Thursday, April 30, 1998

Not horsing around

Is there anything to do in Abilene if you are not "equestrianly inclined"?

It seems the leadership of Taylor County and the city of Abilene are forgetting about the people who don't ride horses.

It seems the Taylor County Expo Center can get anything it needs to keep the horse people happy.

What happened to the city building a drag strip? For the last 5 years there has been a very successful race put on at Abilene Regional Airport. But it is only held only one weekend a year. For the rest of the year local drag racers are forced to drive to other cities to race.

That is money that could be kept here in town.

So for now I guess I will either watch drag racing on TV or go out and buy a little pony.

The Taylor County commissioners say the improvements to the Expo Center will make Abilene the envy of other cities. Well, you know what I envy? Wall, Temple, Lubbock, Ennis, Houston, Kennedale and any other Texas town that has a drag strip year round.

RANDALL ASBILL

Abilene

Via e-mail

Becoming a victim

I see Laurie Beck is mad and is after all of Taylor County. Goodness. Since when do we sue our former bosses or counties due to our immoral behavior?

She allegedly ripped off fellow employees and wants payment for mental cruelty? If anyone deserves that, I think District Attorney James Eidson needs a big check.

A boss cleans house to upgrade his office, and he's the bad guy. Beck might do well in Washington. She has the prerequisites.

It seems that Beck took her head of Victims Assistance position a little to heart. She has made herself a victim, but with no one's help.

CINDY CORDOVA

Abilene

Bluebonnet mowing

I hope I'm not too late with this message: Don't mow bluebonnets or other wildflowers until the seeds mature.

I love spring's rainbow of colorful flowers, wild and domestic. Every year the field of bluebonnets in Canterbury Trales is mowed by the city and the owner, Mr. Musgrave. Neighbors and I have tried to stop them. They say they have to mow a certain distance. Now there are two-thirds less bluebonnets because they were mowed last year in full bloom before many seeds developed.

If you make a living from mowing, please spare the flowers. Mow in November so spring flowers won't have competition, then wait until the flowers fade in early summer to mow again.

As a child I was told picking bluebonnets was illegal because they can't make seeds. Shouldn't this also apply to mowing them?

Who can we call to stop the mowers?

DORIS KINNEY

Abilene

Rewarding students

I am concerned about the way some of our restaurants are promoting good attendance in school.

My children go to Wylie Elementary. The sponsor for their school is Burger King. When they get their report cards, they get rewarded for good grades. They also get rewarded for perfect attendance. For good grades they get food prizes, but for perfect attendance all they get is a small paper ruler.

Both of my children get good grades, but what about the kids who go to school every day and try but don't get As or Bs? They should at least get a shake or fruit pie or something other than a paper ruler. They should reward kids for trying, not just for the good grades.

TRACIE GALLE

Abilene

Backing Christensen

Abilene Music Teachers Association is proud to endorse Lora Lynn Christensen for school board, Place 5.

Mrs. Christensen has been on school campuses for 16 years. She has worked as a PTA volunteer, has done Reading Is Fundamental on five campuses, been accompanist at various schools, worked with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Lora Lynn has taught piano for 21 years to students of all ages from many schools. She has received various awards and honors including Texas PTA Life membership, National PTA Life membership and PTA Extended Service Award.

Mrs. Christensen said, "I have a good view of what both students and teachers are going through on a day to day basis." She has seen the needs and wants of both student and teacher.

Lora Lynn is an intelligent, multi-talented person who has given much service to the Abilene community. She has shown active leadership in Abilene Music Teachers Association, Texas Music Teachers Association and in the Nationally Federated Music Clubs through district level and has also given 15 years of community service through Abilene Opera Association, including being on the board and serving as president.

Abilene really needs someone of Mrs. Christensen's caliber to best represent the needs of our children. We urge you to vote for her on Saturday.

SHARLA VAN CLEAVE

Abilene Music Teachers Association

Siltman qualified

Speaking as a 20-year teaching veteran for AISD, I would like to see Bob Siltman elected to Place 4 on our school board.

His 40 years of experience as both teacher and administrator eliminates the need for months of learning the ins and outs of the board and its functions.

As administrator for 18 years in several areas for the school district, he can bring insight and innovative ideas for our children's curriculum and budgeting school funds realistically for their benefit. Our programs need development and expansion in his fields of expertise, and he will actively support that growth.

Bob has served his country in the Navy, his community as an educator and serves his church as minister of music. Recently retired, he is willing to expand his community service by devoting time and comprehensive knowledge to serving on the school board.

Bob's election would enrich both Abilene and the AISD. Please vote.

BEVERLY FARNSWORTH

Abilene

Young's positions

My wife, Rhonda Young, is currently running for the AISD school board, place 4. In some articles that just came out in the Abilene Reporter-News, there are a couple of issues that need some clarification.

Both issues concern the endorsement of Bob Siltman and Yvonne Batts by the local teacher groups.

Many people probably do not realize these two groups do not represent all of the teachers in Abilene. Many teachers do not belong to any group.

