No cuts for children’s programs

To the editor: In response to Mr. Pike’s Viewpoint (Courier Apr. 13), I would like to clarify a few of the mistruths that were stated. Obviously Mr. Pike has not read Taxpayer’s United candidates: French, Kupillas, and Wlardar’s platform. Mr. Pike, being a fiscal conservative does not mean cutting programs for the children, but involves directing the flow of funds properly and equitably. The ability to know how to use the taxpayer’s money is crucial. It means efficiency and accountability for where the money goes. We the fiscal conservatives would have put a new roof on the high school that was needed, instead of buying the artificial turf, which you Mr. Pike supported and voted for. We would not have wasted over $100,000 for the evaluation of the Santos Farm property. We would have listened to the community when they presented information on flooding, Indian burial sites, artifacts, and traffic issues. We would not have acquired $60 million of debt that cost us over $80,000 to purchase and maintain, for which the sole purpose was to stop the voters from having a say on the budget. This eliminated the chance for the taxpayer’s voices to be heard. This is wrong. For years bleachers have been talked about while the drinking water at the Dingman campus has been an issue. We have overcrowded classrooms at the Shohola and Dingman campuses and yet they wanted to build an elementary school in Milford. Mr. Pike, we do not want any of the children’s programs cut, in fact the current administration and school board have done very well on their own. Did you know that a Spanish trip, something that had been going on for years was cut due to lack of funds? But yet our taxes keep going up! Did you know that Odyssey of the Mind, which you support, won World’s and no one recognized the children for over a year until the president of Taxpayers United and School Board member Bob Goldsack brought it to the administrations attention. How did you not know this? We fiscal conservatives are not for cuts for the children’s programs, but for the proper use of the taxpayer’s money without the chicanery that has been going on. Co curricular enhances a child’s learning, whether it be sports, clubs, drama, art, or music, this is all crucial for the development and learning of a child. We are for a good education for all children, this includes Special Education. On May 15th, vote and know your candidates and what they stand for, we are pro education and co curricular for all. French, Kupillas, Wladar, don’t be fooled by imitations! Diane French Milford