Dear Editor,
I want to thank the Dispatch Editorial Board for endorsing
Measure P, a general obligation bond authorizing $150 million for
school improvements. This endorsement shows true character and
conviction. If passed, Measure P will positively impact students
for many years to come.
School bond critical to community’s needs; spirit of law followed
Dear Editor,
I want to thank the Dispatch Editorial Board for endorsing Measure P, a general obligation bond authorizing $150 million for school improvements. This endorsement shows true character and conviction. If passed, Measure P will positively impact students for many years to come.
Over the past few months, I have been speaking to groups all over the community about the Gilroy Unified School District, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. There is much good news to share, especially the steady academic growth and progress that have been made in recent years. Many of our schools are performing in the top 25 percent of the state.
A major challenge for the district is how to deal with the increasing numbers of students who arrive each year – approximately 3,000 since the mid ’90’s. To try to keep pace with this growth, over $300 million in facilities projects have been completed in the past 10 years. These projects were completed thanks to the generosity of the Gilroy community and the passage of two bond measures, as well as matching state funds, city joint use funds, and local developer fees. The Gilroy community can be proud of the many projects that have been completed, including three new elementary schools, a middle school, multipurpose rooms at four schools, portable classrooms for additional capacity, and numerous other modernization projects.
The district is now at a critical juncture. We have very little space left to house students, and, in fact, two elementary schools are using libraries for classrooms. If the district grows by 300 students again, as it has the past two years, most elementary schools will have to use libraries and computer labs to house students next year. Gilroy also desperately needs a second high school to handle the current overcrowding at Gilroy High School and the projected growth from larger K-8 classes. Gilroy High School is 1,000 students over capacity, which is why Christopher High School is under construction.
After much analysis of all possible choices, the Gilroy School Board made a decision to put a bond measure on the November ballot. There is no other way for the district to fund an estimated $250 million in facilities projects except through the passage of a local bond measure, which then can be used to apply for state matching funds. Since the passage of Proposition 13, school districts in need of new facilities to accommodate growth can no longer depend on state funds.
In a second editorial, the Dispatch Editorial Board repeated its support for Measure P but questioned some of the campaign methods, including the use of School Loop e-mail system to notify parents of a town hall meeting. School districts cannot organize a bond campaign nor can school district funds or resources be used to promote or advocate for the bond. However, a district can use its email system, regular mail, and autocaller system to send information to parents, including a notice about an upcoming town hall meeting. In fact, other organizations, such as the City of Gilroy, also use the district’s communication system to notify parents about community events.
Because the district cannot organize and lead the bond campaign, the Gilroy K.I.D.S. Bond Campaign Committee was formed and is comprised of a diverse group of volunteers who have spent hundreds of hours of their own time on this campaign. I am a member of this committee and can personally attest to its strong values and ethics. Throughout this campaign, committee members have followed the spirit and the letter of the law while campaigning for the passage of Measure P. Before any strategy was undertaken, all legal and ethical aspects were fully considered.
The town hall meeting was scheduled as one of many efforts to provide information to the public. Those involved in the planning made a good faith effort to present information and not cross the line of advocacy. I invited one of the most vocal opponents of Measure P to attend and speak at the event, and he did. When an enthusiastic supporter mistakenly displayed a Measure P sign, the error was quickly corrected prior to the start of the meeting. However, there is no better proof regarding the nature of the event than the meeting itself, which was taped by CMAP. It clearly shows that only information was presented, and any one who wished to present information was given the opportunity to do so.
Measure P has been endorsed by a long list of organizations and individuals, and many of them were listed in a recent advertisement in The Dispatch. Clearly they agree with the Gilroy K.I.D.S Bond campaign committee members that the needs of almost 11,000 students who attend the Gilroy Unified School District and the thousands who will attend the district in the future deserve nothing less than the support of everyone in this community.
Debbie Flores, superintendent, Gilroy Unified School District
Yes on Proposition 8 doesn’t deny rights to homosexual couples
Dear Editor,
The furor over Proposition 8 seems to be misplaced. Nothing is lost for same sex relationships in voting yes on this issue.Â
In 1999 provisions were made by our state legislature which give same sex relationships actually MORE freedom and rights than for heterosexual couples. I was surprised when I researched this. It is called the Domestic Partners Act. All rights given through marriage are offered to same sex relationships with the added feature that they do not have to have blood tests, get a license, have a ceremony, just fill out a form.
