District should have an open discussion on bond

Sean Dotson, of the Cheney School District, was quoted in the Spokesman Review, Feb. 12 issue, “If we don’t pass it, we will have to reach out and educate about the need.” I voted against the bond with full knowledge of what is truly a necessity while keeping in mind that we have additional needs coming within a few years.

I prepared an alternative that would only cost $11.6 million instead of the $44 million. During the campaigning leading up to bond votes, the districts and their YES Committees often imply that we who vote no on a bond need to be educated and do not like children. This method did not work for the Cheney bond.

Why not instead have an open discussion. I have repeatedly asked the district and their YES Committee to debate openly, but the challenge has never been accepted.

Bill Johns

Cheney