LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Common Core needs attention

11/16/2013

In response to Marilou Johanek’s Nov. 2 op-ed column, “New group befriends beleaguered public education”: I am listening to the latest in education, just as Ms. Johanek says she is.

I am a long-time volunteer in my local public school, Whiteford Elementary. My concern is with the controversial federally backed Common Core educational standards that have been rolled out in 45 states, including Ohio. The problem with Common Core is the thought that centralizing a one-size-fits-all education will improve learning.

Government should never have such power. The current Common Core standards must be reviewed by teachers and parents, and rewritten by well-trained teachers who understand creativity, academic freedom, teacher autonomy, and the power of a free and unfettered mind.

Parents and teachers should be informed about Common Core.

TOM RUPLI

Ottawa Lake, Mich.

 

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Columnist fails to see big picture

The message that Thomas Friedman presents — correctly so — in his Oct. 18 op-ed column, “Too bad, kids: We ate it all,” is that our present generation is living far beyond its means, and does not seem at all concerned about the next generation having to foot the bill.

However, amid all this anguish and concern, he seems not to have a clue as to how we arrived at this mind-set. Could it be that his ultra-liberal philosophy masked as journalism is part of the problem?

EDWIN DURIVAGE

River Road

 

Water main break points to problem

The recent water main break in the village of Fayette should suggest a need to rethink the status quo (“Warning issued on Fayette water,” Oct. 30). Change, including more competition with how the area’s water systems are managed, must be put into place now to prevent taxpayers and ratepayers from paying exorbitant utility bills and huge liabilities in the future.

A recent study by the National Taxpayers Union found that nearly a half-trillion dollars in government expenditures could be saved over the next 40 years through the adoption of open procurement for pipe materials and better asset management.

Public officials in Fayette and in communities across the nation should strive for water policies that deliver the highest possible level of accountability to taxpayers and ratepayers.

PETE SEPP

Executive Vice President

National Taxpayers Union

Alexandria, Va.

 

Toledo police rightly kept color

It would have been a mistake for the Toledo Police Department to change the color of its uniform shirts. (“Switch to dark blue shirts for patrolmen canceled,” Oct. 16).

I agree with the Toledo Fire Department. How would there be a distinguishable difference between police officers and firefighters?

My father was a Toledo police officer for 28 years. He passed away in 1999. To this day, when I see that light blue Toledo police shirt, I think of my dad.

What a beautiful way to honor my father and all the other Toledo police officers by keeping that same color uniform. Why change something that has worked for years?

TRICIA HINES

Oak Grove Place