Teachers show no respect for taxpayers

As residents and taxpayers of District 23 for 30 years, and whose five children have attended District 23 schools since 1993, my husband and I are appalled by the unprofessional behavior shown by the members of PHEA during this negotiation process.

We are extremely disappointed in PHEA members' apparent lack of concern for the families (not to mention students) and taxpayers of this district, as well as in their lack of concern for their own fiscal and professional responsibilities to District 23.

Of the two hospitals for which I work, I recently received a 2.2 percent increase, which has become the norm. We are under extreme financial burdens and will not welcome any increases in tax burdens due to the PHEA members' desire to increase their already above-average salaries/pensions and tenure benefits.

I would like to suggest that the next time the PHEA members "pack up" their picket-lines and go home at 3 p.m. (much like they do on any normal school day), they accompany me to work a 12-hour shift on a hospital patient floor saving lives and serving others.

Financial times have been difficult for all taxpaying Americans. Go back to work and be thankful you have a job.

Gret Haas

Wheeling