A reader writes:

Before you consider voting "YES" to the LISD 2006 Bond Package, and if you haven't done so already, please check out the above site which posts an article written by our very own Jeff Melcher of Meadowview. The LISD Bond Package approved in 2004 should have rendered the citizens of Lancaster a lot more than what my eyes see. I refuse to continue to give money to "the powers that be" to do with what they will. The few "building" activities that I do see, just don't add up to what could have been, if the funds were properly spent. I do not see and have not seen any significant improvements to Lancaster's streets (infrastructure) since my relocation to Lancaster in 2003. As a matter of fact, property taxes increased -- Trash, sewer and water fees increased and the services and amenities have DECREASED. When riding around the city it is very difficult to tell that we employ Animal Control Oficers or Code Enforcement & Inspections personnel. Why is it that the city is allowing dogs to run around (unleashed) and homeowners to trash out their properties? Some homes, including Meadowview, have weeds growing up to their windowsills. It appears that Lancaster Road, Pleasant Run Road, and Beltline Road are the only roads that are receiving a "minimum" of attention from the city. A new traffic light, a few "very small trees" here and there along Pleasant Run are just not enough. The majority of the streets and roads within the city are bumpy, patched up asphalt-over dirt and are in need of repair.

Also, the two main roads, Lancaster & Houston School at I-20 will be bottled necked up with 18-wheeler traffic. The Houston School Road project was just poor judgement by our city Planning Board members. The 2006 Bond Package request is just rediculous, outrageous and unfounded. When we vote YES to increase our property and sales taxes for city improvements, those taxes are collected FOREVER. WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE "Maximum" IMPROVEMENTS for our money. The city council members and city planning board act and treat us as though we do not have a right to KNOW how our taxes dollars are being allocated and spent and who is receiving those benefits. We need to hold these individuals accountable to US. Take a closer look at the Capital Improvement (school funding) $62,700,000 request. Why is so much money being allocated to school remodelings (tear downs) and improvements (temp. trailers)? What about qualified teachers and personnel. What good are the new and improved buildings if the children are being taught by substitute teachers. receiving poor classroom instruction. Who are the contractors? Are any of those contractors African Americans? Who approves and reviews the funds (checks) written to fund the projects?

Jannette M. Gosha

Meadowview

Thanks, Jannette

I'd like to come back to the question of which of the LISD contractors are small, minority, and women-0wned businesses (SMWB) in just a little bit. (You may be surprised.) But it is true that the Dallas district set measurable goals for SMWB contractors and exceeded those goals. LISD has, as far as I can determine, neither set such goals nor published the percentage moneys so spent.

Makes you wonder why, doesn't it?