LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: DON'T BE PETTY; VOTE YES AUG. 8

To the editor:

When I moved to Jackson 12 years ago and began to study the workings of various local governmental bodies, I was struck by the fact that people elected to these various bodies seemed to come with no personal agenda. From the County Commission down through the Board of Aldermen to the Board of Education, members seemed to come with one idea in mind, and that was to serve. Through the years, when a person ran for election with a personal agenda due to having had unsuccessful dealings with that body, the person was usually soundly defeated. The good sense of the people prevailed.

Now, apparently, there are some people who are unhappy with the elected board and the administration in the Jackson School District. Apparently, in an effort to embarrass the board and administration, campaigns are being waged to defeat school financing issues that are on the ballot. They have been successful in one election. They must not prevail again.

In their efforts to hinder the board and school administration, they are willing to sacrifice the well-being of the children of the district. I have been proud of the fact that, since I came to Jackson, there had been no defeat of any school tax issue. I am proud of the way the schools are run, and I am proud of the school facilities. I have never voted against a school tax for the reason that I trust the people on the board and the people working in the schools. Incidentally, I do not have any children in the schools. I do feel that we are making an investment in our community's future by voting to give the people the tools with which to run the schools.

I appeal to all in the Jackson School District to vote yes on Aug. 8. Look beyond any petty disagreements and vote for the children. It's the right thing to do.

JERRY MITCHELL

Jackson, Mo.