Thursday, April 23, 1998

Worthy colleagues

As election day approaches, I am increasingly aware of the changes that are ahead for the Board of Trustees of the Abilene Independent School District. With three new members about to be elected and a new president to be selected by the board, there will be changes. I appreciate therefore the use of this forum to laud my colleagues who will be stepping down.

It has been my pleasure to work with Bob Maniss, Carlos Rodriguez and Betty Davis the past two years.

Bob has brought to board discussions a knowledge of education from the perspective of the professional educator. His years of experience in public and private education have given us an ability to understand classroom issues from the viewpoint of one who has been there.

Carlos' ability to analyze complex data will be missed. I have been amazed at the scrutiny he applies to the minute data that are part of a huge operation such as AISD. His penetrating questions keep both the board and administration focused on details that might otherwise escape examination.

Betty Davis has been a tireless voice for the children. While others of us sometimes get bogged down in the dollars and details, Betty has never let us forget that this is all about the children.

Thanks Bob, Carlos and Betty. The void you leave will be difficult to fill. I am honored to have served with you. You exemplify public service.

MIKE SULLIVAN

Abilene

Via e-mail

Vote on Bosnia

I was very upset to learn that Rep. Charles Stenholm voted against H.R. 3579 to provide further funding and support for our troops in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. Notwithstanding, the bill passed March 31 without his support.

Stenholm's voting along liberal Democrat party lines on this makes one wonder whether getting a position of leadership in his party is of greater importance to him than lending full support to our men from Dyess and other bases who need whatever supplies it takes to complete the mission objectives and be returned to their homes and families. Does this vote have the approval of most of Stenholm's constituency?

How many times have we known him to vote with the liberal Democrats and their liberal president who seem bent on weakening our national security and position of leadership by such as this and abdicating to United Nations control, allowing gays in the military and flag burning?

We have an opportunity to make some changes come November. I, for one, would like to send this congressman back home and let him be his own representative with his one, uno, (1) vote at the ballot box, because I do not believe he is representing the majority thinking, even among Democrats, of the 17th Congressional District.

Check his voting record, folks -- if you can find it.

J. MARCUS ANDERSON

Abilene

Mowing bluebonnets

As we are sitting at our desk on this muggy Friday afternoon, we just happened to look out the window, which overlooks a field of bluebonnets. And to our dismay, there are two tractors out there mowing the beautiful bluebonnets.

This is really upsetting to see them mowing our state flower. We believe this is why there are so few bluebonnets growing around the highways, simply because people like this just mow them down.

MARY GARCIA

TINA BETCHER

Abilene