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Show 2 THE GREEN SHEET Thursday, November 12, 1987 State Board's Plan Could Push More Good Teachers Out EdivorioT The Utah State Board of Education's plan to seek the Legislature's permission for a reduction of existing teacher contracts if there is a budget crises borders on the ridiculous. Why should teachers bear the brunt of a shortfall any more than other state employees, many with jobs that are much less crucial? The proposal would not only rob teachers of days the state has contracted to pay them for, it will rob students of part of their education, not to mention what it will do to teacher morale. We find it kind of strange that such a proposal would come from the State Board of Education. For many years that body has stressed that a minimum number of days in the classroom (175) is sacred. Now suddenly its members are proposing that they can be cut if there's a shortfall. In other words, let's break a contract signed in good faith. Are they forgetting that teachers are people, with families depending on their income? This proposal comes in a year when the state actually had a significant surplus. We didn't see anyone clamouring to give the teachers and other state employees a Lowers Although voters in Murray turned down a proposed bond for libary expansion, that does not mean that needed improvements in the system should be scuttled. We believe the vote was a mandate against going into debt. We firmly believe that bonding should be reserved only for needs that are essential and immediate. We think that was the message voters were sending. We do not view it as a vote against maintaining the city library system or as a negative reflection on anyone involved with it. The City Council has within its power tne ability to make certain things happen for the Murray Library System, including the move to the City Hall site, should that be deemed desirable. Probably those actions should have been taken instead of a bond election, but that's hindsight. What is needed now is some foresight and a healthy dose of insight. There are several options councilmen must take a close look at. First, they have to determine the tone of the vote - was it against bonding or was it for status quo? We think it was the opposi bonus. It's an acknowledged fact that we are unable to pay most teachers what they are worth. We saddle them with the nation's largest class loads and force them to deal with more and more problems foisted upon the schools by a society that is unable or un- willing to deal responsibly with its young. When there's a problem, we're quick to point a finger, but we rarely acknowledge what a fine job is being done under trying circumstances. We've already lost some of our best teachers to industry. To continually batter the egos of these college-educatepublic servants is to take a chance multi-talente- d on losing many more. To ask them to bear the brunt of a financial crunch not of their making is going too far. there must be cuts in education there are better options. We'd like to see the State Board of Education promote those rather than taking what looks like an easy, and unfortunately, popular way out. If tion to paying interest on bonds that was repugnant to the majority of those who voted. If the council agrees with this sentiment, the city can move ahead with one of several scenarios. The Library Board can apply for Block Grant Community Development monies to be added to what is already available and what could be raised if the decision is made to sell the existing Vine Street facility. With those monies the City Hall site could be remodeled and operating costs would be significantly lower than at the Vine Street facility. There would also be money; left to expand the 6100 South facility, according tdone well informed city source, " The council could also test the waters of a) slight tax increase while still maintaining the "pay as you go" route for expansion. Modular expansion of City Hall could be accomplished through such a means. The city should also look at other available existing buildings which might be available for development with existing funds, especially in the Redevelopment , I had sort of planned to let 1987 go by without awarding the infamous insult. But alas and alack, I can't do it. We think Murrayites want their library system to be more than reading rooms. Through their vote last week they are asking for restraint and common sense to be exercised. Murray has a track record for doing just that. tion without, using the forbidden word or mentioning the sex act. For about the last 10 years I have annually given the needle to someone or something that I perceived a: being kind of ludicrous. With editorials to write and the availability of our Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down feature, I thought my needle might be kind of dull this year, but it got sharp in a hurry. So here it is - a little music if you puleaze - The 1987 Bartmess Barb goes to none other than Alpine School District. And if I do say so myself, it is most deserving. Perhaps you saw the banner story in one of the Salt Lake daily newspapers about how a teacher at Oi em high had been forced to cancel a lecture on AIDS by one of Utah's C parents want to hear. Utah's in- credibly high teen pregnancy rate seems to indicate that somebody is failing some place. , In an ideal society, I suppose every youngster would receive a healthy dose of sex education in the home. No (me seems to realize that those kids could probably leach us all something about sex. Most can these days. But they don't. This isn't an ideal single-handed- teachers. tikesGartwright Column Dear Mr. Cartwright : Your column is really good. I'm glad it's in the paper cause