At a recent Dysart Unified School District board meeting, newly elected member Steve Skvara once again demonstrated his lack of concern for the very students and families he was elected to represent.

His “no” vote against the district’s resolution opposing the proposed BNSF intermodal hub was not just disappointing — it was telling.

Skvara’s first question was, “Who authored the resolution?” as if the author’s name, rather than the content or community impact, should determine his vote. That question alone revealed more about his priorities.

Earlier this year, the Nadaburg Unified School District and the city of Surprise both took strong positions opposing the BNSF project, citing increased traffic, road safety concerns and serious health risks from deteriorating air quality.

Dysart’s resolution mirrored these same concerns. The facts are clear: an intermodal hub in the proposed location would bring heavier truck traffic, increased pollution, and greater safety risks to thousands of children and families across the West Valley.

And yet, the new board members voted “no.”

Why? Why would anyone entrusted with the safety and well-being of students vote against a resolution designed to protect them? Was it personal politics? A grudge? Or simple indifference?

The community deserves answers. If these new board members are more interested in settling personal scores than standing up for the families they serve, perhaps it’s time for voters to ask the difficult question:

Is it time to recall them? The health and safety of our children should never be a political pawn.

The community must remain vigilant — because when elected officials forget who they work for, it’s up to the people to remind them.

Lisa Everett is the chair of the Arizona LD29 Republicans. Submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.