The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to warn other citizens about problems that exist within the current child support system.
Please be aware, and don't let what has happened to me happen to you.
I have paid child support to my former wife and our two children for 15 years.
Payment came directly from an annuity.
According to information from the Circuit Clerk's office, it was understood by all parties at the time that the support would stop automatically when the kids reached 18 years of age.
This arrangement was okay with me.
My daughter, now 24, moved out of her mother's house in 1998. My son, now 19, moved out in 2003.
I found out in late 2004 that support payments had not ended. My children's mother had continued to receive and accept money that she knew wasn't hers to take.
I went to the Circuit Court to find out what I needed to do to stop payment. I was given a form and told to send it through the court.
I was told this had to be court ordered and documented.
After I did as I was told, the papers were sent back to me and I was informed that I was responsible (not the court) for getting my former wife to sign and notarize the papers.
I could have saved a lot of time and money if I had been told this to begin with.
I talked to a lawyer about overpayment of child support. I was told that there was nothing I could do to get my money back - that it was considered a gift.
Well, I had no intention of giving my ex-spouse a 6-7 thousand dollar gift. Where is the fairness in this? Isn't taking money that you know does not belong to you considered fraud or theft?
If someone did this to the state welfare office, or to any other government institution, the money would have to be paid back or charges would be pressed, or both. What's the difference between the state and a tax-paying individual? Doesn't the individual matter?
It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman who pays support for your children, no one should be able to take advantage of the system in such a manner as this.
I realize that part of the fault is mine, for not doing an immediate follow-up on the matter, but that certainly does not excuse the other party involved.
It also does not excuse a system which can be so easily manipulated. I feel as though a crime has been committed against me, and there is nothing I can do about it.
The really sad part of all this is that throughout all the years that my ex-spouse received this support, she continued to tell our children that I gave her nothing at all.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I needed to vent and let the truth be known, and I really hope others who find themselves in similar situations are able to avoid these kinds of problems.
Sincerely,
William Phillips
Seligman, MO
Urges For A Positive Vote For Convergence
Dear Editor,
April 5, 2005 will be an important date for the future in education of the young people in our community.
On this day voters in La Harpe District #335 along with Carthage District #338, Dallas City District #336 and Nauvoo-Colusa District #325 will go to the polls to vote on a proposed conversion of the four districts into a newly formed high school district and four locally controlled elementary districts.
After nearly 2 years of meetings of the four boards and the Committee of 10 appointed by these boards, the convergence plan was developed. The idea of the convergence was to address a permanent solution for the high school students of Dallas City.
This plan also addresses the problems all the districts in the area are faced with.
These problems include declining enrollments and unstable tax base due to lower equalized assessed valuations.
For these reasons we are all faced with budget deficits resulting in cuts in programs and extra curricular activities.
This plan offers an opportunity to increase both curriculum and extra curricular programs. It also creates a larger and more stable tax base to provide these programs.
The Committee of 10 is currently having presentations on the convergence and would welcome everyone to attend and become informed.
Voting in support of the conversion sends a positive message for the future education of the young people in these districts. At a time when out children need more choices in curriculum we are being forced to make cuts.
Voting no sends a message of indifference or not caring about the future education of our youth. If cost alone is the reason for not voting for this convergence think of what it might cost us in the long run.
Cuts of all kinds are being looked at in the La Harpe district to balance our $300,000 to $400,000 deficit.
These cuts can only weaken our district and hurt our children's education, which will have a negative impact on out community and its property values.
Think of the positive impact a new school and all of its benefits would have for all of our communities. It would surely be a boost to all our districts and their property values.
Please become involved and send a positive vote for the convergence and the building bond for a new high school.
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the future of our communities and our young people.
Ricky Johnson
La Harpe School
Board Member
They're gambling our Social Security money away
Dear Editor:
Do not touch my Social Security! Beg your pardon, cutting my Social Security by 40% is more hazardous than smoking two packs of cigarettes per day.
Holy smoke and holy cow the Social Security bogeyman is trying to scare me with fear that Social Security is broke!
For over 25 years I have worked and paid my Social Security taxes. I want the money I put back for my retirement. It's my money, not Social Security's money!
All those years Social Security invested my money and got interest off of it and I didn't' receive one dime.
F.D.R. would turn over in his grave today if he could see how they are gambling our Social Security money away.
The 40% cut back in Social Security benefits will affect a lay off of 40% of people working in the Social Security offices.
The down sizing has finally hit the third rail and the golden calf of the Social Security system!
The Baby Boomers Generation are having a Boom Boom Room meltdown from Social Security.
George Culley
Pinckneyville, IL