Say ‘no’ to RISD Proposition A
Re: “3 Richardson ISD proposals deserve approval,” Sunday editorial.
I am urging my fellow Richardson ISD voters to vote against Proposition A this November. While our schools deserve strong support, this bond asks taxpayers to shoulder an enormous debt burden without demonstrating responsible financial planning or clear, measurable outcomes.
Proposition A totals hundreds of millions of dollars, yet many of the proposed projects lack transparency and prioritization. Instead of focusing on critical classroom improvements and teacher support, the bond includes expensive facility upgrades and new construction. Meanwhile, taxpayers continue to face rising property valuations and higher living costs across the district.
Accountability should come before more spending. RISD still has outstanding bond debt from prior measures, and residents deserve a full accounting of how previous funds were spent before approving another large-scale borrowing plan. Throwing more money at the district without a solid plan for long-term fiscal sustainability does not serve students or families well.
If we want better schools, we need leadership that manages resources wisely and earns the community’s trust. Let’s send a message this November that fiscal responsibility comes first. Vote no on Proposition A.
Opinion
Laurie Johnson, Dallas
Another reason for alley pickup
Re: “Dallas can save alley trash pickup — Group stands ready to help City Hall preserve vital service, if only officials would listen,” by James Collet and Jeff Helfrich, Wednesday Opinion.
Collet and Helfrich provided a cogent and reasonable opinion on why Dallas should not abandon alley trash pickup. I have one more reason, and probably the most salient one.
Learn from Austin. Over the years, we stayed at our son’s various homes there. It’s a city with mostly street trash pickup. It was, to say the least, an unsanitary mess. At times, garbage could be strewn about the street, inevitably drawing rats and other varmints.
Why? Dumping the garbage and trash into a truck is not foolproof. Sanitation workers can’t always pick up spills and often leave the bin lids open. I can prove that because it often happens here in our alley. Then, there’s the weekly fight to find a parking space on pickup day.
City government needs to be reminded that its main responsibilities lie in providing core services: police, fire, streets and trash pickup.
Dennis D’Amico, Dallas/Caruth Hills
Dallas chief shows integrity
Re: “DPD turns down $25M to work with feds — ‘Absolutely not,’ chief says was response; spokesman says focus is 911 call times,” Friday Metro & Business story.
Hail to the Dallas police chief! After reading endlessly of people and organizations knuckling under to bribery and extortion from the aspiring American dictator, it was wonderful to hear that somebody still has some integrity and some courage.
Gene Lantz, Dallas
Attorney general, butt out
Re: “UNT faces probe — Paxton will investigate ‘radical leftist violence’ at school after Kirk killing,” Saturday Metro & Business story.
Yes, it is inappropriate to cheer the killing of any person, but I also believe it is still legal in this country to express an opinion no matter how egregious it may seem to some people.
Also, I am not sure what violence occurred unless it was tearing up paper at a Turning Point USA event.
It is obvious that Ken Paxton is running for the Senate and wants all the publicity he can get, but this is ridiculous. This is a matter for the university, and he should butt out.
Peggy Tucker, Richardson
Lamster changed my mind
Re: “Save City Hall,” by Mark Lamster, Sunday Arts & Life column.
It is rare, but I am glad a recent letter to the editor I wrote supporting the destruction of the current Dallas City Hall was not yet printed. I take it back.
What a mistake I made!
I agree with the solid logic of Lamster’s opinion piece supporting the repair and updating of City Hall.
Plus, it will save over a half billion dollars in the process. My grandkids will not have to pay off the cost of a new City Hall.
Bill Betzen, Dallas
‘No Kings’ protests praised
Thousands upon thousands of people across the country conducted peaceful “No Kings” protests Saturday against the president’s authoritarian rule. The administration claims these protests are un-American. The protesters are exercising their right to peacefully protest, which is very American.
Throughout history, Americans have protested various causes and issues. Prudent politicians and leaders have been well served to listen to unhappy constituents’ complaints. History tells us that when enough of the populace becomes unhappy, changes can be made through voting or by impeachment.
I am an 87-year-old independent voter and I say, “No Kings.”
J.R. Krystinik, Dallas/Preston Hollow
Pope Leo brings good news
As I read all the bad news, I see a cause for optimism. Pope Leo exemplifies the teachings of Jesus.
John Stettler, Dallas/Lochwood
Thanks, I needed that
Re: “These influencers gave up their influence — What if the way of Jesus is not the way of social media? by Ryan Sanders, Tuesday Opinion.
Thank you for your always thoughtful commentaries and editorials. I especially enjoyed Sanders’ latest with the challenging words of Thomas Merton.
Thank you, Mr. Sanders, I needed that!
Ann McMann, Garland
Fair Park crumbling
As an avid fairgoer for decades, I am appalled at the condition of the buildings and structures at Fair Park. Cracks going up the sides of buildings, stains, missing tiles in the restrooms and the sad disrepair of the whole park in general.
It is very disheartening. Considering the money the park pulls in every year, one would think the city would get off their collective backsides, make the hard financial decisions and get this decaying jewel of the city fixed.
Yes I know, there was a foul-up with the previous contractor. Lesson learned and move on. Are they waiting for the park to crumble to dust before making a decision on repairs?
Dixie Soong, North Dallas