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Contributed commentary from Monica M. Meeks, US Army veteran and Montgomery County District 3 resident.
I will premise this by saying like most citizens I was initially bothered by Schools Director Millard House’s raise. Upon further review, research and speaking with my better half, I realized I was wrong!
I had no idea the history behind our director of schools’ salary. He has been underpaid for years. It is shameful. This is nothing more than political gaslighting by someone with big political aspirations. He is playing to his base.
No one seem to have an issue with the salary of our county clerk or highway supervisor. I just wonder what the difference is with Director House. This is about microaggressions within this county. We consider certain things about certain people. Due to the pandemic, state employees did not receive bonuses or annual raises in January. High-level state executives did, and I did not read one op-ed with fake outrage.
This is bigger than budgeting issues. We have several projects in the works that cost taxpayers millions. As a fan of the arts, I fully support the new arts center being the Roxy Regional Theatre, as well as the Multi-Purpose Event Center. As a participant in many events in Hopkinsville, I am looking forward to a shorter drive closer to my home.
Bottom line is people need to check their biases. This is not about a shortage of bus drivers and substitute teachers. There is an underlining issue here with why so many are bothered.
Monica M. Meeks