By Sandra Johansson
Niagara Gazette
Fri, May 16 2008
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I was disappointed to hear that Bob Laub has chosen not to run for re-election to the Lewiston-Porter school board this year. Fortunately, there are two even-keeled and open-minded candidates running this year, Bonnie Gifford and Jim Mezhir. Laub and Mezhir, in their three years of service on the Board of Education, have always managed to effectively balance the needs of the students and the bank accounts of the taxpayers. This year, the board has proposed a budget with a zero percent tax increase, thanks in part to the efforts of Laub, Mezhir and Gifford. This is a remarkable accomplishment when you consider the cost of living expenses rising so rapidly. The zero percent tax increase in the budget does not cut any student programs nor does it undermine the integrity and quality of instruction offered to students. The zero percent increase actually somehow managed to add a program, the Junior ROTC program in the high school, which is a brilliant idea that potentially allows a number of young adults to begin preparing for a future career in which they will serve our nation, a noble pursuit indeed. Those that criticize this budget or the Junior ROTC program have very little material to work with.
Laub and Mezhir also had the foresight to see the long-term value of updating the district’s athletic fields and buildings. There are some misconceptions regarding the turf field. Some have claimed it is heated. This is a misconception. The field will allow the district to save huge amounts of money every year with minimal maintenance costs, and it will actually bring money into the district as it is rented out to others. The improved facilities will likely help attract young families to the community, expand the tax base and raise the value of your biggest asset, your property.
Laub and Mezhir also managed to negotiate and approve a contract with the teachers’ union that removed the unlimited sick leave policy, in the process, protecting the best interest of the taxpayers for years to come. Their critics voted against this. They wanted to continue paying attorneys to negotiate even more than the 18 months they had been paid for up to that point.
It is amazing how many accomplishments were made in such a short period of time in which Laub and Mezhir had a cooperative, level-headed and open-minded group of board members working with the best interest of the taxpayers in mind. I like the direction things are going. Mezhir and Gifford, you have my vote. Keep up the positive work.
Sandra Johansson
Town of Porter
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