Encourage support of LISD bond referendum

Please encourage everyone who lives in Longview Independent School District to vote for the LISD bond package. These updates are so very overdue and our children and grandchildren deserve to have the facilities they need to be educated in today's world.

I have visited several campuses recently, and observed classes in the hallway because of the lack of adequate facilities; the ventilation system at one school consisted of cut out spaces at the bottom of the wall between the hallway and the classrooms; one school has a free-standing freezer outside the building where they store food for lunches because the kitchen is so tiny. There is a home behind one school, and the only way to get to that house is through the elementary school's parking lot. I saw portable buildings for classes with terrible drainage problems creating a hazard for the children and affecting the foundations. Some elementary schools nurse's facilities were tiny and the nearest restroom was at the complete opposite end of the hallway — a long way for a sick child to have to go. The classrooms are too small for today's most effective teaching methods.

LISD is saturated with educationally and economically obsolete facilities. Our LISD teachers and staff are doing an amazing job teaching our kids with the facilities they currently have, but we need to do better for "Our Kids, Our City, Our Future."

Now is the time to take the necessary steps to bring LISD school facilities up to date and our kids' educational opportunities to the level of excellence they deserve. This is a win-win-win situation. Our children win, our staff and faculties win, our city wins. "Our Kids, Our City, Our Future."

Please join me and vote for the LISD bond package. Our future is in our hands.

Cathy Painter Cace Longview

States have right to regulate guns

While I don't claim to be an authority on legal matters, I do have an opinion concerning the constitutionality of the Washington, D.C., ban on handguns. I expect the Roberts court to yield to the powerful NRA lobby but I feel that will be more political than judicial.

The writers of the U.S. Constitution never even considered the lawfulness of owning a firearm by an individual. It was a given. The Second Amendment simply protected the right to bear weapons in an organized and regulated militia for the obvious reason of defense against a common enemy. Therefore, it makes sense that the correct interpretation of the Constitution would allow the states, or other political subdivisions, to regulate the ownership of guns as deemed proper for the good and safety of the community.

W.D. O'Neal

Longview

Marion DA willing to tackle animal cruelty

As I continue to work with a variety of non-profit organizations in strengthening animal laws in the State of Texas, I have had the opportunity to work with several district attorneys in East Texas. Most often it has been a privilege but I have, on occasion, found myself talking to well educated individuals whom I would assume would better understand the direct link between animal violence and other violent crimes.

It has always surprised me to learn that a formal education does not always equate to a strong level of common sense. Unfortunately there are some district attorneys with whom I work who obstinately refuse to take animal cruelty seriously and further refuse to utilize the laws protecting animals where applicable. Texas laws are being strengthened each legislative session but it is of no service to the great citizens of this state if these laws are not enforced. It often requires the voice of the community to invoke a response from a district attorney who may be overwhelmed by the volume of cases on his/her desk.

One of the best examples of an East Texas district attorney taking animal cruelty seriously is that of Bill Gleason in Marion County. He was faced with a horrific example of animal abuse when confronted with a dog fighting ring on Jan. 27. I understand Gleason personally investigated the scene and was directly impacted by the horrific evidence of animal carnage. The district attorney has been very helpful in highlighting the current problems in prosecuting those involved in dog fighting. He has utilized the laws that are currently in place and seeks stronger penalties and broader authority for future cases. Gleason is progressive on an issue that seems to often take a back seat in the State of Texas.

The reality of this situation is that we are all affected by animal abuse, either by witnessing animals tethered to trees, by exposure or awareness of dog fighting, or by violent crimes predicted upon a history of animal abuse. I extend my gratitude to Gleason for his concern for his community and the animals that reside within.

Kelly M. Heitkamp

Longview