I love reading about the movies. Mostly I like stuff and mostly I like knowing the Can you find out Mel Gibson. about knowing anything about what movie he is working in currently? Any and all reports on his whereabouts and work in progress will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for any "scoops!" behind-the-scen- Donna Welle Thanks Supporters Dear Editor: I wish to thank all of my friends who campaigned for and supported me the past four years. Being a public servant isn't always pleasant. It carries many heavy responsibilities and many tough decisions to make. It would help if the press was more accurate in reporting. However, it is a very educational and exciting experience, and I deem it an honor to have had the opportunity to represent the constituents of District 2 and all of the citizens in this beautiful city of Sandy. I feel that I have gained much more than I lost. I heartily encourage all freedom loving people to become involved in the political process of this great republic. It is an excellent way to "lose yourself" in the service of others. Sincerely, Fonda Fairbanks Sandy City Council , ly Janet Thorpe Murray Wants Some Action Dear Editor: The attached letter was sent to Steve Newton, Mayor of Sandy City. To this date, I have not received an answer or phone call to discuss my concerns. I feel the issues that I have brought to his attention should be looked into for the residents of Sandy. I do feel at this time I am being ignored by the Mayor. Maybe the printing of my letter in your paper, would cause some action for a response. Dear Mayor Newton: . I was told by Neil Stack of the County Roads Department that Sandy city was responsible for the building, maintaining and repairing of 1300 East in Sandy. As a resident of Sandy, I am concerned about the condition and maintenance of 1300 East. There has been so much patchwork, shoddy resurfacing and general maintenance problems that at times I am con--. cerned for my personal welfare driving this street. Crossing the intersections at 9400 South and 10600 South going north or south on 1300 East at the posted speed almost makes your car airborne. I am amazed that your city road department would allow such road hazards to be completed in Sandy. I also wish to express concern for the new part of 1300 East just recently opened for use between 11200 South and 11400 South. If you were to drive the posted speed south on 1300 East as you cross the old and new part of the road, there is a major up and down effect that again almost makes your car airborne. Whoever allowed and accepted this project as complete should be made to drive this section until he or she personally smoothes this road obstacle to a safe level. I think you know, Mayor Newton, that in the past I have fully supported Sandy City and its elected officials. I am very concerned that for the total tax dollars I spend in this community, road repair, maintenance and building are sorely neglected. You cannot go very far in our community without seeing patchwork where seams are either lower or higher and the work done makes for very rough travel. For what it is worth to you, I find our community is long overdue for a complete road resurfacing of all major roads we are responsible for. I just do not feel our tax dollars and regulation of road projects are fully used to help our community image. I have had more than one family remark to me how poor the roads are in Sandy. I would be more than happy to drive through Sandy and show you other concerns of road repair and maintenance going on in our community. I appreciate your time in regards to my concerns. Cordially, Walter Shanks, Jr. Appreciates Support To The Editor: want to express my sincere appreciation to the good citizens of Sandy who recently took the time to vote and support me in the District 2 City Council race. Sandy is a great place to live and raise a family. My family and I are happy to be a part of this community. I will do my best to represent all of the citizens of District 2. Again, my heartfelt thanks for your support and vote of confidence. Sincerely, Dennis Tenny I Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down - THUMBS UP To the Kearns high football team and pep squad for taking a cake to the Cottonwood team to wish the Colts good luck in the state playoffs. The Cougars proved that good sportsmanship isn't dead. because any discussion of the sex act or use of the word condom could cause the teacher and the school principal to be fired, according to district policy. You're probably I'm making this up. thinking Well I'm not. There's more. Planned Parenthood's posters proclaiming, If your girlfriend gets pregnant, so do you are to be removed from all schools in Alpine District. Officials said they are "too explicit" and "too demeaning." 1 self-estee- m V 1 -- foremost experts ' non-vote- rs area. district policy and the speaker was pretty sure she wouldn't be able to impart much meaningful informa- "" Dear Editor: front-pag- e article about the interest I read with your latest solution to shortfalls in funding in Utah. I which read, "Will especially appreciated the headline Crunch?" Financial State Teachers Bear I have been asking myself that question since I first heard of the proposal by the State School Board to solve the financial woes of education by putting the burden on teachers. Teachers are striving to maintain a build the positive attitude, keep test scores high, of each student and help to solve society's problems through education. They are already dealing with the problems that insufficient funding have caused as they face larger and larger classes with fewer supplies and textbooks. Must they also solve the financial problems of our society? Whatever happened to fair taxation