The first issue regards the school voucher system referred to in the newspaper story.

Rhonda is not pushing for the use of school vouchers. She has simply said that the time may be coming when the government forces this to happen and that school districts should be ready.

She also believes the private schools will then have to be competitive and that in the long run the public school will be better for it.

The second issue is of more concern to me. One of the reasons the two teachers groups did not endorse Rhonda is that she disagrees with their stance on representation.

They think their groups, which have just joined in a coalition, should represent all teachers in the district.They are even working to gain acceptance to the AFL-CIO in order to gain this representation.

Rhonda believes each teacher can now talk to any administrator or any board member to resolve issues. She does not believe all teachers should have to belong to a union.

RODNEY YOUNG

Abilene

Via e-mail

Brown good choice

I applaud your endorsement of Versie Brown for the northside Abilene City Council seat.

With two-term council member Ray Ferguson stepping down, it's important we elect someone who shares Mr. Ferguson's basic goals of good jobs, safe neighborhoods and conservative budgets, all of which can be accomplished when the council works together and listens to the taxpayers.

Versie Brown shares these goals.

Mr. Brown's 25 years of business experience, his devotion to his church where he is a part-time minister, his work with the Abilene Police Department to prevent juvenile crime in one of the city's toughest neighborhoods and his unselfish motivation for running for City Council make him the obvious choice for the northside City Council seat.

I hope Abilene Reporter-News readers will join me in voting Saturday for Versie Brown.

BETTY NELSON

Abilene

Enriquez helpful

Citizens of Abilene, I would like for you to join me in voting for Billy Enriquez for City Council. Many of you know Mr. Enriquez because of his involvement and interest in our city.

There are so many things about the process followed by city government and items addressed in council meetings that I didn't understand and that Billy helped me to understand, e.g. certificates of obligation, CDBG funds, HOME funds. He helped me to understand the function of the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Tax Increment Finance District.

Billy is knowledgeable in all of these areas and available to help you understand them. He genuinely cares about us and our children and the quality of life for all Abilenians. He is responsive to the needs for affordable housing, affordable child care, job training, education, safety and crime prevention and the need for neighborhoods to work together for the good of all residents.

Don't let the opportunity pass of electing a person who will ask questions and who will truly represent you on Abilene's City Council.

OVELIA CAMPOS

Abilene

Wolfe's new ideas

A chance to vote for Charlie Wolfe to a place on the AISD school board, Place 5, is a great opportunity for citizens of this community. Charlie has a great personal interest in our schools, he is a knowledgeable, independent businessman, and his new ideas will be very beneficial for continued improvement of our local school system.

Please be sure to vote for Charlie Wolfe this week.

SCOTT TALIAFERRO SR.

Abilene

Teacher for Batts

As a past president of the Abilene Federation of Teachers, I have worked in several school board elections. I believe Yvonne Batts is the best candidate for Place 4 in the Abilene Independent school board election.

Because of her work on the Abilene Education Council and the District Wide Consultation Committee, Yvonne has the experience that will make her an excellent board member. She is an independent thinker, yet she is adept at building consensus. She is not a one-issue candidate and will consider the issues from a broad perspective.

Please vote for Yvonne Batts in Place 4 in the school board election.

CANDACE SHELTON

Abilene

A problem solver

During my 11 years as a WolfePak user, I have had the opportunity to become acquainted with Charlie Wolfe. I am proud to support his bid for the AISD school board, Place 5.

Charlie is not only a true expert in the field of computers, software and related technology, he is also an attentive and responsive service provider to his hundreds of customers. He is able to listen to a problem, think through the situation and find the best solution.

As a business owner, Charlie understands the importance of managing a budget, watching and controlling costs and treating employees fairly. Taxpayers would benefit from Charlie's expertise in these areas as the board manages the business of the AISD and continues its strategic planning in the area of computer technology.

Charlie and his wife, Cindy, have four children attending Abilene public schools. If elected to the board, Charlie would listen and respond not only with the reasoning of a successful businessman but also with the understanding of a concerned father.

A proven expert in the field of computer technology. A problem solver. A successful business owner. A concerned parent. These are reasons I support Charlie Wolfe. I encourage you to consider Charlie when you vote Saturday.

CHARLENE RICHARDSON

Abilene

Talented, energetic

Having known for many years Lora Lynn Christensen, candidate for Abilene school board, Place 5, I would like to ask you to join me in voting for this very capable and knowledgeable woman.

Lora Lynn's talents are numerous. She has strong work ethics, extensive knowledge of computers (three in her own home) and business acumen.

Her involvement with the schools has been through PTA, home room mother, entertainer and teacher's helper. Your vote for this energetic and knowledgeable woman would assure the school board of conservative and sound decision making in the future.

MRS. DEWBY RAY

Abilene

Siltman dedicated

I would like to recommend Bob Siltman for the school board.

I have known Bob and his wife, Sue, since they first came to Abilene and taught with Sue at Long and Crockett. Bob and I served on many school committees concerning curriculum revision, report cards, middle schools, drugs, sex education, fine arts, dropouts, etc., over the years.

