Published: October 13, 2009 12:04 pm      

Letters to the Editor 10-11-09

Dear Editor,

The recent announcement by AT&T to expand its 3G mobile broadband network in Ada is wonderful news for local residents and businesses. This investment will provide access to accelerated data speeds that open the door to a new era of mobile services.

From a business perspective, a modern wireless network will create jobs and fuel economic growth. Businesses need the best in wireless services these days. With the latest technology, Ada stands a better chance of attracting new businesses that are looking at expanding or relocating operations here.

The announcement is also a testament to the good work being done by our legislators who work hard back home and at the Capitol. They are the ones who set public policy and pass legislation that encourages companies like AT&T and others to invest in Oklahoma.

We owe a special thanks to State Senator Susan Paddack and State Representative Todd Thomsen for their leadership and work in this area. They have tackled some big issues head-on and passed legislation that affects and improves our lives. They have played a key role in creating an environment that encourages companies to do business in Oklahoma.

Good public policy makes good things happen. Well done.

Jeff Warmuth on behalf of Ada Area Chamber of Commerce



Dear Editor,

I read the editorial of Sept. 27 about “No Child Left Behind.” You could not have been more on-point. The previous administration (of George W. Bush), while very well intentioned, did not fund any of the mandated changes to the education system. The state and local districts were expected to make curriculum changes, raise test scores, lower the special-education numbers and meet many other very unrealistic expectations.

Legislation with no funding does not serve anyone. How are educators expected to comply with the state and federally mandated legislation when they are using outdated textbooks, have underpaid staff, teach in dilapidated facilities, have little or no parent support and deal with a host of other issues on a daily basis? Both Tulsa and Oklahoma City School Districts are looking at major layoffs for the 2010-2011 school year, and the prospects for the future are even dimmer.

The children suffer the consequences. They are forced to endure endless drills to prepare them for meaningless testing. Just because they pass a test does not mean that they are prepared for college or a job. They are less prepared than ever. Yet, there are some self-appointed “experts” who fault the teachers, who have never spent a day in a public-school classroom since they, themselves, were students decades ago.

Why have the trades been eliminated from our high schools? I am referring to classes like auto and wood shop. Qualified trades people are invaluable. Who is educating our plumbers and electricians?

Teachers are under more pressure than ever. Is it any wonder we read about so many of them “teaching to the tests” or even cheating? They fear for their jobs. Accountability is one thing, but when you are dealing with no funding, outdated materials and ancient technology, it’s foolish.

If you are in an affluent area, parent groups are responsible for raising funds to place Smart Boards in every room or provide top-of-the-line computers for the teachers as well as the students. Rural or lower income neighborhoods don’t have those advantages.

The teachers are underpaid and overworked. Summer vacation – ha! We all take classes, prepare for the upcoming year and work hard improving our classrooms. Every year, the average teacher must invest no less than $500 to $1,000 annually of his or her own money to do so. They provide basic supplies from pencils to books –– yes, books!

Technology is yet another issue. The schools are not keeping up with the world in this regard. They are usually dealing with outdated or failing computers. It takes just as much time to “learn it right” as it does to “learn it wrong.” Ever try to successfully be accepted into any university, or get a quality job, with knowledge of five-year-old software?

Goodness knows, taxes are too high for all of us. Yet, next time the state Legislature proudly decides to lower taxes, but somehow just can’t find enough funding for schools, educators and your children or grandchildren, we might all ask is this really what we voted for? Is that truly the “family values” platform they ran on?

Paula Anderson, MA

Ada



Dear Editor,

Ada Regional United Way, Inc. is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Crystal Darkness project that began with a statewide has continued over the past few months with monthly meetings. While no direct funding is provided by our local United Way, we are supporting the effort by keeping the members of the committee and all those interested aware of current activity.

Everyone in our community should be aware of the problem and everyone needs to get involved. A large group of community members attended a standing room only event in January, but it may not be known that a small group of concerned individuals has continued to meet monthly.

By becoming a part of the Crystal Darkness project in whatever way you can, you are investing in the support of prevention in our local community. A group of volunteers meets monthly with representation from a wide variety of organization and business. This group discusses the ongoing activities occurring in our community to combat the substance abuse that is currently occurring and how to prevent future abuse. Your help is needed; attend meetings, pass along information in your work place, talk to you children, grand children, etc.

Funding was recently awarded to allow marketing of the Crystal Darkness project. T-shirts will soon be available so that the project will be brought to our memories each time one is worn. A community meeting will be announced soon to update anyone interested as to what has been accomplished over the past few months and how to get involved. Funding has also been awarded to provide training to volunteers that will be in charge of leading youth/teens in discussion of substance abuse.

If you are interested in becoming involved in this project, please contact me at (580) 332-2313 x 223 or send an e-mail to Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org.

For additional information in regards to Ada Regional United Way, Inc., please visit www.adanitedway.org.

Latricia Bryant, Ada