and equal payment by all for public responsibilities? If teachers are forced to "donate" a day or two or more of their salaries to bail out the state, does that not translate to unfair taxation? I sincerely hope that the State School Board and the Legislature will listen to the voices of reason who have spoken out in defense of teachers. The responsibility should be to seek permanent solutions to education funding problems in Utah rather than looking for a "quick fix" by cutting education for students and salaries for re-ru- Alpine School District Is Winner Of Bartmess Barb The Bartmess Barb is back! Dear Editor: On Nov. 3, 1987, the echoing sound of apathy reared its uncaring head throughout the state, with every city and township registering many sightings. After the ballots were cast and tallied, voter apathy was as high as 80 percent in most areas, indicating massive by those belonging to the Apathetic Party. A reporter was dispatched to the scene of the statewide convention of apathetic voters. The crowd was underwhelming, with some members complaining on television. they were missing their favorite n Most conventioneers, however, simply believed their one vote wouldn't count. It was sad, but equally true, that their one vote didn't count, for they didn't cast a vote one way or the other. They left the decisions for the outcome up to the vocal minority. A muffled wailing was heard coming from the Veteran's Hospital as well as from the cemetaries by those who'd served their country well. They were crying out in despair that their personal sacrifices of life and limb were for naught. What is the price of freedom? At one time it was priceless, but over the years, the price has been greatly deflated. What a price was paid by others for our right to vote when so few even showed up! How worthless is our freedom to vote? One truly wonders. Another mournful cry came from the graves of the founders of our great nation. Their grief also showed their great displeasure in our apathy toward a freedom millions in the world are fighting to have, let alone even use. Do we need to lose our freedoms before we appreciate them? Before Nov. 3rd, political candidates had been to the doors of thousands of people, talking about the problems and their solutions to them. Oddly enough, this time the only hollow promises issued were from those belonging to the Apathetic Party - not from the candidates. The people smiled apathetically, assuring the candidates of their commitment to vote, all the while knowing they had no intention of becoming involved. Some of them even cursed at having to take written information from the door knob in order to throw it in the trash. And who can blame them? After all, it takes time to read how candidates feel about issues, and who has the time anymore to care? Is life so full of wonderlessness that they don't bother to become involved? In light of our present dismay over too many taxes, I propose that an apathy tax be applied to all those too busy to register, and too unconcerned to vote. Looking at the rate of in the' country, we should have the national debt paid off in about five years. Those who choose to become involved would be free from this burden of taxation. Let's all pull together to rid this great nation, and our state, of this monster "apathy" once and for all. Or is it too late for anyone to care? GeneRosvall Murray . Bond Failure Need Not Doom Murray Library System Editorial Asking Same Question Sounds Of Apathy thought they were rather Myself, effective. Oh well. The lecture on AIDS was to have been attended by about 140 high school seniors who had parental permission. Attendance was optional. Evidently parents wanted their kids to know a little more about this deadly disease that many Utah agencies have refused to admit could be a serious problem. The teacher and principal didn't really want to put their jobs on the line by violating the J I'm pretty sure I couldn't survive in Utah County. I know I could not edit a newspaper there. I'd be in hot water constantly. Believe it or not, I don't really like hot water - except for Craig's hot tub and my morning shower. But I know I couldn't sit quietly by and let attitudes like those of Alpine School District go unchallenged. I find it unthinkable that kids can graduate from high school without exposure' from some knowledgeable experts on AIDS, sex and related topics. It would seem that the basic premise is that if you don't talk about it, the kids won't get any ideas. Believe me, they have ideas and not all of them are things their I r world. That's another duty we've shuffled to the schools, so for heaven's sake, let's not tie their hands. I think most Utah school and health officials are sensitive to the mores of the majority of our society. I see no reason to have a ridiculous rule such as that in Alpine that makes it impossible to impart knowledge that just might save lives. Our kids have enough street knowledge about sex. Isn't it about time they were equipped to handle the challenges they are facing, armed with some expert instruction? I could go on, but you get the picture. Congratulations Alpine. You win the Barb this year. Hands down. THUMBS UP To the Granger high Excaliburs for a fine performance at Rice Stadium Thursday. Their drill was imaginative, exciting and - THUMBS DOWN To Sen. Orrin Hatch for his carryings on about the in 1 le matter-Hsupports the White House on everything else Why not this? The man was not a young soldier or a college student when he used an illegal drug, he was a law professor at the nation's top school. Reaean had no choice. e THUMBS DOWN - To those who raze buildings without salvaging usable items. If they don't want them, how about donating them to the needy? It beats waste. |