Editor,
I don't know why people aren't more upset. The $351 million school bond issue passed a week ago.
A lot of people think that West Side interests would be served by splitting from Albuquerque Public Schools. But APS says that if the West Side splits, the city can keep the bond money. APS lawyer Art Melendrez explained how it works. Part of the bond issue states that the proceeds will be used in the district, so if the West Side split, it would no longer be in the district and could no longer claim its fair share of the proceeds. However, it would still see the property-tax increase.
The leadership of APS made specific promises to people on the West Side in exchange for votes. There are lists that show how much of the money has been promised and where it will be spent. Much of it will be on the West Side.
But, as Melendrez's remarks suggest, a promise is not a legal thing. If the West Side splits, and APS keeps the money, APS leaders will be guilty only of breaking the faith, according to Melendrez.
This possibility exists because the leadership of APS doesn't hold itself honestly accountable or honor a promise with the same solemnity as it honors the law.
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Charles MacQuigg
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