Letters to the editor

New schools will benefit everyone

Editor:

Xenia Community Schools’ Issue 21 on the ballot Nov. 8 is a 3.9-mill bond issue. Voter approval of the issue will provide funding for a new combined middle and high school building to replace the outdated buildings of Warner Middle and Xenia High School. Passage would allow Xenia to receive more than $28 million in state funding. Vote Yes to Issue 21. Our kids and teachers deserve new schools and the latest in technology. The improved learning environment will make a significant difference in the lives of the students, teachers, administrators and ultimately our community. Join us in voting FOR the Bond Issue 21.

— Diane Dixon and Denise Dixon Davis, Xenia

Seniors need to support Issue 21

Editor:

I can remember years ago when the “seniors” in our community voted for new schools and at that time I was a student and beneficiary of those new schools built in the 1950’s. Today, as a retired businessman (now one of the “seniors” of this community), I am happy to support Issue 21. In fact, I feel it is my duty. The Ohio School Facilities Commission did an assessment of Warner Middle School and Xenia High School and recommended both buildings be replaced because of the numerous building issues. They cited a lack of fire suppression systems, leaking roofs and water damaged ceilings, rusted and collapsed pipes, aging and unreliable heating systems, numerous issues with ADA compliance, and inadequate wiring and electrical systems. The state estimated the cost of repairs and renovations would total more than two thirds the cost of building new, up to date schools. Plus, the state has offered to pay more than $28 million to help replace the buildings. What an opportunity and sound business decision. I am voting YES for Issue 21. I hope you will join me.

— Dow Reichley, Spring Valley Township

2016 Election Choices will be significant for our future

Editor:

In this year’s presidential election, we have two significantly flawed candidates. That said, whichever party takes over our government will face big challenges to restore U.S. credibility around the world when you review our current status around the world.

The much ballyhooed 2009 “Russian re-set” coincided with our cancelling the U.S. deployment of defense missiles in Eastern Europe. After which, we saw a Russian invasion and occupation of eastern Ukraine, and the annexing of Crimea. In the Middle East, we are still confronted with a brutal ISIS “JV” team, along with the recent deployment of Russian forces into Syria to protect the Assad government, which we said must go after he exceeded a “redline” that we said they could not cross. The supported ‘regime–change’ in Libya, resulting in our ambassador being murdered after he requested extra security, which was not supported. After we signed a monumental treaty to end the embargo on Iran and even sent them $1.7 million, Iran is now harassing our U.S. ships and humiliating our sailors. In the Far East, the Chinese have built man-made islands with airfields on the Spratly atolls which have long been considered international waters in the South China Sea. And all these things happened while we doubled our national debt to almost $20 trillion in the last eight years

That said, it appears obvious they we need some significant changes to re-establish our credibility in the world. Thus voting for Republicans up and down the ballots seems like the best option.

— Laurel Mayer, Fairborn

Vote Yes on Issue 19

Editor:

As a parent of three Fairborn students, I really was naive to the condition of our schools. I thought the suggestion for new buildings was excessive; I thought we should just do repairs. Then I started volunteering at the Primary and Intermediate buildings and my eyes were opened. Cafeterias jammed with over 200 children at a time with no air conditioning and no sinks to wash hands. Computer labs so out-of-date that first graders type faster than the computer can process, causing a lot of frustration. There is no place large enough for all-school assemblies, and no room to invite parents to special events. Classrooms too small, very little storage, overcrowded hallways and parking lots — the list continues and I haven’t even mentioned the structural issues, like leaks and asbestos.

The children in Fairborn deserve better than this! Owners of a $100,000 (appraised value) home will see an increase of less than $9 per month. A small investment in our children is a huge investment in our city and our future. Vote YES! on Issue 19.

— Jennifer Henderson, Fairborn