Empathy for those suing District 204

Although our society is entirely too litigious, I can't help but empathize with residents who have chosen to pursue a lawsuit over Metea Valley's new Eola Road location.

No doubt there are numerous motivations behind the legal action against District 204, but the fact remains the district is pursuing a course of action entirely different from what was promised when the 2006 referendum was approved. At the time, the district and school board were crystal clear that should the referendum pass, Metea Valley would be built at the Brach-Brodie Property with enrollment boundaries already settled. A 2005 referendum without these specifics failed.

Making the assumption that the Brach-Brodie land could be acquired for less than fair market value was a miscalculation made by District 204 and its legal counsel, not those currently pursuing the lawsuit.

When a governmental body goes to referendum for a specified purpose, and then opts to use those funds for something different without once again seeking voter approval, trust in that governmental body comes into question.

What has happened in District 204 would be analogous to District 203, money in hand, reversing course and opting to build a new Central High on Knoch Park or the Community Garden Plots, rather then extensively remodeling the current building as promised prior to their February referendum.

George Bennett

Naperville