And wait, here is the kicker, if they don’t wish to continue the relationship, they fill out another form, no lawyers fees and heartache! A YES on 8 does not deprive anyone of any rights; it is a non-issue.Â
William Colburn, Gilroy
Library bond, expansion key to providing a cultural hub for Gilroy
Dear Editor,
Why must my taxes go to the library? It’s just a building of dusty old books, and Internet terminals where people look at porn. Many people can afford their own books and buy their own computer, so what’s the point of this useless anachronism?” Sound familiar?
Some people ask this question whenever a library needs to expand, or re-build. It is the kind of ignorant question asked by the people who forget what it takes to really build a community. A library is the cultural hub of any decent community, for it often promotes community-wide reading programs, author visits, displays by local artists and even poetry readings.Â
A library provides educational materials, both print and non-print (Internet, research databases, etc.), to assist students in their studies, homework assignments, and planning for the future. With Internet access, the public uses library terminals for research, applying for jobs and unemployment; checking on their citizenship application status, and answering tax questions.Â
These are just a few of the many uses. Having worked in a library in another community, I can tell you that nothing pleases me more, than the smile on a young person’s face, when I help them find an old favorite, or the next sequel in an exciting, adventure series. Many of the community’s older citizens also use the library, and are usually pleased to find materials to read in a variety of formats, from large print to audiobooks.Â
As a librarian, I’ve helped people in many ways:
n Researching how to start their own business;
n Books on how to apply for bankruptcy;
n Do-it-yourself books: carpentry, automobile repair, etc.Â
A library helps close the gap between the information rich and the information poor. When you say that everyone can afford their own books and computers, this is simply not true. A computer still costs $1,000 or more. What you spend on books is what some have to save to spend on food. We cannot afford to harden our hearts and say, “Let these people pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.”Â
With crime on the rise, I would rather a child have someplace to go and read, and spend his or her time constructively. Reading opens the mind to new ideas and possibilities. The library is not a daycare center, as some would have you believe. It is an information center, with materials for education, recreation, business and much, much, more.
The library is open to all, with no discrimination to anyone. For those who oppose Measure F, I suspect that they would oppose any bond measure, no matter the cause. So when it comes time to expand the library, instead of asking yourself, “can we afford to,” ask yourself, “can we afford NOT to?”Â
Benjamin MacBean, GilroyÂ
More credit due to school district benefactor Don Christopher
Dear Editor,
It would be nice to add an update to the article on the Christopher’s generosity by mentioning that their donation of that 10 acres to the school district is worth at least $5 million dollars – probably a lot more than that.
That’s a huge donation especially when you realize even Don Christopher’s grandkids are already out of high school. Has anyone ever donated that much to Gilroy or the school system here besides the Bonfante family? Give CREDIT where credit is due.
Charlie Larson, GilroyÂ
Punny Phil wants to weigh in on the ‘Tapa-less problem’ in Gilroy
Dear Editor,
I’ve enjoyed your responses to my “topless” Red Phone call, I like to stay abreast of these developments.
Of course, in a small town such an enterprise would be a flop. I’m not sure why the last word in my phone message was changed from “The well of ideas …. is bottomless”, but it won’t stop me from having pun.
P.S. – People love Red Phone!
Phill Laursen, Gilroy
Editor’s note: The Red Phone loves the people, from top to bottom.
Imperfect library, but it’s a true Gilroy treasure – Yes on Measure F
Dear Editor,
The Gilroy Library isn’t a perfect place. It’s too small to comfortably accommodate its average 1,000 patrons/day, and its true – not everyone who uses it shows proper consideration for others. But public libraries are invaluable assets in a free society, and Gilroy’s library, despite some “warts,” is vital to this community.
