Speakout: June 1, 2009

June 01, 2009 03:25 am

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DELAYS
Haven't seen your Speakout? There are a few possible reasons.

We won't publish Speakouts that are longer than 100 words or that we consider libelous or inappropriate, including personal attacks, merchant complaints that we can't verify and court matters.

Also, once a topic seems to have run its course, we will cut those for a time. The point has been made, and writers are always welcome to send a signed letter to the editor of no more than 300 words for publication on the Editorial page.

Lastly, if you haven't seen your Speakout yet, you might just need a little patience. It has proven hugely popular, and most days, we have hundreds of inches waiting to get in. News articles have priority, but we try to get in a little Speakout each day.

If you have any questions, call News Editor Lois Clermont at 565-4131.

Retire
Today, I voted on the city school budget, and as I did, couldn't help but think of the money in salaries and benefits to the staff. It appears that there are a number that need to retire. Salaries and benefits total nearly $750,000 for about seven teaching staff. They are past their usefulness, and it's time for new young ideas. Give the recently graduated teachers a chance to find employment, stay in the area, raise a family and pay back the loans. Forty years in education ... give it up.

Shifts
As an employee of DOCS, sometimes we find it necessary to swap shifts to avoid being mandated at the jail day after day. Is it okay for the jail to force you to work overtime day in and day out but not okay to swap a shift? If I work a double shift, then I can't get mandated at the jail.

Voting
First, the public needs to know how many people are registered to vote in each district. Please provide these numbers every time votes are cast. These important numbers give insight into the engagement or disengagement of voters. Second, voters need to be able to vote "no" for school board members. When I inquired how I would vote "no," I was told "I guess don't vote." As citizens and taxpayers, we have a right and a responsibility to cast our vote for or against a budget and/or a candidate. In addition, the option to "write in" was not available. I hope that the Press-Republican will publish complete and pertinent voting formation and will review all regional voting practices to ensure that voting laws are being upheld.

Trucks
I live on Kent Street/Soper Road in Keeseville. The large dump trucks constantly going by in both directions are very annoying. What is worse is that they are speeding by and I live where they are supposed to be going 30 mph. Not the 50 mph they are going. Slow Down! There are a lot of kids in this area!

Brighter
On 5/16/09, a group of Beekmantown Central High School students visited the CVPH Skilled Nursing Unit. Dressed in tuxedos and gowns, they handed out carnations and visited with the residents. You see, this day was also their junior prom day. In an already busy society in which we live, what a wonderful gesture these students made. Taking time out from one of the biggest days in their young lives, and on a rain-soaked afternoon brightening it for others. I sincerely hope that someday they may receive a kind act from someone that may make their rainy day a little brighter.

Kids
I cannot believe there are still people in the Willsboro School District that think it okay for the school to cut band. What are you thinking? Certainly not of the children involved in this program. I am a taxpayer in Essex and would gladly pay more taxes so the band would not be cut. I feel my grandchildren are more important. They love music and band. Now this is being taken away from them. Is it fair to do this from a child's point of view? Most definitely not. Please think about the kids for a change.