Measure R repeats past failures

Oak Park Superintendent Tony Knight has lost two bond measures in a row, and is on track to lose a third. The reason is credibility. His board members were told there was a credibility issue after the last failure and have done nothing about it.

The campaign signs always lie: the current sign says "Repair Oak Park Schools." Who in their right mind believes our schools need $30 million of repair?

The superintendent says the transfer students help pay for courses that otherwise wouldn't exist. But the Measure R cochairman says the transfers provide 12 percent of the budget, while making up 20 percent of the student body. Who in their right mind wants to tax themselves more to build for and support students who don't live here?

We know that things that are financed over 30 years end up costing double the amount financed. Knight wants to spend $2.8 million to remove portable classrooms. You don't finance maintenance. You pay as you go. Who in their right mind wants to spend that kind of money to get rid of something?

This bond is a Prop. 39 measure. That means the purposes for the money should be spelled out. But in the case of Measure R, the project list can be changed at will, and the board has the right to build new construction if desired. Who in their right mind believes a floating project list and new construction is meant by "repair?"

As detailed in The Acorn, money from the last Prop. 39 measure is being grossly misspent. Who in their right mind wants to give more money to people who are misspending the money they have?

We will soon find out if there are enough right minded voters in Oak Park who will vote no once again. Glen Wilcox Oak Park