City Councilman Patrick Dowd implies that tax revenue from the development of the Reizenstein property is somehow speculative ("Schenley Proposal Called 'Irresponsible,' " June 13), but with numerous developers vying for this property there is no real doubt that the school district would be able to sell and collect taxes from this property.

And, the fact that there may be debt to retire does not change the fact that under Councilman Bill Peduto's plan, the Schenley High School building could be retained with no new debt. The district is proposing many other costly renovations and those expenditures also could be used instead to retire debt.

Valid and innovative ideas for the school district may come from many sources both within and independent of district offices.

ANNETTE WERNER
Shadyside

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I am writing in response to the Schenley school article "Schenley's Fate May be Up to Voters" (June 19). I would like to express my displeasure at the fact that City Council is getting involved in this debate. This is the business of the school board, and only the school board should make this decision.

The issue should not be put on the ballot and it certainly should not be debated in City Council. Nor should City Council have provided a forum for this ever-continuing discussion.

The fact remains that the Pittsburgh school district does not have the funds necessary to renovate this building. I cannot believe that it would even consider taking an $80 million loan to save a building.

It is only a building, but it seems that some people are willing to let it drain the meager resources that the school district has. Why not spend this money where it matters -- in giving all the students of Pittsburgh a better education?

DEBRA P. LEWIS
Brookline

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It is disturbing to learn that plans to make Schenley High School defunct are moving forward. It would seem its intrinsic value would be enough to investigate and explore the other suggested ways to come up with the dollars necessary to save this educational gem.

According to Vivian Loftness, university professor of architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, Schenley High School is a green building ahead of its time (June 15, The Next Page).

Since 1916 Schenley High School has been a beacon of hope for students and their families. Students came from the many diverse cultures and neighborhoods represented in the city and formed a bond -- they became Schenleyites! Today Schenley continues to draw students from all walks of life. These young people come together to learn in a safe, neutral zone that is unlike any other in the city of Pittsburgh. In light of the violence that plagues other areas, Schenley High School is situated in a safe and culturally rich environment.

It's our hope that the school board brings reason into its final vote and restores Schenley High School. Our youth deserve an environment that is conducive to learning. Many of Schenley's alumni have not forgotten the motto "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve" and have gone on to make a positive impact in the areas of education, arts, business and sports. Let's continue the tradition of excellence at Schenley High School. Alma mater, God preserve thee, dear Schenley High!

PATRICIA (CHAPMAN) PICKETT and JON G. MATTHEWS
Monroeville

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I had a secret crush on NBC's Tim Russert. I guess now it is not a secret. Jokingly, I used to tell my husband: "That's your competition, buddy."

My infatuation started after graduating college. In the early '90s I would tape "Meet the Press" on my VCR. I would come home from church and watch Mr. Russert interview the power people of Washington. I did not know much about politics but felt if I watched I could learn and have an intelligent conversation about what was going on with this country. I liked how Tim Russert educated me. He seemed like a good guy, a decent guy, a smart guy. He had a great smile and seemed that he was so passionate about everything. I like those kind of people. I am attracted to those kind of people.

He had humble beginnings, but never forgot where he came from. He was proud: Proud of his father, Big Russ, the garbage collector, who instilled in him a work ethic, accountability, love of God and the ability to be humble no matter how successful and lucky he was. I guess I like Tim Russert because he was a model of what I strive to be: passionate about my spouse and my children, good to my folks and family who have given so much, loyal to friends, kind, a person of faith, fair, passionate about my vocation and the list goes on and on.

As I watched MSNBC and all the coverage about Tim Russert, I realized I am not the only one who had a secret crush on him. This year's presidential election will not be the same without Tim Russert. I wonder if in heaven he is interviewing God to get the inside scoop this coming November?

JULENE W. VIDIC
Cranberry

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The inauguration of our next president in January will be a very welcome event, but, unfortunately, will not be soon enough to undo the almost irreparable damage that eight years of George W. Bush and his administration have brought to our nation.

He has taken us from peace, prosperity and respect to a decimated war-weary military, a nearly bankrupt economy and an unbelievable tolerance for illegal immigration and foreign dictators while appointing a judiciary that will cripple us for decades to come. Perhaps his legacy will be that of "King George" instead of President Bush.

I have no envy for our next president, whomever that may be, because he will face the almost insurmountable task of righting all of the wrongs of whom I consider to be the worst and most incompetent president in American history.

BOB DATTILLO
Brookline

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As a long-time reader, I was greatly disappointed by your paper's complete lack of mention of the annual fund-raising ride from Pittsburgh to Lake Erie for multiple sclerosis. Instead, your front-page photograph on June 9 was of a YMCA fund-raiser that involved a mere 100 participants.

While I know that the YMCA is a worthy organization, the fact that more than 1,600 riders from all over Western Pennsylvania endured the heat of that weekend over two days to raise money for multiple sclerosis research certainly also deserved your coverage. Are you even aware that there was at least one very serious accident or that there were many heat-related medical incidents?

The number of volunteers, which was huge, and the sponsorship by such companies as Traco, FedEx, Dicks Sporting Goods and UPMC among many others makes this event a very large and important one, and I fail to understand why you did not even mention it.

TODD HENKELMANN
West Deer

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