Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am writing in response to the two letters last week in regards to our (Mathews) school budget, more specifically our teachers’ salaries. I would like to start out by saying that I believe these issues are similar to arguing about politics or religion. No one can win.

I do believe, though, that there is a bigger picture to be considered. At 56, I might not see the ramifications of an undesirable school system, but I know my adult children will be affected whether it is because they come back to Mathews and raise their families or because they will be left with our home which they will need to sell. Please note that I, like many others, am not interested in higher taxes and I also do not have a child in the school system. But I do realize the important impact our school system has on our community.

In a time when our numbers are dropping, as far as residents, it is important that we offer things that will attract families to our community. When we...