Letters to the editor: Exercising free speech
To the editor:
I would like to tell you why I signed the petition seeking a vote on whether the city can spend money on the Leavenworth County Road 1 project:
1. I think the city could spend their money in better ways.
2. The city needs sidewalks for the children to walk to the new school or they could get killed trying to walk in the street.
3. The city council members need to put the city money toward city maintenance workers, police and fire departments. I don’t have anyone working for the city, but I do know they’re not paid nearly enough for what they are worth and that includes our mayor.
4. We also need a recreation center for seniors and youths that they can use without having to pay for it. The only activities for youths in our city are the 4-H, swimming in the summer, soccer and baseball, which are also summer activities. That is why a lot of youths in our city get into trouble.
5. How many people would pay for this toll gate when you can just go down U.S. Highway 24-40 and get into Lawrence in no time. The county can spend their money if they want, but the city of Tonganoxie should spend theirs on its own city.
6. The swimming pool needs to be upgraded. It needs to be bigger and have more trained lifeguards.
I signed this petition with the understanding that I have free speech. I never realized the city council members ran the town and they’re trying to stop my constitutional rights. Are they afraid we don’t have enough smarts to vote for anything?
When the next election comes around for the city council members, I won’t be voting for any of them. I believe the mayor has done a great job and I will vote for him again.
I hope my letter will open your eyes!
Marilyn Thompson,
Tonganoxie.
Letters to the editor: In support of existing board
To the editor:
Having attended several school board meetings, including the most recent meeting on Dec. 11, I have to disagree with Mr. Theno’s comments in the Dec. 13 issue of The Mirror about needing a “more friendly school board.” I have always observed a professional and caring attitude from our board. The board is accessible, attentive and courteous to patrons, parents and students.
Monday’s meeting showed the care and concern of the board, as evidenced in their scheduling sensitive parent-student concerns to the executive session to protect the privacy of a family. Kay Smith and another board member challenged the exorbitant cost of a sign for the new middle school.
During the course of the meeting the board solicited comments and responded with thoughtful, competent answers. In my opinion, based upon my observances, the board is doing a good job and does not warrant the negative representation put forth by Mr. Theno.
Dan Hopkins,
Tonganoxie.