid, the effects of which could not have been anticipated or planned for, and yet the schools emerged relatively unscathed.

So, it’s hat’s off to you, Mr. Taylor. Thanks for all you have done for the people and students of Worcester County, and may retirement provide you with the time to do more.