Bob is a dedicated, open-minded advocate for children. He has a positive attitude and will bring a breath of fresh air and ideas to the school board. I know he will represent parents, teachers and children on our school board.

RUSSELL McCLURE

Abilene

Young on the board

I am quite concerned about the upcoming school board election.

I am a parent of a child in school. I want someone on that board I know is going to represent the people and their children. We have enough people on the board who are not willing to change their ways or are too blind to see what is happening in our school system. We have enough professional educators and administrators. We need more everyday parents with real everyday problems, like Rhonda Young, on that board.

Never have I voted for the favored party, or perhaps I should say the party with the biggest signs out or the best paid advertisements or the most endorsements from big groups. I vote for the person I honestly think will do the best job for that position. For school board Place 4, that person is Rhonda Young.

I want someone on that board who is not superficial and who will listen and act. I know Rhonda is for the people and their children. All of the children. She has children of her own and is a good Christian leader in our community. She is dedicated to making the schools in Abilene the best they can be for every child, no matter where they live. Rhonda believes every child has the ability to learn and the right to expect equal opportunity to participate in the learning process in every school.

Please remember to vote, whether you have children or not. We need to elect Rhonda Young for Place 4 on the school board.

MARY GILL

Abilene

Wrong felons in jail

Hooray to Cathleen Bach (April 26)! I, too, need an explanation of why child molesters and sex offenders are roaming the streets of the Big Country.

In an article in the April 21 Abilene Reporter-News, the state has released 14 violent felons (all sex offenders) in the Big Country. Does this make sense?

My husband is serving a lengthy sentence for a DWI conviction. He did not commit manslaughter, he did not molest a child, he did not steal or traffic drugs. But he is paying a high price for what I call a minor crime, compared to these hard criminals who are being "let out" or "slapped on the wrist." With what, plea bargains?

I have to ask: Do we have an adequate court system here in Abilene, or Texas?

It's all about money. The prison system gets federal money to supply devices so these "animals" can be out on the streets while the "good" felons supply the cooking and washing for the prison system.

The state of Texas proudly supports "the largest prison population in the nation." What a joke! All the criminals are on the outside.

I, too, like Ms. Bach, have to ask, "Who is sentencing these people?" I have to say I am ashamed to be a Texan.

MARY SOTO

Abilene

Walkways and sirens

Now we have two controversies. Not a lot of people would even use walkways above the Winters Freeway. There might be a few cases of young mischievous people dropping rocks, watermelons or bricks on the motorists. It would not have saved the young boy; he would not use the turn-around that was only about 100 yards away. Additionally, he had a bicycle, not easy to get up a staircase.

Don't ask me what a young boy with a bicycle was doing out at that time of night. Unless you are a real gambler, you should not ride a bicycle at night unless you have a clearly visible light. They make one (or did) with a generator on the front fork.

Second, tornado sirens. The last ones we had were a pain. They often went off in the middle of the night, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

For those who want an early warning, invest in a battery-operated weather radio. It's tuned to the weather station, and so unless you have a severe weather threat, it won't keep you awake.

Forgive me, but government is not, and should not be, security from cradle to grave. Get real. There are smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and many other devices to give you early warnings.

ROBERT DICKS

Abilene

Bilingual baloney

Regarding Steve Ray's "Bilingual education valuable in Texas" (April 26) I would refer him to the article in the May Reader's Digest, "When Schools Won't Teach English."

According to one program evaluation, "Transitional bilingual education often hurts and almost never helps children learn reading, writing and arithmetic" (p. 140).

When the Center for Equal Opportunity, Washington, D.C., polled Hispanic parents throughout the country, fully 81 percent wanted academic courses taught in English rather than Spanish.

JO ANN BROWN

Sweetwater

Thanks a lot, Charlie

As a life-long resident of the Big Country (Stamford) displaced to the Houston area a few years ago, I enjoy keeping up with the issues at home. The Abilene Reporter-News on the Internet is my ticket.

Today I read an article that sticks in my craw, and I assure you the Houston area is looking with great interest at the issue of a two-thirds majority to raise taxes.

Charles Stenholm just doesn't get it.

We the people (taxpayers) want fiscal responsibility from those we pay to run this country. Maybe, just maybe, a two-thirds majority necessary to raise taxes will make everyone up there be a little more careful when spending our hard-earned money, and therein is the problem.

The money is ours, but Stenholm and a few others think it belongs to the country.

I have earned the right to gripe. Since 1993, I have enjoyed a 25 percent raise in my pay, but with Clinton's tax increase and a cost of living the government says is not going up, my standard of living has actually gone down. "Luxuries" I enjoyed in the past, such as two trips per year to Astros games, are now gone.

Thank you, Charles Stenholm! I sleep well knowing people like you can take and take, and if that's not enough, take some more. Unfortunately, it is illegal for those who work to take like you do.

I certainly hope you can sleep, and I hope next year you'll be sleeping somewhere in Texas.

CURTIS HARVEY

The Woodlands

Via e-mail