Where did all the money go?

I have been a resident of Moorpark for eight years and have two children. I am commenting on the Sept. 5 editorial, "Candidates must be ready for 'the rough stuff.'"

I think it's great that the Moorpark Acorn is taking an initiative and seeking the candidates who want a seat on the school board or City Council This election will affect all residents living in Moorpark.

Many Moorpark residents are especially interested to hear from the four candidates—Donna LaCour, Lou Langkusch, Natalie Panossian and Ute Van Dam— who are running for school board. It is extremely important to know who these candidates are, why they are running, where they stand on certain issues and what they would like changed if anything.

The two issues I would like to hear the candidate's views on are Measure S and the purchase of the 22-acre Highlands school site— whether to pursue the land or give back the money. As you are aware, these issues have received much attention and press the past few months.

Measure S is an extension of Measure R for an additional $39.5 million. Where did the all the funds for Measure R go? If Measure S passes, a portion of the funds will be allocated to start the initial phase of the Highlands school—playgrounds and fields, not the school.

The Highlands is already scheduled to have a 7-acre park in spring 2009, which Highlands homeowners are paying for. Why should all Moorpark residents pay for an additional park in the Highlands?

Why not use the funds to bring back the following: high school officer on campus, high school transportation system, critical personnel and programs, extracurricular programs, text books, etc. We need the tools to educate our children to succeed and keep them safe when they are in school.

There seems to be mismanagement of funds. The MUSD is in a $2 million shortfall this year per Larry Brown, MUSD assistant superintendent of business. What are some strategies and/or ideas the candidates running for school board have? Would it be possible to host a meeting with the candidates running for school board and to find out who they are, why they are running and where they stand on certain issues? We could have the meeting at the City Hall room.

In addition, I think we should include the two school board members that are up for school board re-election, Greg Barker, Bruce Thomas. Any thoughts on this? Veronica Busch Moorpark