The truth is not being told regarding power lines

I am a concerned parent of two beautiful children who attend Horseshoe Trails Elementary School and I was hoping one day they would attend Sonoran Trails (Middle School) because we live in the community. I read your recent article (‘Group petitions school board over power lines,’ The Desert Advocate, Nov. 15, 2006) regarding the power lines near the two schools. It has become apparent to me that the truth is not being told. I want the truth and I feel I am not getting it from the school board; therefore, if I am not getting it, than you are not as well.

We were told at a meeting that was held by the CCUSD facilities manager that there is $1.4 million dollars that is available and ready to be used if the school board decided to move the power lines. We were told at this meeting that the board originally was going to move the lines and then voted later not to. We were also told that the $1.4 million dollars of bond money that is available can only be used for things like moving the power lines or improvements on new schools–it cannot be used for salaries or school programs.

We were confused at the meeting because if we have the money and it can be used for moving the power lines, then why can’t we use it? Especially if it is in the best interest of the children.

It disappoints me to read in your article that President Ledesma refers to the group of concerned parents as “these people.”

“These people” are the parents of the children he is supposed to be advocating for.

President Ledesma states “the group has other options, such as contacting the district’s long‑range planning committee about the possibility of raising money through a bond to cover the cost of moving the lines.”

Who is telling the truth? We were told there is bond money and Ledesma is stating the money needs to be raised. Where did the $1.4 million dollars go? Who spent it?

I am a wellness advisor as well as being a pediatric nurse practitioner. I worked for 10 years with children that have cancer and were receiving chemotherapy. When a parent would ask us how their child got cancer, it wasalways difficult to give an answer because we have theories but in medicine we don’t exactly know. I believe that continuous exposure to potentially harmful conditions can increase the risk of certain cancers. I do not want to take that chance with my children and will not put them in a potentially unhealthy situation such as going to a school that is under power lines. I know I am not the only parent that feels this way. I am seeking the truth for the sake of my children.

Rosa St. Angelo

Cave Creek