School Bond Measure

I am supporting Proposition 203 on March 26. As the parent of a high school student I am very concerned about the future of education in California. Our K-12 schools desperately need modernization and access to new technology, and the bonds are the most responsible way to provide the funding to do what is needed.

The future of higher education in California is of great concern to me, as it should be to all of us. One of the major factors in California’s past success has been its superb college and university system. The bonds will provide the funds to upgrade the buildings for new technology, improve seismic safety and meet enrollment growth.

I am enrolled in the paralegal program at El Camino College. The college will receive funds needed to add modern technology and make the current buildings safer.

ANN DuPUY

Redondo Beach

* Your article, “Polls Indicate Support for School Bonds” (March 19), was extremely one-sided, especially since the opposing side only got three sentences of a lengthy article. The main Libertarian Party arguments were ignored, as no one contacted me (the author of the argument) for any information.

The fact remains that Proposition 203 is just too expensive. The cost will total over $5.2 billion once the principal and interest are paid over 25 years. Bonds almost double the cost of any government project. Repayment of existing bonds already costs about $3 billion per year from the state’s general fund.

At least 50% of the $60 billion state budget already goes to education. I’m not alone in wondering how this money is actually spent.

TED BROWN

San Gabriel

* With all the controversy surrounding the “terrible 200s,” California voters must not be fooled into believing that Proposition 203--the school bond--has anything to do with those campaigns. Proposition 203 will help state schools, community colleges and public universities. It will help build and restore classrooms, wire classrooms for computer technology and ensure classrooms are earthquake safe.

The California Taxpayers’ Assn., California Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters of California, California Labor Federation, California State PTA, Congress of California Seniors, California Farm Bureau Federation and more are working together for passage of Proposition 203.

Proposition 203 has the support of millions of Californians because it is good for schools, it is good for the state’s economy and it doesn’t raise taxes. We sincerely hope that California voters differentiate Proposition 203 from the rest.

JULIE WHITE

Californians for Yes

on Proposition 203, Sacramento