Cairo schools aren't as old as editorial stated

To the editor:

I must take exception to the editorial, "Cairo needs unified effort for new school." I disagree with your conclusion, which is based on incorrect information.

You state the Cairo School Board and city council are locked in a tug-of-war over the tax increase. The city has not taken an official position. As mayor and as a taxpayer, I consider the tax request absurd. It will not affect the city's share of taxes in any way.

You state the tax money would be used to replace the 100-year-old junior high school and Bennett Elementary School and 50-year-old Emerson School. The junior high and Bennett are 53 and 54 years old respectively. Emerson is 45 years old. The junior high had a new gym and lockers added in the late 1960s.

The rest of the editorial in reference to the amount of tax increase was very good.

I hope the information you presented was not supplied by the school district. This would only make taxpayers like myself question the board's action even more.

JAMES WILSON

Mayor

Cairo, Ill.