[Vision2020] Response to Mr. Dickinson

[Donovan Arnold]

"The question that each person needs to ask themselves, as they decide how 
to
vote on Tuesday, is which future will benefit the community more – a new
high school and remodeled elementary schools or the status quo." -J. 
Dickinson.

John, that is called a false dilemma.

Everybody can vote how they want. You can vote based on the color of the 
signs if you want.

But I am hoping, although I know this is a long shot, that people will vote 
on a more serious question.

That question should be "IS this the BEST plan we can come up with for the 
school district and does it meet all our major facility needs until 2030?"

This was the mission of the FPC. When the question is do you prefer to get 
stuck in the right eye or left eye the answer should always be NO when other 
options are available.

I do not think making the kids in West Park and Russell wait while we build 
a new school that will be more crowded then the current one is the best we 
can offer. Nor does it meet the long term facility needs of the Junior High, 
Lena, and perhaps McDonald.

Ultimately, this comes down to what people can afford because the facts are 
obviously not being considered.

"For me the issue that needed the most attention was the separation and 
buffering of dis-similar uses within that residential zone." --JD

Yes, I hear this is a major problem. We got to keep a good buffering zone 
between schools where children learn and the homes where people live. 
Imagine if the children came into contact with a neighborhood home.

I think we should start printing up the bumper stickers and yard signs with 
the slogan,

"We Need Separation and Buffering of dis-similar Uses within Residential 
Zones" Or how about, "Protect our Homes from Neighborhood Schools".

I am so relieved that this the reason and not bigotry for denying kids a 
quality facility.

Maybe if kids are a problem for our community we can ship all the kids out 
of town, surround them with a 8 foot chain link fence, and lock them away 
for 8 hours a day so they are separated from our community?

Oh, wait that is what we are doing with the levy huh?

Good Work!

Take Care,

Donovan J Arnold






Donovan,

The issues surrounding the St Mary's expansion were much more involved that
a simple height variance. For me the issue that needed the most attention
was the separation and buffering of dis-similar uses within that residential
zone. One issue that I am certain played absolutely no part in anyone’s mind
was religion. I’m insulted to hear this brought up. I am sure my council
partners are also insulted. While rumors of recalls began shortly after this
decision, I am quite comfortable with what happened. I understand news plans
are under discussion and I look forward to a solution to St Mary’s expansion
that will benefit the community as a whole.

The question that each person needs to ask themselves, as they decide how to
vote on Tuesday, is which future will benefit the community more – a new
high school and remodeled elementary schools or the status quo. Those who
believe that 10 or 25 years from now things will be better off without these
improvements should vote that way. I believe that the bond should pass, I
believe that future is better for the community, and in the secret ballot
box on Tuesday that is how I will vote.



John

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