Graduation parking tickets an unpleasant surprise
I just got home from my daughter’s eighth-grade graduation at Erwin Middle School. Like many others, I parked at East Rowan High School. I parked in the same exact spot I parked for the Broadway Show, the same place I and many others have parked for East and Erwin sporting events. As we came out of Erwin, I noticed several cars parked at East with warning parking tickets on them; mine was one of them. I could not believe it, so I took the ticket to question the East deputy about it.
As I was waiting for him, an administrator came out also. They asked what the problem was. I said it was the warning parking ticket. They told me I was not parked in a designated parking spot, and there was plenty of parking available behind the school at the football stadium.
I was in no way blocking traffic. No one was blocking anyone in. We were not parked in the grass. I was in no way trying to get by with parking somewhere I was not supposed to park. I pointed out that I, like many others, park in these same areas for East and Erwin sporting events and also the Broadway Show, and I asked why warning tickets were not given out then. I was told by the deputy and administrator that they would not enforce parking for other events, just the eighth-grade graduation. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. They let people park anywhere for money-making events, but to welcome parents and students to East, they will give warning parking tickets out once a year.
ó Melissa Phillips
Salisbury
Take wage issue off table
The November election is just around the corner. One issue which seems to come up on our state and national level is the need to raise minimum wages. May I offer my opinion on why we need to avoid voting for candidates running on the platform of raising this rate?
First of all, it is not government’s business to set salary amounts for private business.
Second, studies have shown that as the forced minimum wage is raised, the drive for further education is lower; why excel when your salary is guaranteed!
Third, when the forced minimum wage is raised, businesses naturally raise the price of their products to compensate. Minimum wage, then, becomes a tax on the consumer.
Fourth, studies have shown that the high school dropout rate may increase as young people are guaranteed a certain income level ó again, the drive to excel is diminished.
Finally, if we want to increase the unemployment rate, let’s continue to increase the minimum wage. Many businesses will simply lay off employees rather than raise their prices in order to stay competitive.
My question is this: Why in the world can’t more of our “qualified” candidates understand these basic consequences of raising the minimum wage? Let the truly qualified candidates use their voices to oppose such.
ó Sid Stewart
Trinity