To the Editor:
I attended the Old Town and North Old Town candidates’ forum on Oct. 14. Justin Wilson’s heated rebuttal of Mr. Van Fleet’s desire to cut spending while meeting our actual needs, did not come off as well in the room as the Gazette’s description would make readers believe. As a general rule, yelling never wins an argument. Mr. Wilson’s agitated manner stuck in the minds of the audience more than anything he actually said and a number of attendees commented on it afterward.
Then there is the matter of fiscal prudence. Under Mayor Euille , the city is using new development to pay for previous development, which is tantamount to a Ponzi scheme. It is accommodated by increased debt with a dramatic increase in recent years.
In 2007 the city needed a new high school, so council made a commitment of $89 million with cost overruns that drove the ultimate cost to over $120 million. Recently we replaced Jefferson Houston School at a cost of $45 million.
After my retirement, I spent six years as a volunteer, tutoring elementary school children chosen for tutoring by their teachers. I learned then and continue to be painfully aware how the school system fails the many children from disadvantaged backgrounds, or with a different cultural heritage, or who may not have books and magazines in their homes. The city has not learned how to meet their needs. Shiny new buildings won’t do it.
In recent years I have gotten to know Van Van Fleet well because he has been active in the same civic groups I have and has assumed leadership positions. There is valuable training for public service in these activities. Today I am doing what I know is the right thing and placing my Van Fleet sign in the front yard. He has demonstrated a good understanding of our spending problems and our true needs and deserves a place on Council.
Katy Cannady
Alexandria