The United States has become a world leader on so many fronts over its nearly 228-year history because of the creativity and vitality of its thinkers and doers, including immigrants speaking many languages and bringing diverse cultures. How did those new citizens become energetic problem solvers achieving the know-how and ability to take on their new tasks? Public education, a jewel in the crown of democracy.

Today, our nation has another influx of immigrants who have the same need as their predecessors to become educated and gain the skills that will help them succeed and contribute to their country.

But in recent years, I have become increasingly concerned about the future of public educational institutions. One of the symptomatic arenas for my worry is public funding, which dwindles more each year. For the educational institutions in California, the funding is coupled with an especially vigorous growth in the student population who need excellent teaching and support and who deserve safe facilities to carry on their learning.

In regard to the latter, Proposition 55 -- the second part of a kindergarten-through-higher education facilities bond act -- provides funding to fix rundown buildings, classrooms and other facilities. I am asking the community to study the measure carefully.

The library at California State University, Dominguez Hills, is slated for bond funding. The library not only serves the university's growing student population but also serves the surrounding south Los Angeles communities' public schools, extending borrowing privileges to students participating in the Los Angeles Unified School District's Gifted and Talented Students Program at Banning, Carson and South Gate high schools. Actually, anyone in the community, retired folks, parents and children, are welcome to the library, to study, do research or just enjoy the books, periodicals and other services.

It is painful to consider cutting programs we know are good for students. To survive, we place our trust in the future and the good will and commitment of people who realize an excellent education for our children is important to all of our futures. If the economy of California is to flourish, an excellent, well-funded public education system must be in place.

As we work to solve these problems, we must do all we can to protect, maintain and improve school and university facilities.

-- JAMES E. LYONS SR.

President, California State University Dominguez Hills Carson