|
 |
|||
|
Mission Viejo did not receive its grant for the gymnasium at Newhart Middle School from the State of California. As a result, our council showed fiscal responsibility to the citizens of Mission Viejo. By a three-to-two vote, Council Members Reavis, Ury and Ledesma came through for the citizens of Mission Viejo. While many people spoke in support of the project, our council realized that the lack of funding in the capital expenditure budget prevented another construction project at the present time. With unfunded pension liabilities and ongoing projects at Sierra Recreation Center and the Norman P. Murray Community Center expansion, our council reflected prudent residents. The Capistrano Unified School District was putting no funds into the project except their grant from the state and the sharing of maintenance expenses. The city of Mission Viejo would have been required to fund half the construction expenses as an out-of-pocket expense to the general fund. Why is the Capistrano district building an administration center costing at least $30 million when Newhart needs a gymnasium? The proper procedure to build school facilities is by presenting a bond issue to the voters, as Saddleback Valley Unified School District has done. The city now provides security guards, crossing guards and police protection for our schools. The city is not responsible for providing gymnasiums or other physical plants and facilities to school districts. James Edward Woodin |
|||