Speak Out A 09/08/02

Two examples

THE UNIVERSITY has budget problems and will cut jobs and salaries to balance the books. Cape Girardeau has budget problems and gives increased raises to employees. It is obvious if both were businesses one would survive to later prosper and one would be nearly bankrupt and asking the voters to bail it out.

A better riverfront

A SPEAK Out comment asks what's wrong with the Riverfront Park. Everything. It's a giant slab of concrete surrounded by a concrete wall with a mural on it. Look at the riverfront parks in towns like St. Louis, Quincy and Alton in Illinois or Fort Madison, Iowa. Not only do they have grass, but they have places for picnics, playgrounds or fountains. Aesthetics attract people. Not broken concrete and park benches.

Tax-exempt status

IF IT is really true that the Missouri State Teachers Association endorses, campaigns for and contributes to candidates for public office, then I call for an immediate and thorough investigation of the organization. It was always my understanding that MSTA was prohibited from such political activity if it wanted to maintain its tax-exempt status. What in the world is going on?

Best teachers

JUST BECAUSE area schools aren't reporting the lack of fully certified staff doesn't mean it doesn't exist. For public-relations reasons, many school administrators don't want it known that astronomical numbers of teachers are not fully certified. Acting in panic, many schools have virtually pulled people off the streets and placed them in classrooms. They shouldn't worry. Having not been tainted by counterproductive college classes in education, these off-the-streets types generally turn out to be the best teachers.

Notre Dame stoplight

MODOT COULD take a great leap forward in making amends with significant numbers of area residents by installing a traffic light at the very dangerous intersection of Route K and Notre Dame Drive. MoDOT must surely realize the serious possibility that their failure to take such steps will likely lead to a terrible tragedy.