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Weaver explains his “no” vote on school cameras

Max Weaver says he is tired of what he calls “half-truths” from other city officials. He says the latest half-truth involves a vote by the city council on applying for a grant to install cameras in John Adams Middle School. Weaver explained his “no” vote Thursday and the real cost to taxpayers. Video interview included.|Max Weaver says he is tired of what he calls “half-truths” from other city officials. He says the latest half-truth involves a vote by the city council on whether to apply for a grant to install cameras in John Adams Middle School.

Weaver wanted to clear the air, so he contacted NorthIowaToday.com for an interview.

The item passed 5-1 with Weaver the only “no” vote. It was pointed out during the council debate that there would be no cost to the city. Council members Travis Hickey and Janet Solberg said the issue was all about the safety of students. Weaver disagreed, saying he was “camera’d out” and that the cameras wouldn’t keep students safer.

Weaver explained his “no” vote Thursday, elaborating on the real cost to taxpayers.

He says that Mason City taxpayers will foot the bill for the cameras, since the school system would be responsible for half of the $200,000 cost. He says the local media like to cover city business more than the school because it is “more interesting” and that people should be paying closer attention to how the school systems are spending money. “The schools are 45% of your tax bill,” Weaver said.

Of a Mason City property owner’s tax bill, the city accounts for about 37-38%. The school system taxes Mason City property owners at about 42-45%. NIACC, the county, and other provisions are also included on most tax bills.

Weaver says “Sure, your city government might not fork over your tax dollars, but your school board is going to. It’s a matching grant, $200,000. $100,000 from the grant, $100,000 from your school board.”

Weaver says he would rather see the $100,000 spent on bringing back employees that were recently laid off by the school district instead of on cameras. “It’s should be all about bringing back laid-off workers,” Weaver said.

Weaver says there was no information in the council packet on the grant or the cameras from School Superintendent Anita Micich, so he says voting on the agenda item with no information was a bad idea. “The item was an addendum, added late, so we were almost forced into the issue. It lacked proper information,” Weaver said. Weaver also says the meeting was contentious because he says he is not a “rubber stamp” council member.

Weaver went on to say that the cameras won’t make the school safer and won’t serve as much of a deterrent. “There’s already two full-time police officers over there, watching the schools, as well as cameras there already. What more do they need?”

Watch the video of the council debate and Weaver’s interview:


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