My name is Erica Allen, Chandler, Texas. I moved here in 2007 so that my daughter could go to school where I went. I felt that this was a safe school district. My daughter rides bus 9. On April 16, 2009, a kindergartner got on her bus with a loaded gun. I am so thankful to the bus monitor who overheard the children. She saved so many lives that day.

I just want to know what the school is doing to do to prevent this from happening again. I think BISD should require the use of clear backpacks. I would like to know if anyone else feels this way. I hope that this situation leaves BISD searching for ways to make our children safer. As for the person responsible for the child that morning, I think that he/she should be held accountable and prosecuted.

Erica Allen

Dear Editor:

I would like to express my gratitude to the Lion's Club and all those persons involved with the pet shot clinic that was held in Chandler at God's Open Hands on Saturday, April 18th. Through the veterinarian who volunteered his services, pet owners of our area were allowed the opportunity to receive low-cost vaccinations, which promotes healthier pets and a community better protected from diseases like rabies. Thank you for your community involvement.

S. Fuller

As we head to the polls, I urge the voters in Edom to come out in support of Van Zandt County Emergency Services District No. 3, which covers the area serviced by the Edom Volunteer Fire Department. This ESD will make sure that the VFD has the financial support it will need for now and for the future growth of the Edom Community. As you decide how to cast your vote on the issue, I would ask that you be certain that your decision is based on facts and not on misconceptions:

* The creation and operation of all ESDs is regulated by the State of Texas through the Office of Rural Affairs, www.orca.state.tx.us

* The local ESD will be governed by a board of 5 independent, non-VFD members who will be appointed by the VZ Co. Commissioner's Court. Once these appointments are made, the Commissioner's Court has no further authority over the Board.

* The proposed tax rate is 0.06 per $100.00 of property value after all exemptions. This is NOT a 6% tax, but a fraction of 1% and would result in a total of only $60 on a $100,000.00 property, for example.

* New trucks and equipment will be needed in the near future - the average age of the fleet is over 21 years and while grants are available, and used, they cover only a portion of the cost of newer equipment.

* The Edom VFD Station is built upon land that was donated and deeded to Edom Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. by The Florida Company in 2004, per the Tax Assessor records at www.myswdata.com

Early voting is at the VZ Co. Courthouse from April 27 to May 5 with Election Day, May 9th, 7AM-7PM, at the Edom Community Center. Please let your voice be heard.

Sincerely, Barbara Crow, Mayor, Edom, TX