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To the editor:
On Nov. 15, the Mount Pleasant community will be asked to step up and VOTE YES on a bond issue that will have a profound and everlasting effect in our community. My name is Patrick Donnery, I am a husband, father and vice president of the Westlake Athletic Club. Last year I was asked to volunteer my time and take part on a Steering Facilities Committee that would evaluate our present day school infrastructure and school grounds to determine if their was a warranted need for improvements.
Thirty-one community members came together from all walks of life and backgrounds. After many discussions and an eye-opening tour of our high school facility and infrastructure a decision was reached. All 31 members unanimously and unequivocally agreed that a total facility upgrade was in dire need and long overdue.
Many of us (myself included) were actually shocked as to just how bad things are behind the scenes. This is where we send our children 10 months a year, seven to 12 hours a day (depending on after school activities), five days a week.
From undersized classrooms, lack of fresh air supply to classrooms, outlived boiler systems, 21st century non-compliant safety issues (a second means of egress in and out of school grounds, replacing all glass in doors to safety glass, etc.) inadequate sports training facilities, to an outdated auditorium whose stage does not even hold all the members of the school band.
Although everyone had different feelings as to what they felt were "must have" as opposed to "wish list" items, after weeks of discussions and everyone voicing their opinions a final proposal was reached. This proposal was endorsed by a resounding 100 percent in favor vote from all steering committee members.
This bond is necessary for our children and our community. Our children are our future, we need to do whatever we can to best prepare them for the future. Unfortunately, our school facility is not up to that challenge in its present day condition.
The high school has not had any improvements or upgrades done in its 50 years of existence. What homeowner would allow their home to be neglected for any length of time? What car owner does not keep their car tuned up to maximize its performance and useful life?
Our school system is as big an investment to our community as is a home or car is to an individual! To not do any maintenance or improvements for 50 years is ludicrous and foolish.
Unfortunately, this is the situation we find ourselves in. Due to this negligence and "temporary repair," "put a Band-Aid on it" mentality, we are faced with a bond of this magnitude. I am sure if you speak to any Realtor they will tell you how important the school system is to the viability of the community.
I am a blue collar worker like many of my community members. We go to work everyday and put in long hours so we can live in this great community. I made a decision with my wife over 20 years ago to call this community my home. I am protective of my community, I put time into my community, I am involved in my community, I want what's best for my community. Vote yes on this bond proposal. This is what our community needs. Just vote yes. Patrick Donnery
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