[Winona Online Democracy]
I will jump into the discussion of rumors about the high school remodeling project, admitting at the outset that my father is the project architect (although I have very little personal knowledge of the details of this job), and that I am not a Winona resident and taxpayer.With those disqualifications, let me say that we haven't heard a definitive answer from the School Board or administration on what parts of the rumors are true or not. When don't know, the best thing is to ask for answers and clarification, and not jump to conclusions, let alone nasty comments, until we have them.Also, please don't dismiss out of hand the idea of "interior designers" or "cherry wood floors". I believe the intent of the comments was to cast the project as lavish and out of control. I can speak from decades of experience in public construction projects that often the cheapest upfront cost is not always the best in the long run. There are numerous examples of modest cost increases in design and materials that pay off huge dividends over the life of the project. An astute School Board and administration should insist on life-cycle cost savings, not immediate lowest cost construction. Often money spent on experienced professionals, like architects, engineers, interior designers, attorneys, management consultants, etc., can save lots of money and other headaches.And just because the school district is run on a slim budget does not mean we punish employees in a new space with the most spartan and lifeless surroundings imaginable. A good share of the district's budget is devoted to salaries, and here again the studies will show that we get more productivity from employees who are well-treated in comfortable, well-designed spaces than from the lowest cost furnishings.Of course we should be vigilant with our tax dollars, but let's look at the life cycle and not just at the initial project cost.- Phil Carlson, Mpls_______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
