The voice of the people

I was thrilled to learn that the school bond package passed with such a wide margin in the recent election. That just shows that Waxahachie really is a town that cares about its kids. In reality, it means that we are a town looking to the future, because the future of our country -- and of the world -- is in the hands of those precious souls who today are sitting behind school desks and playing on school playgrounds.

Our kids are the real winners in the passing of this bond package. Our School Board now has the necessary funds available to provide our kids with adequate facilities and curriculum. And, by the way, adequate curriculum these days goes way beyond just having a few flash cards! I am glad that so many of us realize that, and voted accordingly.

There was one thing about the bond election that really bothered me, though. It surprises me that, in a town of nearly 20,000 people, only 1,600 of us showed up to voice concern, one way or the other, about the future of our children. I realize that not all of the nearly 20,000 residents of Waxahachie are of voting age, but I can guarantee you that a whole lot more than 1,600 are! I also believe that there are more than 1,600 of us here in Waxahachie who are genuinely concerned about the welfare of our children. I just wish that more of us had shown up at the polls to express that concern in a practical way.

In speaking with election officials, I learned that it is pretty typical for only about 10 per cent of registered voters to actually show up at the polls. That does not even take into account those who are not registered. I guess I am not qualified to do a lot of griping about this situation, because there have been plenty of times in the past when I didn't show up to vote either. So I guess rather than just gripe, I would like to issue a challenge to all of us who are of voting age. Let's all take a more active interest in the way our city government, our county government, our state government, our federal government, and our schools are run. The best place to start in taking such an active role is to voice your opinions and concerns, through your power to vote.

Thank you to all 1,600 of you who exercised that power in the recent school bond election. Whether you voted "yes" or "no" to the bond package, you acted as a responsible citizen by participating in the process. I especially want to express my thanks to those of you who shared in the vision and voted "yes" for the sake of our children. You are true heroes, and the children of Waxahachie will be the beneficiaries of your vision for years to come. Thanks also to Mr. Montgomery and to our wonderful School Board. The excellent educational opportunities that are available to our children are due, in large part, to the tremendous leadership that you provide to the Waxahachie Independent School District.

May everything that we do in education continue to be done for the benefit of the children. As Whitney Houston sang, "I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way."

Paul O'Rear's column appears on Thursday.