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Rep. Kevin Horan discusses the upcoming legislative session in a meeting last week.
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By GALEN HOLLEY
Staff Writer
Charter schools, public service regulatory practices and support of mental health were among the topics discussed Thursday as more than 50 turned out to hear an update from Democratic House Rep. Kevin Horan and his colleagues.
“There is no government program more important than public schools,” said Horan. “All of us are invested in their success.”
Horan spoke to a crowd of public servants, including Grenada city councilmen, supervisors and others gathered for a barbecue supper at First and Green.
Horan said that while he did not oppose charter schools in strategically placed pilot programs, or where the local community requested them, he was not in favor of a blanket mandate for the schools across the board.
“I am in favor of a comprehensive education reform effort that builds on successes, rethinks failed programs and incorporates proven systems for progress,” Horan said. “We need a more coordinated, strategic approach to education reform than simply inserting charter schools into the mix,” he said.
Service rates
Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley reiterated his message about regulatory practices.
“Energy companies are being allowed to make too much money,” said Presley. Entergy, for example, makes 11.63 percent return on its investments, according to Presley.
“I challenge anybody to find a bank that will give that type of return on your money,” said Presley.
“Utility companies have a right to a fair return on their investment, but, the rates that are being set now are the same ones that were set years ago, when the cost of doing business was less,” said Presley.
“Since the cost of doing business has gone down, and interest rates are at rock bottom levels, we should be able to pass those savings on to the customers,” Presley said.
For the full story, see the printed edition of the GrenadaStar.
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