2-21-68

Dear Mr. Christian-

Surely there must be a solution by which both sides can come to a working agreement in this school problem. When our politicians are campaigning for election, they assure us they are well-qualified to serve and to improve the office they desire.

We have recently returned to our own home in Ft. Myers from Montgomery Co., Md., after 1 1/2 years. My 6th grader made the unsolicited comment, " Mom, Allen Park sure doesn't have the equipment we had at Pleasant View" (and we have always known A.P. Elementary is one of the best in personnel and equipment in Lee County) 

I was also reminded that there are school fees required here we had no need to pay in Md.

Apparently, our teachers in Fla. have real grievances I used to term "exaggerations", before living up north for a while.

We [realize] Maryland has the obvious advantage of many, many years' experiences

in meeting the needs of people in every age level (and conditions there are not perfect) However, we - as homeowners - want to see Florida grow population-wise, with young families as well as retirees.

You are qualified for your office. Please do something.

Sincerely -

Mrs. Jack Carlson

1450 Ricardo Ave

Ft. Myers, Fla 33901

P.S. I am convinced that having the ability to be a good, honest man in public office is a gift from God just as surely as a minister receives his "calling" from God. 

It stands to reason then you people need to humbly pray daily for proper direction in the serious decisions you must make, even as King Solomon in Old Testament days ( I Kings 3:12 - "And God said unto him ... I have given you a wise and understanding heart.")

It is also the duty of the people to pray for their leaders.

"In God we trust"

February 23, 1968

Mrs. Jack Carlson

1450 Ricardo Avenue

Fort Myers, Florida 33901

Dear Mrs. Carlson:

I wish to acknowledge your letter of February 21. I am just as concerned as you are over our present teacher walk-out, and we are doing everything we know to attempt to solve the problem. Interestingly enough, at the time your letter hit my desk, there was a reporter from Montgomery County in my office, advising me of the strike they had in Montgomery County three weeks ago to get salaries raised by $500. He told me their average salary there was $9,000, which will be well above our expected salary of $8,000 for 1968-69.

I am familiar with the operation of the schools in Montgomery County since one of my assistants was Superintendent there for many years, and I know of the fine program they have. I also know of the tremendous amount of wealth in this county compared to Lee County, and it would take some time to get the personnel and equipment in Lee County up to that which you are accustomed to in Montgomery County.

Also, I wanted to tell you that this package program adopted and approved by this session of the Legislature will help us to move toward these goals. I know it is difficult for children and parents to try to go to school under such circumstances, but we hope you will be patient and we are working constantly toward a solution to the problem.

Sincerely,

Floyd T. Christian

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