Page Title

Huber

Funeral Home & Cremation Services

952-474-9595

Tom O’Connell, CPA

Income Tax Preparation. 952-474-6509

St. Victoria Catholic Church

Victoria * 952-443-2661

To the Editor:

I’ve looked everywhere I can think of and can’t seem to find a website or email address for Fresh Seasons Market. I’m enjoying having a fine grocery store located right here in Victoria, but don’t they have an email address?

Faith Ann Tice

Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:

In the past few weeks, teachers have responded to my attempt to bring some sound financial reasoning to the contract debate.

Those responses have made two things very clear: 1) District 112 teachers do not like our current superintendent or school board and 2) the teachers all seem to be trying to turn this two-year contract discussion into a referendum about the overall system of teacher pay, how hard they work, and why they deserve more.

It also points out to me that the teachers really don’t seem to understand what we taxpayers are saying.

I am not a teacher so I can’t claim to fully understand the disputes with management, nor am I trying to debate the larger issue of the overall teacher compensation system. At any rate, we’ll have a new superintendent before the next school year, so hopefully everyone can work together a bit going forward.

My point all along, and that of many District 112 taxpayers who have contacted me in support, is actually quite simple. This is only a two-year contract discussion, not a restructuring of the long-term teacher compensation system.

As economic conditions improve in the future, we would all support more normal teacher contracts, including pay raises (just like private sector workers hope their pay and benefits rebound when things improve).

Our state and district are experiencing the worst economy since the Great Depression. Our school board proposed a contract that would cost us taxpayers $2 million more than the current contract, and the teachers rejected it.

According to their union leader, the teachers said they are willing to be flexible, but they simply must have a raise (unlike many of their private sector neighbors). Fine. Give them a raise and then offset the cost of those raises with further reductions in their health insurance and retirement benefits for two years.

Thinking that this economy is the right time to “take a stand” against management isn’t just disingenuous, it’s downright stupid.

If the final contract ends up costing us taxpayers more than the $2 million originally proposed (including the $220,000 penalty for missing the January 15th deadline), or if our kids’ class sizes are impacted, then the school board and teachers alike should be prepared for a major backlash from District 112 taxpayers.

Scott Rollin

Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:

I’ve not been getting the Gazette and we miss it. In case I forgot, here’s my check for $15. Please keep me on your mailing list. Snow is deep and frequent here but we are getting settled into the house. It has become a home. Hi to all in Victoria.

Peace, love, and blessings.

Pastor Frank Jones

Rochester, Minnesota

To the Editor:

We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed reading your February issue of the Victoria Gazette. We especially took a partial interest to your story entitled “Every Day is Valentine’s Day” featuring my parents, Stan and Jayne Hamerski.

Indeed, their stories have come together to create a beautiful love story. Our family is so very grateful for their wonderful example of what a committed and loving marriage looks like. It was fun reading about their younger years. I even learned a few things!

We have received several phone calls and notes from friends commenting on the wonderful article. People continue to come up to us and remark about the nice story featuring my parents. Know that your paper is being read!

Sue, thank you for sharing their love story and for the way you continue to connect us to each other and to our community. Blessings on your day.

Beth Piwnica

Victoria, Minnesota

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