READERS RESPOND -- Readers speak out on school bond measure

I’m going to vote no (“Huntington Beach ready for June 5 bond

issue,” May 24). I’m in favor of selling Burke Elementary School before

I’m in favor of a school bond measure.

I know there were efforts to sell Gisler Elementary and that didn’t

happen. My feeling is that Burke is in the track next to Gisler. There

isn’t any reason to hold on to both properties. It’s falling apart. I

don’t think the purpose of a city school district is to provide

playgrounds or park space for our residents. I think that the city’s job.

JUNE BECKER

Huntington Beach

This bond measure is absolutely necessary. We need this money for our

classrooms and for our children.

KATE BANKS

Huntington Beach

I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for approximately 30 years. I’m very

upset about this school bond issue. Every time I turn around, the city of

Huntington Beach is trying to tax me for sewers, for sidewalks, for trees

-- you name it. I’ve been retired for 14 years from the Southern

California Edison Co., and every month, the amount of money left after I

get my pension check and Social Security isn’t enough to at least treat

my family to a good time.

This is ridiculous. The city of Huntington Beach spent a majority of

its time and effort on Downtown spending. We need somebody who knows how

to take care of the money and run this city.

JERRY STRONER

Huntington Beach

Every time I turn around, there’s another bond issue or the city is

looking for more money or someone is looking for money. Both groups lack

fiscal responsibility.

I’m not opposed to giving the children the very best they could have

to further their education. Why isn’t the city or school district

required to set up reserves like we do in our condominium association?

It’s hard to imagine the school districts and city aren’t required to

do this.

DON ESTRIN

Huntington Beach

My son currently attends Moffett school. I know firsthand the need for

repairs at our district schools. However, when the polls open on June 5,

I will be voting against the school bond measure.

In my opinion, the school board has not proven to be financially

responsible. They spent the last few years arguing about selling

property. If I thought that the bond measure was the only way to raise

money for necessary repairs, I would be in full support of it. The school

board continues to sit on $5 million to $15 million of property that

could be sold. Why should we give money to a school board that is holding

onto valuable assets with no plan to use them in the future?

New or renovated schools are not needed east of Newland. The majority

of new construction is west of Newland. Look at where the last two

schools have been opened (i.e. Peterson and Seacliff).

I see no good faith effort made by the school board to solve this

issue. There is no easy answer to funding these necessary repairs.

However, I expect the school board to take the advice of studies they

request. Unfortunately what I see is the all to common approach taken by

countless politicians -- asking the taxpayers for more money.

CAROL WOODWORTH

Huntington Beach

Here’s another tax coming down the pike. Now we are asked to float a

$25-million bond that will increase our already overburdened individual

tax.

It appears the facilities are used, however, never repaired or brought

up to current standards. Having been employed by a school district, as a

director, apparently I misunderstood. I thought monies were budgeted for

these types of repairs and upgrades.

The quality of education apparently in this district, is based on

those responsible for “maintaining” the schools. I believe the governor

has stated over and over again, money has been scheduled for school

upgrades. This state already collects 8% and now with the new budget

we’re looking at just under 9%. I believe we have already paid the piper.

With the high cost of gasoline and energy, plus their combined effect

on consumers at the market place, I for one believe enough is enough!

Regardless of the projected estimate of $0.016 per $100, the point is

how and why are we asked to throw more money into an endless pit?

It’s a given that government understands how to spend money. Nowhere

in their charter do they understand how to work within a budget. These

are not people who know how to run a business or what the word

responsible means. There will never be enough money to correct their

ills.

RICHARD CAMPAGNE

Huntington Beach