THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996 TAG: 9607190018
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 33 lines
Regarding ``Granby High may face cutbacks on renovations'' (Metro-News, June 28): I am appalled that once again in a list of priorities for our city, our schools have taken last place. It certainly was no problem finding an extra $30 million to finish the mall after Nordstrom refused HUD's terms for hiring. Council was able to raise that money very quickly.
To cut back on the technology in this new school is ludicrous. Maybe those on council don't understand the necessity for future technological training or understand how to use a computer. As for cutting back on expenses such as landscaping and using less-expensive materials, I never saw a proposal to cut back on these expenses for the new mall to save taxpayers money.
The majority of our schools are in need of repair and serious renovations. As long as we have schools without computers, adequate numbers of textbooks, necessary supplies and air conditioning, how can we obligate taxpayer money for a new mall?
It is time our schools became a priority and education of our children placed first. Council needs to stop using School Board appointments as political pay-backs and start focusing on what is truly best for our children - and who will do the best job.
As for Councilman Randy Wright and his comment, ``You've got to sell me'' (referring to the additional money needed to complete what was already promised to Granby High for several years), I believe Mr. Wright is going to be the one having to do the selling come re-election time next May!
VALERIE GREGORY
Norfolk, June 28, 1996 by CNB