Catherine Woodall [08/14/2003]

To the editor:I want to thank Ted Sares, Doug Sweet and Dave Sullivan for attending the school board meetings and seeking answers to questions that need to be answered. Apathy is not the cause for citizens not to attend, but rather a conflict of schedule. I have many questions that I want answered before I decide which way to vote on the bond issue. Questions about the school proposal are not intended to derail the project, just to present an accurate cost analysis of the new high school. Questions still not answered are: Who will pay for the road to be built?Will the road be for the exclusive use to the school or will access be available for further development of the surrounding land? What are the projected maintenance cost (snow removal, plowing and resurfacing) of the road and who pays the bill? The town of Conway or the school district?Who has access and who pays the bill are interrelated. What about sidewalks and lighting? Also, lighting for the fields and parking and pedestrian areas will have to be installed. Leaving the area dark in the winter is a safety hazard. Lighting undoubtedly will be agreed upon at a later date after the bond is approved and added to the budget. Is the current fire equipment satisfactory or does new equipment need to be purchased? Will the school require additional police officers? We know additional staff will be required for the library. Some of these costs may be included in the bond issue. However, those that are not will impact the tax base just as the bond itself will increase taxes. The citizens deserve to have a total package cost analysis so the voters can make an educated vote.