Letters to the Editor [Capital (Annapolis, MD)]

Shady Side

Rick Perry

Political candidate Rick Perry said, "This ain't a day for quitting nothing."

What is wrong with this grammar? Would we want a president to be known throughout the world for speaking "so eloquently"? I think (and hope) not. We would be the laughing stock.

How about rephrasing the sentence as, "This is not a day for quitting anything." He should try to remember the federal departments he wants to do away with before he goes on the air.

SALLY SCHUBERT

Annapolis

School board

Four years ago, the school board asked the county for $4.5 million to purchase a software system to handle payroll. The county denied the request, not once, but twice.

So, what did the bureaucrats who really run the school board do? They took the money out of the general fund that pays teacher salaries, buys textbooks and funds everyday operating costs, and went ahead and bought the software anyway.

Now, these officials, say the software doesn't work. The software company wants an opportunity to cure any problems. Sure sounds like this mess is heading toward an expensive contractual lawsuit that will costs taxpayers more money.

The problems with the school board are easy to fix. Currently, the chief operating officer and the school superintendent make all the crucial decisions. The school board members act as a rubber stamp. Why? Because the school board members are appointed and not elected by county voters in contested elections.

The majority of counties in Maryland have some form of election for their school boards. But, not in Anne Arundel. Here, our board doesn't have to worry about public opinion over shifting funds out of the general fund to buy millions of dollars of failed software, half a million to buy clocks (seriously, look it up), or a quarter of million to pay their top executive. That is because the board is not accountable.

It's past time for Anne Arundel to start electing it's school board members. Contact your local state representatives if you agree.

STEVE HOLCOMB

Gambrills

Dynamic duo

On Nov. 14, you published an article on two retiring paramedics who worked as a team in Anne Arundel County.

Words will never be able to sum up the gratitude that is felt for these men. I am sure my feelings are shared by many.

To go to work every day to expect the unexpected and to perform with perfection as a team is an amazing accomplishment. I am sure they have both worked Christmas, 4th of July, and family celebrations, and have done so willingly.

Public servants seldom get the recognition they deserve. In this case I hope they will realize how very much their work has been appreciated by letters like this one and a simple thank you.

LYNN EBERT

Annapolis