School Eye Exam Demands Fuzzy

Iam a very hardworking taxpayer concerned about the schools’ ability to force me to have my children get a eye exam. My child has never struggled to see anything. She doesn’t sit too close to the TV. She has had no problems learning to read. When she holds a book, it is at a normal distance with no strain.

After my daughter had a school eye exam, I got a letter from the principal of Owl Creek School stating it is the law that she had to get a private eye exam. The question here is, are the exams given at school done in the correct way? Are there other children around to distract them? Did they give them time for their eyes to adjust after showing them something close.

I took my child to a licensed eye doctor and spent my hard-earned money after I got a letter pushing the law in my face.

The professional’s opinion I received was that my daughter’s eyes are just fine and she doesn’t need any glasses.

Now I am out of some of my hard-earned money when I am not even sure they had a qualified person giving exams in the public schools.

CLYDE THOMAS HALL

Fayetteville

MAINTENANCE A HIDDEN COST

I’ve been reading the articles over the past few months on the proposed public regional park. Having been here almost four years, I think I can properly comment on this subject.

I’m originally from Clinton, Miss., and the city there built a series of recreational areas a bit less modest than what is proposed here: a group of about a dozen soccer fields, four baseball fields along with some small buildings for refreshments and, for sure, a group of administration buildings.

The biggest issue I see with this is not the initial spend; that is big and the bond issue will pay for it. It is the continued upkeep and improvements needed.

Clinton went from a couple of groundskeepers with a part-time administrator to about a dozen workers, a full-time administrator and a couple of receptionists/assistants. A bunch of vehicles had to be purchased and maintained.

I haven’t seen anywhere in comments by the mayor or in any article an estimate of the number or the cost of the workers required, or how we will be able to pay their salaries, benefits and the cost of them doing the work required.

In my estimations, I’d bet your are looking at a half million dollars a year or more to maintain the parks.

As you vote on this project, just don’t forget that building the parks is not the final cost associated with this. Your taxes will rise due to the upkeep. And don’t believe the current group of city workers will be enough to do the additional work.

Won’t happen.

I like the idea, but right now, my taxes are plenty high and I know which way I’ll vote on this issue.

JOHN LIFER

Fayetteville