Police officers unfairly disgraced

I am hopeful the resignation of Lt. Tim Swinney is the closing chapter of the Rathburn report.  It has become a sad day that we have chose to publicly defamed and disgrace both Lt. Tim Swinney and Chief Mark Johnson by using such language as “failure” “negative Management style” etc etc, as reported in the Daily Progress, and Tyler TV.

 Mr. Rathburn, the Freedom of Information Act allows some information to be made public. As the JISD just pointed out, some information sensitive to the issues can be made available only in private, was it your intent to slam dunk careers of men who have given over 20 years of their lives to the citizens of Jacksonville without a blemish on their record?

Mr. Raissi, in your haste to look good as the newly appointed “acting” City Manager. Was it your wish to see two fine police officers disgraced just like common criminals in our daily paper? Where are the compliments for their years of service? 

Mr. Mayor, as a friend and patient, if there had been corruption in the department, public airing would be welcome. Would you like to be investigated while out of town on a training mission?   

I think the whole process used is demeaning and lacking. Shame on those responsible!

Daily Progress, the Freedom of Information Act allows access to information that would otherwise be closed to the public. This information is to be used with discretion — sensationalizing stories can ruin people.

Management and leadership courses are available nationally in the meantime. I would strongly urge each of you to read “How to deal effectively with people.” 

Tom Hargett,

Jacksonville



Be cautious when stocking grass carp

Ms. Swindler, thanks for your concerns about the grass carp. Anyone who is skeptical about the economic impact of sport fishing on Texas can go to the American Sportfishing Association site at the following link — www.asafishing.org/asa/statistics/saleco_trends/

Texas is ranked third in the nation in a 2001 study indicating sport fishing generates in our state (rounded figures) $2.2 billion in retail sales, $1.3 billion in wages, 41,300 jobs, and $124 million in fuel tax revenue.

I think it would amaze Jacksonville residents the amount of revenue generated for this community by fishing at Lake Jacksonville.

I applaud the city for down sizing the number of grass carp to be released.

However, if the quality of fishing declines and the city looses more revenue than it would cost to treat the (chemically) lake, who is the winner?

Has the city done an economic impact study of sport fishing on Lake Jacksonville?

I suggest this stocking is not something upon which to make an error.

Gary L. Martin,

Jacksonville



Ask for roofs instead of parking lots

During JISD Board meeting, Supt. Stuart Bird gave an estimated cost of building a new parking lot for busses to use at JHS. This parking lot is suppose to provide a safer environment for loading and unloading children. The estimate given by Mr. Bird was $124,000. As the discussion went on it was then mentioned that these figures did not include other costs such as architect’s fees, etc...

I reminded Mr. Bird and the Board of Trustees that Mr. Bird was asked about the safety of our children at the beginning of this school year and Mr. Bird stated that JISD provided an exceptionally safe environment for our children and how we had fewer accident claims than other area school districts. I then brought up the points given by Lindy Finley during the year on how we were saving money on insurance due to the lack of claims, etc...

Now why is it we need this parking lot again?

I asked of the Board that they seek first to fix the roof at the middle school which has been in need of repair for 2-3 years. Or even to drive by East Side School and look at the big blue tarp on the roof there. I pleaded with them to not spend any more money on these parking lots, fences, and such things that they want, but rather that they stay focused on spending on the things which we need. I ended by stating that we need not look to bond packages to make these types of repairs, or even to add on classrooms if we were to focus less on wants than needs.

Those of you who agree need to be calling these Board members and letting them know what you want and what you expect. By failing to do so you are sending the message that you don’t care what they do with your money.

Robert Douglas,

Jacksonville