Saratoga News

Letters

N.D. nuns should have some heart for school

With a value in excess of $20 million, no one questions the decision of the nuns of Notre Dame to sell their property on Bohlman Road to developers. We all know how we crave more "luxury houses" in Saratoga! But our community should certainly question the nuns' heartless decision to abruptly close the doors of the Notre Dame Montessori school, which sits on a tiny portion of their expansive land.

For more than 30 years, the nuns have claimed to care deeply for the school and the education of our children. Now, they just care more for the money.

When the school is forced to leave the premises in September, the building will most likely remain empty for several years before bulldozers move in, yet the nuns refuse to grant a stay of execution. Even more frustrating is the fact that the school has offered to purchase the building and the small amount of land it occupies, but the nuns refuse to discuss the offer. I do not believe Saratoga wants to lose this wonderful school, but no one seems to be making any noise ... yet!

Linda Johnson
Lutheria Way

Televised report could help inform residents

The Good Government Group (GGG) commends the City Council for its continuing support of televised council meetings.

This truly provides the community an easy way to understand and be informed about how our local government operates.

As council discussions are usually limited to items requiring some form of action and are of significant interest to the community, our concern is with items that are of an informational nature. We sometimes read in the local newspapers about lawsuits, personnel changes and other important events that we did not hear about at council meetings.

To assist the council in continuing to have outstanding communications with the public, we suggest that the council consider adding a city manager's report to the televised meetings. This brief (several minutes) oral report could include administrative decisions, staff accomplishments, events, activities and problems that would be of interest to the community and announce any lawsuits or resolution of such as would be appropriate. The council could also take this opportunity to make comments on the items presented.

We recommend that the council place this suggestion on its agenda for a future meeting discussion.

Marlene Duffin
Saratoga Good Government Group President

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