To the editor:

As a longtime proponent of free speech, I applaud Debbie Snyder’s heartfelt denunciation of my character. However, I couldn’t find the place in her letter where she actually addresses the point I made in my letter.

Ms. Snyder states, “What part didn’t you hear?” then launches into a list of cost-cutting tips for the school district. Some of the items on her list are interesting. Others, such as eliminating paraprofessionals, are truly outrageous. Unfortunately, none of her ideas is concrete enough to serve as an alternative to the harsh choices facing our schools. For instance, she mentions, “Taking a closer look at $180,000 in energy savings.” You need to take a closer look yourself, Ms. Snyder, and give us some specifics.

Even then, you still will not have addressed the point of my letter, which is that, regardless of what you think about consolidation, the campaign against the school bond was a totally pointless exercise in political gamesmanship that misled a lot of voters and didn’t do anything to save any schools.

Ms. Snyder scolds, “You have NO idea how disillusioned central and east neighborhoods are.” I do, actually, since I have lived in an east-side neighborhood for 10 years and my association with this part of the city dates back to 1959. In fact, I myself also am disillusioned. I’m disillusioned that you think giving voice to your disillusionment is more important than $40 million in school upgrades for east Lawrence children.

Joe Casad,

Lawrence