School staff ó lost in space?
I found it somewhat humorous to read the article on the proposed school central office. Have school board members been watching the news the last few days? Our economy is headed for some tough times, but they did not seem to notice.
They state a “need” for 53,000 square feet for 155 employees. That works out to an average of 342 square feet per employee, which is a workspace of 18.5 by 18.5 feet. Even if that is reduced to a 12-by-12 workspace to account for hallways, restrooms and meeting rooms, you still have an average office space larger than the principal’s office in many of our local schools. Do all central office staffers really need a 12-by-12 office space? In the business world, many of us work in offices that have these things called cubicles.
I shopped in the old Winn-Dixie building when it was a grocery store. Why in the world would our school board and central office staff state a “need” to spend several million extra dollars to add onto and completely renovate a perfectly good building? We taxpayers cannot afford it at the present time.
ó Samuel Brown
Salisbury
Lyerly’s where she should be
Regarding the Sept. 27 article “Where’s Laura Lyerly?”
Maybe a better question would be, “Where’s our dignity and respect?”
I find it funny that anyone would be bothered by the presence of Ms. Lyerly.
After all, haven’t we done enough to assassinate this woman’s character? In our quest for blood, we have invaded her privacy and caused her pain.
I voted for Lyerly after hearing her speak in four public forums. I did not vote for Lyerly because she was perfect nor did I vote for her because of her past. I voted for Lyerly because I really believe she is a faithful public servant. Lyerly is a bridge-builder, and that’s what Rowan County needs. She is guilty of only one thing ó she’s a public servant, not a perfect servant.
Where is Laura Lyerly? Simply put, in the hearts and minds of loyal Democrats. I invite Democrats, independents and women to support her Nov. 4.
ó John Cowan
East Spencer
Help was there in time of need
In these days of people not wanting to get involved, I write this to thank a very selfless, courageous man who helped me in my time of need ó no questions asked.
This past Wednesday, I happened to notice a young lady being on the abusive end of an incident on Bank Street in Salisbury. This man continued to verbally abuse her as she tried to walk away. My parents would not approve of me if I had not stopped to help her.
Long story short, I had the young lady in my car, the man had her purse, and I was on the phone with 911. Along came my “hero,” who asked what had happened, and then ó with no regard for his own safety ó walked into a nearby business establishment where the other man had found his safety. My hero retrieved the young lady’s purse.
I did not get his name, my hero, but I noticed on his license plate the words “Fireman, Rescue Squad” etc. I knew he was special.
I hope he sees this, or maybe someone will tell him that I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
He gave me a confidence I needed to finish helping this young woman.
Thank you again.
ó Renee Walser
Salisbury
Mark calendars, Catawba fans
This coming Saturday is a big day at Catawba College. Carson-Newman comes to town for a big football game.
All fans need to turn out to cheer for the Indians.
Good luck to Coach Hester and his staff.
ó Ben Wood
Salisbury
School fight was no surprise
I was appalled but not surprised at the article about the fight at West Rowan Middle School. My son was involved in an incident there two years ago. Another student tripped him, then picked him up under his arms and shoved him into the gym lockers, which caused four horizontal abrasions replicating the locker vents.
My son tried to ignore him and squatted to continue opening his locker when the other student kicked him in a kidney. When my child stood up to confront the young man, the teacher walked in and sent them to the office, where both were suspended; my son for three days because he hadn’t ever been in trouble before and the other student a week since he had prior suspensions. Despite the fact there were witnesses, I was told it was school policy they both be punished, and I was lucky no charges were brought against my son.
I can empathize with this woman and pray she will get some kind of justice.
ó Lisa Bradford
Salisbury
What are these drivers thinking?
Twice this week in the early evening, or late afternoon, whichever you prefer to call the after 5 p.m. rush, I have witnessed in two different locations, cars driving around the railroad crossing guards when the lights were flashing. Perhaps there was no train; perhaps the train was stopped. Who cares? Are we so very busy and in such a hurry that breaking the law and even risking lives is the behavior of choice? Shame on us if that is true. End of life comes sooner than most of us wish. Why rush it?
ó Audrey W. Belk
Salisbury
Let’s put people above politics
After listening to all the presidential candidates bash one another in their advertisements, wouldn’t it be nice and more educational if the candidates told you more of what they stand for and what they will do if elected instead of bashing and finger pointing? It definitely would make me feel a lot better about my choice for president.
I am for change, but whether there is a Republican or Democrat in office, change means helping Americans keep their homes and jobs, just to name a couple of things off the top of my head. … And you can say my name is Frances Evans, and I approve this message.
ó Frances Evans
Southmont
Still waiting
for my bailout
It really makes me sick to my stomach. I wish someone was there all the times one of my projects fell apart, and I lost my behind.
There is hope! My student loans, which have had a continued effect on my credit, are guaranteed by our wonderful government!
Yes, they are guaranteed ó to screw up your credit and get you a letter from the IRS saying you’re not getting your desperately needed income tax refund. They even guarantee if you become disabled, they will take away any of your Social Security check above $750 a month.
Imagine that ó the government actually believes a person can live on $750 a month. And the worst is, if you apply for those desperately needed food stamps, they use the amount of the whole check to determine eligibility, not what you actually receive.
Now back to the bailout part. I have to wait three years before they discharge any of my loans, but at a cost. There is always a cost when it comes to the government, and it is always the little people who are getting screwed.
To get the loans completely wiped out, my annual income for the next three years must not exceed the poverty guideline for a family of two in my state of residence. The poverty guideline for a family of two in the state of North Carolina for 2007 was $13,690 and for 2008, a whopping $14,000.
Now, don’t you think it would only be fair to us all if the CEOs and fat pigs in Washington live below the poverty level for two people for the next three years? I would be willing to bet if that was a condition of the $700 billion bailout, they sure as heck would find another way to fix a system that is broken.
ó David A. Wilson
Kannapolis
Vulnerable citizens are
caught in the middle
When will we taxpayers be rescued? The $700 billion rescue plan for the ailing financial industry is bad. If I could obtain enough money to hire a lawyer, I would take up this cause, going all the way to the Supreme Court. But you see, I’m between a rock and a hard place. I’m somewhere between the lower and the middle class. I’m at the government’s mercy, and a lot of other people are, too.
Understand what these congressional leaders and the White House are doing, since they agreed to a $700 billion rescue of the ailing financial industry.
This leaves me to a question: Will this continue on, year after year? This is like robbing the baby from the cradle. Do you see the connection?
Will there be enough Social Security income for our younger generation when they retire? And the ones coming after them?
I’m being robbed, too. I must pay more for Medicare than I did in the past. The amount of Social Security that I receive each year is not keeping up with my cost-of-living raise.
Our most vulnerable citizens are being taken advantage of, the youngest and the elderly.
May God be with you.
ó Carolyn Osian
Salisbury