Editorial Note: This letter comes from Sebrena Bohnsack who chaired the Community Affairs Commision of Bedford, Texas around the 2005 time frame. She tells us the consequences of a failed bond election in that city. Her opinions, as are all the opinions published by The Echo, are that of the author.

Dear Editor,

My husband and I have lived in Richardson for nearly four years and we are in total agreement with the bond election. We know first hand the devastating effects of the poor choice of misinformed citizens to oppose the funds required to keep a city well-maintained, safe and moving toward to  future.

I was previously involved in community politics and chaired the Bedford Community Affairs Commission prior to the city's 2005 capital improvements campaign.

I don't know if you remember Bedford, Texas making the news a few years ago? The city experienced the effects of CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) dweller politics, lost bond elections and a roll back tax that forced budget cuts, slashed vital services and caused layoffs of hard-working city employees.

Bedford made the national news when the public library, the first in Texas recorded  history, closed it's doors. Bedford could not even afford to mow the grass!

Watching my beloved city nearly collapse due to the fear and intimidation spread by a small, grumpy minority over a few extra cents a day is just not worth it! Can you give up Starbucks a couple of times a month for a better city? I certainly can.

By the way, if you don't think your vote is important, think again. The Bedford tax rollback provision passed by a mere 10 votes.

Please don't let our bond election for needed improvements go the way of CAVE dwellers.Do you want Richardson to become Bedford, Texas all over again? I certainly don't.

Vote "YES" in Richardson's 2010 Bond Election.

Sebrena Bohnsack
Richardson resident