Comments by Jo99362

Jo99362 2 months, 1 week ago on Group puts 'food stamp budget' to the test

Group puts 'food stamp budget' to the test

I was listening to NPR, it was interesting that food stamps does not require someone to have a job/work to attain the service. Essentially, its free stuff that some people feel they are entitled to but no accountability of how its used. I know that people have some crappy lives and/or mental health issues that make it hard for them to have a job (being jobless for over 5 years) but how do we help the ones who NEED it versus the ones who abuse the system?

Jo99362 2 months, 1 week ago on Walla Walla County sheriff reflects on two years of serving

Walla Walla County sheriff reflects on two years of serving

The bigger issue is what is being done at Wa-Hi since that's where the gang/drug issues are, it's the sheriff's jurisdiction but the school district won't allow a drug dog to do a sweep of the place.

Jo99362 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wa-Hi bond talks slated

Wa-Hi bond talks slated

The last superintendent did a poor job for future bonds by spending the excess funds from the Edison project on new bus barns instead of giving it back to the public. I strongly feel that Wa-Hi does need a whole new Science building, my old HS that was built in the 60s was way better than Wa-Hi's and it has half the student population. Sure, the academic building needs to be overhauled and upgraded too. What is the deal with the track? Are they planning to use the school for track & field meets now? Or is it just for PE?

Jo99362 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Group puts 'food stamp budget' to the test

Group puts 'food stamp budget' to the test

PeggyJoy: I do live modestly, I actually budget myself $200/month and I do not live on food stamps. I grew up eating beans for a week and my parents made $20 too much per month for us to qualify for free/reduced lunches at school. We even grew up living on COMMODITIES! I like to see these people live on commodities, then they really know what it's like to not have choices in food.

Jo99362 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Group puts 'food stamp budget' to the test

Group puts 'food stamp budget' to the test

Again, the food stamp program is to supplement the household, not be the sole means of getting food. These challenges are unrealistic. People need to learn how to cook.

Jo99362 4 months, 1 week ago on We can afford Wa-Hi remodel

We can afford Wa-Hi remodel

It is always interesting to have this discussion with people who do not own homes or pay property taxes that pays for these bonds. They magically assume they are being screwed too. I had to point out to a welfare parent that she is not paying for any of these bonds for the schools, I am. I also pay for her subsidized rent, her food stamps, her state medical, her WWCC certification, her free bus pass, her utilities, and such. Her anger shouldn't be at me for not paying more for HER. Its amazing how people do not know where all their free stuff comes from, people who work and pay taxes.

Jo99362 5 months ago on Looks can be deceiving

Looks can be deceiving

Do ONE building at a time! Start with Science building, build UP to 2 stories.

Jo99362 5 months ago on Remodel of Wa-Hi necessary for learning

Remodel of Wa-Hi necessary for learning

Perhaps Wa-Hi should have a bond for completely redoing the Science/Math building separate from the rest of the buildings. Why don't these plans have 2-story options? Seems more feesible if you build UP, especially the academic classrooms/counseling.

Jo99362 5 months ago on Board eyes potential excess school bond funds

Board eyes potential excess school bond funds

Because of what happened with Edison, I am not voting for Wa-Hi improvements. I would vote "yes" for Lincoln to get a complete remodel because of how much of a turn around that school has had, especially partnering with the Student Health Clinic. They want to help teens, Wa-Hi is about their test scores.

Jo99362 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Do you feel the local economy:

Do you feel the local economy:

Walla Walla has a weird mix of jobs. In the summer, there were TONS of jobs but people who get cash assistance finds it easier to do nothing to "earn" their money and those who are still getting unemployment, its not worth your time to go pick crops. I know where my tax money goes, it goes to some single mom with 2 kids who take in more "assistance" than I make in a month. $700 rental voucher that includes all her utilities/heating free bus passes kids have 2 meals free at school over $450/month in food stamps that never make it to the end of the month Helpline paid for her move in fees of $500 state medical is free $300 cash/month who happens to have an unlimited cell phone, newspaper subscription, and cable?

Maybe requiring people on "assistance" to work/volunteer will deter their dependence on it. I don't mind helping people, but not getting your act together for 5 years is ridiculous.