BY JASON HENNINGTON
This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
Me: All right girls, time for bed. Tiana: Why do you want us to go to bed? Me: So, you won’t be cranky in the morning. Tiana: So, you needed to go to bed this morning. Me: (Confused) Huh? Tiana: You’re cranky now. You needed some sleep today.
Me: (Shaking my head) Go get your butt in the bed!
Tiana: See. It’s difficult to explain the difference between a need and a want to a 6-year-old. Still, it might be easier than explaining to a community of adults.
Before you go to social media and bash me, hear me out.
Even before the Taylor City Council commissioned the mural of Olympic runner Fred Kerley on the water tower on Main Street, there were people saying this was an irresponsible use of funds. Then came the usual line, “They could use that money to fix streets instead.”
The question at the moment is, is the mural a need or a want? In my estimation, it’s both.
This young man needs to be recognized for his accomplishments. The city wants to showcase this mural, not only to honor someone from Taylor, but to hopefully bring more visitors to town.
This is similar to the situation with the highly stylized sign on U.S. 79 promoting Taylor. It was both a want and a need. It was paid for through funds specifically for tourism.
The Taylor Independent School District bond, is it a need or a want?
Again, it’s both, but not the way people might think.
Supporters say it’s needed for safety issues and to prepare for growth while accommodating students and staff.
It’s a want because we want our children to be safe. We want them to be in a great learning environment, and we want great teachers to come to Taylor and stay.
The greater need is money. Funds are required to pay for these facilities and to fairly compensate teachers, or to at least remain competitive with surrounding school districts.
The school district received a low score — a C — from the Texas Education Association, which will deter some people from voting in favor of the bond. However, making upgrades at some of the campuses could be a step in the direction to bring that grade up (pun intended).
That’s what people want, a secure school district and something to bring visitors to town. That’s also what the community needs.
I’m not endorsing the bond or the mural, but I was born and raised in Taylor and have seen the changes throughout the years. I can give you a list of wants and needs as well. It doesn’t mean any of them will happen.
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I’m going to get off my soapbox now and go watch the Spurs. The NBA season has started and I’m ready. However, it’s going to be a long season for us Spurs fans.
“Sometimes we are so focused on what we want, we miss the things we need.”
--Unknown
