To the editor:

I would like to thank the residents who took the time to vote on April 5. As a member of the board of education I would like to express my pride in this community for being involved in the process.

Many voters expressed the need to keep our taxes low. I agree wholeheartedly that our low tax levy is an asset, not a blank check. In a three-county area we have the lowest mill levy rate; we attained this distinction by spending wisely. Another voter concern was the bond passed in 2004 and speculation about what was or was not promised. We will allay these concerns in the next bond.

We have established that we require more room at the elementary school and we have other pressing needs. We should have prioritized our needs with a better analysis and provided more than one solution. Our attempt to resolve all these issues was too ambitious. What the board owes voters is a detailed, prioritized plan for the near future.

Our community cares for our children, cares about our citizens and has the expertise to meet the needs of both. There was wisdom in the bond vote. Let us put into practice that wisdom and meet the needs of our children while simultaneously being good stewards of our tax dollars. We can do both and still have a mill levy lower than our neighbors’. We just have to work creatively and work together to solve our problems.

Dan Hopkins,

Tonganoxie school board member

LAWS applauded for pet spay/neuter coupons

To the editor:

Kudos to LAWS for publishing its free pet spay/neuter coupons in The Mirror and the Basehor Sentinel, as well as in Leavenworth and Lansing. This provides another option for those throughout the county who might otherwise leave their pets intact, allowing them to produce unplanned, unwanted litters.

Sterilization of pets not only keeps them from breeding; it decreases nuisance behaviors such as fighting, spraying and roaming, and prevents certain cancers. It simply makes pets better pets.

Leavenworth County Humane Society continues monthly low-cost spay/neuter transports rotating through the cities in Leavenworth County (the May transport is from Tonganoxie). This program allows owners to bring their pets to a convenient near-home location — no driving to Merriam to drop off and pick up your pet. Transportation to the clinic, an overnight stay, and transportation back to the collection point is provided. LCHS transport includes all standard vaccinations for cats and dogs (rabies, FVRCP, DA2PPV), microchip for pets, and parasite treatment if needed. For more information on the LCHS low-cost spay/neuter transports, e-mail LvnCoHS@live.com or visit lchsinc.org/programs/ spayneuter-transport.

Those without Internet access may call (913) 728-2881 and leave a message.

Crystal Swann Blackdeer,

Leavenworth County Humane Society director