Dear Editor,

I'm writing this to everyone who knows me and all of you who think you do. My name is Angela Mason. I am 42 yrs old, I have lived in or around San Saba, Texas all of my life. I am a proud mother of 2 beautiful and wonderful children. I have begged and pleaded with most of the people in San Saba to accept me and know that I am God's child, too. But I have never been good enough for most of the people in San Saba. I'm tired and now out of time to prove to this town that I am a good person. I am very sorry that I couldn't ever get through to anyone. No one knows more than me what it is like to be hated (other than my children). I don't know what I as a person ever did to any of you to cause you to be so cruel to me and my children. Well I guess some of you will be happy to know that I am dying. I was born with a rare lung disease - I am supposed to take alot of pills each day just to stay stable. My doctor says I am not strong enough for him to perform the surgery needed. Nor do I have the medical help. I am not asking for pity or an apology all I'm asking from you now is that you give my children the chance they deserve. Please see that they are wonderful people who deserve to be accepted. My daughter is Cheyenne Mason. She graduates this year and plans to attend San Angelo University to become an English teacher. She loves the Lord and people. She is very strong minded. She cannot be hurt by words. She's made of steel and will succeed in everything she does. I have raised her to be kind and honest. She has a good heart. I don't worry about her as much as I do my sweet, innocent little boy Joshua Mason. He's more like me. He is affected by the San Saba talk and what people say, think and feel about him. I would like to thank Helen and Arnold Mason, Pete Gonzales, Daniel Alcorn, Ernest and Connie Gomez, Harry's Dept. Store, and Agape House for clothes and toys donated to him and his beautiful wife and 2 children who lost everything due to the fire that burned down their home behind Arrowhead bank. I want to add a special thanks to the First Baptist Church of Cherokee for all they have done. They have donated time, prayer, money, clothes and much more than can be put in words.

Angela Mason

Dear Editor,

According to a Town Hall Meeting notice published last week, all questions would be answered about our school's financial crisis. Well a lot of questions weren't answered. First I will say, I think bad decisions have been made along with bad management of our school's budget.

Mr. Winn, school superintendent, stated in an article Feb. 26, 2009, that a public meeting would be held to discuss the future bond passage. He also said information would be published in the media and information mailed directly to district residents as well as appointing a bond committee to help get the message out. When will this information be mailed? Has this committee been appointed? Who are they? How much would this bond be made for? To the penny!! Is this bond a straight line bond? Only to pay for the cafeteria? If the bond passed, would the $58,000 be used for academics, not sports?

Is Mr. Winn, our superintendent, going to honor his present contract next year?

What are the results of our schools' taks test? My understanding was the state froze the taks test rating for the last 2 years. Is this correct? What are the results of our last rating?

Since our school budget, according to board president, Barry Fikes, has been trimmed by approximately $181,000 with a few more anticipated cuts to the present cuts for next year. Why isn't the monies cut sufficient to pay the cafeteria debt for the next 3 years? Why aren't government and state grants being applied for?

Are all of our teachers credible to teach the positions they do?

In the public meeting last week, April 9, 2009, board president, Barry Fikes, made the comment to Mr. Alston, the extra monies would go to build a swimming pool in the backyard of the Baptist parsonage.

Is this right?? Or was this comment made in spite??

I think a lot more needs to be made public so the citizens can decide how to vote. I vote NO.

Delma Smith - Richland Springs