To the editor: Focus should be on education
Clearly the registered voters are in support of our district, the $25 million bond issue speaks to this. However, it is becoming increasingly clear, the aesthetics are a front for the oft-exposed infrastructure disconnect and chaos.
Parents and patrons of USD 464, my hope is that everyone shares my concerns about the recent turmoil within our district. My false sense of security of a fresh start to the school year was shattered when I read the Aug. 22 edition of The Mirror with regard to the 911 call made from the district office on Aug. 16, the first full day of school for our students.
On Aug. 22, I spent a total of 10 hours at the KCK district office and traveling to five schools, all east of 18th Street. Media exploitation sways folks to believe that this is an area where 911 calls to schools and district offices should be made — not in Tonganoxie. Granted, I saw officers in the streets restoring order — which is typical in the midst of urban chaos.
On Tuesday, the Kansas City, Kan., school board approved “laptops for learning'” which will provide 5,700 laptops for high school students and teachers. Our district computers are not working. Our board, after three hours and 30 seconds of executive session, voted to “accept an organizational chart to streamline operations and improve communication,” another knee-jerk decision.
Encourage our board and administration to become proactive, and return the district’s focus to educating our youth; they deserve it!
Sincerely,
April Dohle
Tonganoxie
To the editor: Criticism of criticism
I was unhappy with your article in the Tonganoxie Mirror in regards to your opinions on the quorum size of the City Council. I believe you did not have to chastise one of my councilmen or use my words against him to convey the paper’s opposition on an action taken by the whole council.
The Viewpoint should have been the paper’s opinion only, giving your reasons for the newspaper being against the charter ordinance, without using my councilman’s name or mine. I believe it would have went over much better in the public’s eyes. Many people respect Councilman Putthoff as a person and councilman, as I do.
You are entitled to your opinion just like any other American citizen in this great country. However, I believe it could have been done in a more tactful way thanas presented in your paper on the charter ordinance. But, that’s just my opinion.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Vestal
Tonganoxie mayor
To the editor: Library district election
We would like to clarify some misunderstanding with regard to the upcoming election pertaining to the expansion of the present Linwood Community Library District boundaries.
All taxpayers living in Reno and Sherman townships who are not presently included in the Linwood Community Library District are now paying library taxes to the Northeast Kansas Library system, based in Lawrence. Being included in the Linwood Community Library District would ensure that locally paid library taxes would remain in our area to benefit all residents in Sherman and Reno townships.
We plan to vote YES on Sept. 11 at the Linwood Community Center.
Please join us.
Sincerely,