Yes on H6

Many years ago a bond issue was passed to build our schools in Oak Park. These Oak Park residents had the foresight to pass a bond measure so that their kids and yours could go to local schools and not travel to Simi Valley for their education.

My wife and I have a son that went from kindergarten to high school in Oak Park where he thrived. The teachers from kindergarten to 12th grade were outstanding. The math and science education was tremendous. Even the P.E. was great.

Now it's our turn to have the foresight for our future generations. Please vote yes on H6 so our schools can continue to be the best public schools in Ventura County. Ron Rishe Oak Park

As a long-time and beneficial resident of Oak Park and having the good fortune to be an original part of the Oak Park Unified School District, I heartily recommend a yes vote on Nov. 7 for the H6 bond issue.

For those residents who may not be familiar with the origin of our school district and the growth of our community, so many positive aspects are at hand.

Sure, our schools need repairs, as do homes built 25 plus years ago. Bear in mind as you read your Ventura County ballot of the needs. It is no secret, but these repairs can surely come to fruition with a two-thirds vote of yes for this measure. Eileen Kahn Oak Park

We are writing to express our support for Bond Measure H6. Much of the debate has focused on secondary issues such as nonresident students. A more relevant question to consider: Will Oak Park schools need structural upgrades over the next 25 to 30 years? If you think not, then voting no is the logical choice. If you believe facility investment belongs in a 30year plan for our schools, then voting yes on H6 is the right choice.

Opponents argue H6 overinvests in school facilities and say we can always pass a downsized measure in the future. The problem with this position is that any future bond measure can be characterized as "too much money" by the misplaced logic now used against H6. The $89 million B6 was defeated by low turnout without any organized opposition. H6, reduced 20 percent in size from B6, has elicited an organized opposition. If we don't pass H6, we may never pass a facility investment plan that meets Oak Park needs for the next 30 years.

The improvements funded by H6 will benefit all in the community, not just students and teachers. For example, H6 will rebuild the 40year old multipurpose building at Brookside. This building functions as a community meeting center for groups such as the YMCA as well as serving as a poling place. For those voting at Brookside next month, look at the building around you and consider whether you'd like to be voting in it 10 years from now.

We don't have our own mayor or police force. A lot of what defines Oak Park identity is the Oak Park School District. H6 incurs no additional tax burden. H6 is the right reasonable investment to ensure our schools and community will prosper for the next 30 years. Taylor and Shawna Driggs Oak Park

Is anyone else feeling incredibly sad driving around Oak Park these days? After 12 happy years, I now get a pit in my stomach when I see the "No on H6" signs. Here are some facts to help people realize we have to support our schools and the children.

What's with the outofdistrict hullabaloo? These permit kids bring in money that benefits Oak Park kids. Without them, many programs might have to be cut.

This "too much money" is both for repairs needed now and for updating our schools for the next generation of children.

Most school districts pass bonds about every four years. We haven't had one since 1978. That old bond built the schools and the money is now gone.

States don't provide money for repairs and renovations. They expect schools to use bond measures. Our schools get about $150,000 annually for ongoing maintenance. That won't give my 12-year-old a roof that doesn't leak or make my 8yearold's classroom up to earthquake codes.

Is $71 million too much money? The new Las Virgenes school on Lindero is $45 million. We are updating five school plus OVHS and OPIS.

Can't build a new building because of shrinking enrollment? These "new buildings" are building like a new library at Brookside-the old one is tiny and 40 years old. It's for our current kids and have nothing to do with shrinking enrollment.

Please tell me exactly which child doesn't deserve a safe and modern school? Cindi Gortner Oak Park