Letters to the editor
Vote 'yes' for Marion
To the Editor:
I have never written a "Letter to the Editor" until now. Until now, I have never seen the town of Marion at the crossroads it finds itself at.
The choice is pretty simple: A "yes" vote for the proposed gymnasium/auditorium/pool project is a "yes" vote for the town of Marion.
If this proposal is passed, the town of Marion will position itself for all of the benefits that a progressive community can reap.
We will be in a position to offer our students a better education due to the fact that we will attract outstanding educators.
We will be in a position to improve the quality of life for the citizens who already call Marion home, due to the improvement of our facilities.
We will be in a position to show people outside our community how great our town is by hosting basketball tournaments and swim meets that will complement the outstanding facilities we already have with our football/track complex and our baseball/softball facilities.
We will be in a position to boast our fantastic fine arts program by hosting plays and musicals in a state-of-the-art auditorium.
Last but certainly not least, we will show everyone outside the town of Marion that we are a progressive little community, and that we are ready to move FORWARD!
But — here's the best part — we can do ALL of this without raising taxes!
If there was ever a "win-win" situation, or a "no- brainer," this is it!
Voting "yes" April 4 is voting "yes" for the future of Marion and Marion County.
Voting "no" makes absolutely NO Sense!
Alex H. (Casey) Case
Marion
Vote 'yes' for progress
To the Editor:
Without a strong school district such as USD 408, our communities will die.
We cannot sit back and coast along with how we "used" to do things and hope that the facilities we have will last another 50 years. It is not possible nor does it make any sense.
We are fortunate that Mr. Leiker, our current school board, and administration are trying to make such vast improvements to our schools and communities without raising our current tax base.
Families move to a town for a better life for themselves and their children. Better schools are what helps them make that decision.
Progressive schools DO make stronger communities. The only vote is YES.
Mickey Lundy
Marion
Added thoughts on school bond issue
To The Editor:
I can't believe the voters of Marion-Florence USD #408 can be misled with the statement that is being used that the mill levy of our district will not increase if the school bond issue in regard to the proposed auditorium, gym, and indoor swimming pool is passed.
What a short memory many residents of our district have in regard to the promise that was made and passed in 1997 for the academically necessary building of our middle school addition. The promise made, that the 10 mill increase to our property taxes would cease in 2007, will be broken. If there is no promised 10 mill decrease, then it will be a 10 mill increase beginning in 2007. Correct?
Furthermore since that 10 mill increase in 1997 there have been many increases in valuations of properties. Even though the mill levy has been basically steady the increased valuations have made our property taxes continue to rise.
An indoor all-season swimming pool is a wonderful healthy activity for our community but can this district with many residents on fixed incomes really afford this majestic complex? Remember the heating and cooling of this complex, extra personnel needed to manage it, and the many other unseen expenses that will be passed on to the taxpayers of USD 408.
As Mr. Enos so aptly stated in his letter this past week, there only are so many student contact hours in the day to teach each students' academics/basics. Logistics of travel for the elementary students to reach this facility will certainly be a factor in student time.
Having taught in the elementary schools in this county for 35 years, I always wanted to teach my students the required grade level materials without constant interruptions for travel time in the building or out. With the emphasis on meeting state and federal mandated academic scores, when do the classroom teachers have time to teach their material?
Therefore, I ask the voters of USD 408: Can we really afford to be saddled with this 19-year bond debt — or should we be more focused on an expansion of new business opportunities and adding residents to our district.
Your vote is important!
Patsy Waner
Marion
School rivalry builds camaraderie
To The Editor:
If anyone understands the "house divided" phrase, it's my brother.
I am a senior at Kansas State University and sister to sports editor, Mike Norris. Not only does Mike have a sister who bleeds purple, his wife was a Wildcat for some time as well.
I, myself can proudly say that I dislike KU. I dislike KU so much that I could possibly say that "hate" would not do it justice.
Mr. Higgins, I think that you may have missed the comedy in Mike's editorials.
Having a healthy amount of school rivalry builds camaraderie and amusement between friends and family members.
While "hate" may be a strong word, I do not think that it is in any way going to cause violence or endanger anyone in this context.
Rachel Norris
Manhattan