Some amazing educational online services are provided, accessible at the library or from home. Whole encyclopedias in English and Spanish are available. There’s homework help from Brainfuse, an interactive tutorial wherein students from grades 3-12 can connect to an actual tutor who doesn’t give the answers but utilizes instant messaging to share instructional data, thus helping students do their own problem solving. There are also various audio programs. The PlayWays series offers many whole books-on-tape, for both adults and children, each title concentrated into a playing device about the size of a deck of cards, and the collection of bestsellers and classics on CDs or multiple tapes is extensive.
Our library is in partnership with Vision Literacy, a vital program, also free of charge, which assists adults who want to learn to read and write or to improve their skills in these areas, thereby enhancing their lives and broadening their employment opportunities. Family programs are also offered, encouraging children and adults to discover, together, a life-long love of reading and its benefits.
Volunteer tutors for Vision Literacy are mightily assisted in serving their learning partners by our library’s vast assortment of books in high interest/simple sentence formats such as the Rookie Reader and I Can Read series. Our library is home to the dynamic Gilroy Writing Project, where everyone is welcome to enjoy monthly programs (third-Saturday afternoons), often featuring presentations by experienced and published writers.
Occasionally, guided writing workshops are offered, and participants also have an opportunity to share their own creative endeavors from home and receive helpful feedback from the group. This list highlights but a few of the wonderful opportunities and services our local library and its staff make available for our edification – and they are all in jeopardy due to a woefully undersized and seismically unsound facility. Access to information and knowledge are the lifeblood of a community. This is a need our “can-do spirit” can fulfill. I urge all citizens of Gilroy to vote “Yes” on Measure F – help Fund a Fine Future for our city. Â
Claudia Salewske, Gilroy Â
Voters please remember – you hold the purse strings in the ballot box
Dear Editor,
Some years ago the federal government perceived the national debt could be paid off within 10 years if the current level of revenues continued. Before the stock market took a nosedive then, Congress managed to allocate this perceived windfall for everything imaginable but the national debt. This spending didn’t happen because the stock market went “south”. It was ip so facto proof that our federal politicians are unwilling to do the right thing with our tax dollars.
Our state legislative body is controlled by social democrats. These social progressives stand arm-in-arm, lock-stepping their way to overriding Gov. Schwarzenegger’s veto on major issues. They answer to no one because our guard dog, the media, likewise stand with them. The media refuses to object to obvious problems that face California even if it means plunging California into a $20 billion deficit. After Gov. Gray Davis was removed from office, the California legislature covered that deficit with a $20 billion bond (tax). Then proceeded to continue spending until California had another $19 billion deficit! Liberal spending in Sacramento is completely out of control and out of touch with reality – but thanks to gerrymandering, they are in power with no fear of losing an election.
Now the dark clouds of a recession have struck the country. State, county and city governments are scrambling to cover their unchecked spending. Their arrogance is exposed by the countless and tremendously expensive programs now being proposed in November – all paid for with new and additional taxes! What are they thinking?! Do not lose sight of the fact that government is “funded” – it does not “earn”. Citizens “earn” and are not “funded”. In time of a recession, they scramble to make their earnings cover the cost of living. They cut back, scrimp and do without. Not so the government.
Taxation in the United States is one of the highest in the world. Consider most Californians pay 18 to 38 percent federal income taxes; 6 to 10 percent state income taxes; 1 percent unemployment taxes; 7.5 percent Social Security taxes and an additional 7.5 percent for employers (who pass this cost on to us in their prices); nearly 3 percent of earnings for property taxes (renters pay this tax in the amount of rent paid); 8.25 percent sales taxes; 5 percent utility taxes; excise taxes; vehicle taxes; school taxes; over 50 cents on every gallon of gas purchased and many more taxes.
Are you well past 60 percent of your earnings? Government then lays its greedy eyes on what’s left and imposes a death tax.
Tax revenues aren’t what matters. Government spending is what matters … but you hold the purse strings. We have long crossed the line of reasonable taxes. Some of us would like to have something left over after we pay the rent.
NOT ONE CENT MORE FOR ANY TAX, BOND, FEE OR DISTRICT ASSESSMENT.
Use your common sense and vote NO on all measures A thru P. Vote No on all propositions except 4, 8, 9, 11, 12 (no cost to taxpayer).
Jim Langdon, Gilroy
