To the Editor:  Even though the outcome of the protracted debate over the new elementary school in District #112 was not what most residents have desired, some benefit was realized from this effort.
Councilman Jim Paulsen's action alert flyer to the residents of Victoria provided much needed facts about the decision making process and served as a stimulant to many of our residents.
The community now knows that we have both a right and responsibility to speak out on issues of importance and to support our leadership in their its efforts on our behalf.  Thank you Councilman Paulsen
Jerry Olson, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:  OUTRAGED!  I read the February edition of your Gazette from cover to cover.  I certainly can see why most of the citizens of Victoria are upset and outraged over the elementary site issue.  It appears that the school board got bamboozled or snookered into accepting the "free" school site, going against the will of most of the residents.
The presentation, by the developer, of the proposal of the "free" site to the school board must have been pretty smooth and cream.  How could the board go against the will of the major-ity?  It appears the developers have "gotten away" with setting up their own insurance policy that the development will be built.
Also, the value of their develop-ment will be most likely greatly in-creased.  The deadline that they set for making the decision seemed way too hasty to me.  It seems close to being a duress decision.
In the past years I have seen hous-ing developments started and not finished because of a downturn in the economy, high inflation, high interest rates, and high unemployment.  There is no guarantee that these things can't happen.
The cost of busing children away from your community also could sky-rocket.  Who know what the OPEC nations have up their sleeve next!  Look at the recent major fuel price increases.
I am an outsider "looking in."  None of the decisions will affect me directly.  I just hate to see something slammed down peoples' throats.  This is a democracy that we live in here in the U. S.  Hope we can keep it that way.  That is why it is so important to vote, all the way from school board members to the presidency.  Your elected officials have a lot of power given to them, as it well shows in your community.
Enclosed is a $10 check.  I have been lax in paying my voluntary sub-scription fee.  I am so glad that there are people like you in this country that can keep the freedom of the press prevailing.
Thank you for presenting both sides of this site issue.  I hope that the decision can be repealed or rescinded without too much reproach to anyone involved.  Thanks again for all of your efforts.
Gil Bullert, Buffalo, Minnesota

To the Editor:  You had excellent coverage of the school location issue.  May Victoria get the elementary school!   Enclosed find a bone of a big muskie that Vic and I caught.  My God bless you and your family with good health so you can continue publishing the Gazette.
Father Conran Schneider, Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:  Many thanks, Sue, for your excellent coverage of the lack of an elementary school in Victoria.  The bait and switch politics of the school board are appalling.  If there is an antidote to the poison of Columbine High, it would be a strong sense of caring and sharing in one's own community.  The nurturing begins at home, but then extends into the community.  It is important to provide "our" children with a local school.  These children are not mine, but we all should have a sense of responsibility for them.  They are our future.
Call on me for any volunteer help you may need for a charter school.
Lee Clark, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:  First of all, I need to praise you for the great coverage you gave the recent decision of School District #112 to locate the new elementary school in Chaska rather than Victoria.  While it is a very disappointing decision and one that I think is incorrect, you did a won-derful job of presenting what occurred.  I do need to make one correction though.  The credit you gave to me (page 3) for asking two questions should really go to my friend and neighbor, Kelli Mork.  While I would love to be credited with the questions, credit should go to the person who did the research and was truly well informed.
Thanks for the wonderful job you do with the Gazette.  I look forward to each issue.  Take care.
Kitty Liebeg, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:  Thanks for my latest, best ever, edition of the Gazette.  I can't get over how you capture the flavor, facts, and personalities in the midst of contention, anger, disappointment, and alarm.  You are one newspaperwoman!
There are a lot of wonderful things happening in Victoria.  If there are any residents of this wonderful city who want to get involved, all they need to do is pick up your paper.
Jim Emmer, Victoria, Minnesota                     Click here for more letters.