HomeMy WebLinkAboutTom Leinart fit
Tom Leinart CITY OF FOR] ANGELE S
CITY CLERK
6363 Delarka Drive
Lolo, MT 59847
October 8, 2015
Dan,
You probably do not remember me, or possibly, even know who I am. I am sure
you remember my wife though, Virginia Leinart. We recently relocated back to
my home state of Montana after living in Port Angeles for 35 years. I taught
school in PA for 32 of those years, and subbed the other three.
The reason I am writing this letter to you is the school bond/levy election that you
publicly did not support last February. At the time, I remember my reaction to
your public statements being in total surprise. I asked myself, how could a
member of the city council and respected businessman such as yourself not
support (publically) something that was so crucial and needed in the city of Port
Angeles. When a new family is looking to move to Port Angeles, one of the first
things they will look at are the schools. The message that was sent by the city
council to the citizens of Port Angeles, and any potential new citizens was that
schools are not a priority in the overall scheme of things for the city of Port
Angeles.
I have taught in three different buildings, Stevens, the high school, and Roosevelt.
I have also subbed at Franklin, Dry Creek, Jefferson, Fairview, and Roosevelt. I
know firsthand what poor conditions these facilities are in, save possibly Jefferson
and Dry Creek. Stevens and the high school in particular are simply not up to the
standards of school buildings in the twenty-first century. Paint is peeling off the
walls, ceiling tiles are falling or water stained from leaky roofs, chairs and desks
are broken, and carpets have wrinkles and holes in them.
I have read in the Daily News that the school district is contemplating re-opening
Fairview. This school, as you are well aware, has been closed for many years. The
cost associated with re-opening that school will be great. Port Angeles needs, at
the minimum, a new high school, a new middle school, and at least a one new
three unit elementary school.
Finally, I have enclosed a copy of a newspaper article out of the Missoulian. The
Missoula County Schools are in the same position, and condition, that the schools
in Port Angeles are in. In this case however, the city council is giving its support to
the levy/bond that will be put before the voters here later this fall. It is my hope
that when the Port Angeles School Board of Trustees finally decide on what kind
of levy/bond they are going to put before the voters next February that you will
give it your whole hearted support. Further, that you will encourage your fellow
council members to do the same. If the Port Angeles City Council is viewed as not
being behind the school district on this issue, there is no way the citizens of Port
Angeles will support the proposition either.
Thanks for hearing me out,
Tom Leinart
waru councu member —
Patrick Weasel Head also had
concerns over the bonds'costs, Council Representatives of
though he also voted tOendorse MCPS made a strong
the measure.-Ward-2-council Continued showing at the meeting
member Adam Hertz voted and countered Jenkins'
against it, the 1950s;'said Bentley. comments,saying the
Hertz said he felt a portion of "It's really our turn,and district operates on a gen-
the proposal was being rushed I'm proud to make this eral fund budget in which
to the public for consideration. sacrifice.I know it's abig 92 percent of the money
He said he agreed with a recent lift- $200 a year is a lot to is.dedicated to salary
letter to the editor from three ask-but it's time and it's and benefits.
NEWSROOM 523- retired Missoula school teach- the right thing to do!' District representatives
ers who suggested the price As proposed,the$88 argued that safety at
tag must be evaluated in terms million elementary school local schools is lacking,
MISSOULA CITY COUNCIL of need. band would address infra- technology is antiquated,
"I'm not sure the high school structure needs at all nine and the learning environ-
I bond has been thought out weE elementary schools and ment is insufficient due
enough,"Hertz said,adding all three middle schools. to overcrowding and
that he,like the teachers,sup- The$70 million high outdated heating and
ported the elementary bond, school bond would address cooling systems,among
endorses but not the high school bond.. similar needs at all five other things.
Prior to passage of the high schools. ' "We need to give
resolution,members of the Kandi Matthew-Jenkins, our kids access to 21st
schoo school district noted that 500 who offered public com- century technology,"said
community members,busi- ment opposing the bonds, Susan Hay Patrick,who
nesses and other agencies had suggested the school leads a'group of citizens
endorsed the two bonds as of district wasted taxpayer campaigning for the bond,
bonds . Monday night, money by not`keeping "We need to raise kids whi
Ward 3 council member up with maintenance are poised to compete in
Emily Bentley and Ward 5 and other needs with the the glottal economy.
3 council nlen1beCS council member Annelise money it already receives. Retired Sentinel High
b Hedahl brought the resolution "I have not seen a coat - School teacher Hal Stea
raise Concerns over to the council for consideration, of paint put on(Lowell rns also offered public
+ {{ While the endorsement carries Elementary School)since comment supporting
Cost of proposal no legislative teeth,council my children were in it the bond.
members felt it was important many years ago;'she said. "Education,bottom
MARTIN KIDSTON to formally announce the "Where is the mainte- line,is the great equalizer;
martin.kidston @missoulian.com city's support, mance?The schools have he said."When I hear
"One of the things I keep squandered their money, people talking about taxes
` The Missoula City Council i coming back to is this reinvest- and that's a fact,Jack.I well guess what?Your
on Monday gave its official ment in our schools,which the hope other Missoulians parents and grandparents
endorsement to the Mis Greatest Generation made in wake up and see how paid taxes too;and they
soula County Public Schools' you're being scammed." managed to build schools:
proposed$157.9 million See COUNCIL,Page B6
in bonds,though the vote
wasn't unanimous.
While the endorsement
passed on a 10-1 vote,three
council members voiced con-
cern over the cost of the bonds,
saying the estimated,$2oo
annual increase in property
taxes was too steep for those on
a fixed income:
"That's a lot of money,and
I think of the elderly people in
my neighborhood,"said Ward
4 council member Jon Wilkins,
who supported the bond."I
think this bond could have been
a little better,or teased out over
the years!,
a