Your Viewpoint Letters to the Editor

Voting in election
very important
By MARCH COFFIELD
Jasper

In January, 2008, I went to the City Manager to get a problem taken care of. Acity crew had worked on a water leak in the 800 block of Holly Lane and had left debris, mud and water all along the gutter when they left. We could not get to our mailbox without tracking through this mess. The city manager told me that January was a busy time, but that he would have a city crew clean it up by the end of the next week.

This past weekend, three and one/half months later, I gave up and cleaned out the gutter and our end of the street myself. We had called a number of times, asking that at least the street sweeper come to our neighborhood nothing was done, not even a new promise. Every time it rained the mud would again pile up, every time it dried out the mud became like concrete. I am an angry 73-yearold man with a bad hip, but I got it all up even though weeds and grass had taken hold in the mud and debris after months of delays.

Candidates are telling us that everything is great at City Hall. But taking care of streets and gutters isn't going so well--how long was Main Street out of commission. And, I'm wondering about some other things.

No matter what you thought of DuBose, Lacy or Douglas, they took care of problems like this. Maybe I needed to call Utah direct.

Voting in this election is VERY important! I can't come and sweep your street by myself.
Job gives thanks for
years of service
By BRENDA JOB
Jasper

When I decided to run for school board over 12 years ago, it was at the urging to two ladies whom I deeply respect. I had worked as a volunteer at several of the campuses and meet many of the staff, both professional and paraprofessional.

I learned how hard they work, some of the obstacles that they face and most of all, meet some beautiful kids from all different circumstances. With no particular complaints, I threw my 'non-Jasperite' hat into the ring. Through all those years, frustrations and unbelievable highs and lows, I will tell you that I NEVER regretted that decision.

My goal throughout the years was that students and parents alike understand and appreciate the opportunities that an education can offer and that JISD provide some of the tools to help. The JISD administration developed two of my favorite meetings, one in January and one in May.

At those meetings, we were privileged to meet and recognize children who were making the most of their experiences academically, athletically and in the arts.

The main thing that I learned from Herman Wright is that there will always be a best decision, not always an easy decision, and not always a popular decision. That answer was not always best for my children, or maybe your children.

We do not always have that option, but best for the approximately 3,000 students in the district as a whole. I would urge the new candidates, given any set of circumstances, to ask themselves the question, 'What is in the best interest for all our students?' It generally has only one answer.

I was 35 years old then and my children; Jennifer and Thomas were at junior high and Rowe. All of that seems like a lifetime ago.

Thomas lived and loved until he was 18 and Jen is a practicing attorney and is married to another successful JISD product, Dr. J. Joshua Seale.

In January, my decision was overwhelmingly clear to me that at this moment in time, my family and I needed me more than JISD. I thank you for the opportunity for my personal growth, for your patience and for your support.

It was my pleasure to serve you. I love the children of Jasper and like a true old lady; I am both frightened and excited by their potential.
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The Jasper Newsboy would like to publish your thoughts and concerns about issues that are important to you.

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