LETTERS: STUDENTS AREN'T DEBATING BOND, PLANNING ISSUES

To the editor:

The Jackson school bond issue is indeed a controversial one, with both sides adamant in their views. Unfortunately, during the course of presenting opinions, some facts may become distorted. Such is the case with Richard Bruce's letter to the editor in Monday's edition of the Southeast Missourian.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce is conducting public debates on Saturday with the sole intent of providing citizens information and democracy in action. The debates are nonpartisan and will deal with four issues that will appear on the general election ballot Nov. 7: Proposition A, Proposition B, county planning and the school bond. The high school debate team has generously agreed to debate Proposition A and Proposition B to demonstrate the format and involve themselves in the civic process. And, since we wanted to eliminate any hint of partisanship, we wouldn't allow them to touch the school bond issue or county planning, nor did they want to debate these issues.

This section of the debates will be presented by citizens of the community.

I know expressing opinions in a letter to the editor may be easier, but that is only one person's opinion that you read. What we propose is to present each side's facts, face to face, and let the citizens make intelligent choices based on the facts, not based on one opinion. Which, in regards to the purpose or origin of these debates, is a misinformed one. If Mr. Bruce is that knowledgeable about the issue, I would urge him to put his letter-to-the-editor pen away and debate the issue on Saturday. I'm sure we still have some room on the agenda for one more concerned and knowledgeable citizen.

KEN PARRETT

Jackson Chamber of Commerce

Jackson, Mo.