Wednesday, October 28, 2009

There are better uses for $60 million


Jay Coleman lives in Bellevue.

By JAY COLEMAN

Two weeks ago while driving north through Bellevue at 7 a.m., I was 15 feet from a crosswalk when out of the dark appeared a child on a bicycle to my left at 11:30 (directional). The young person had no reflective devices on their person or bicycle.

After the shock of the near miss had subsided, I began to reflect on what measures could have prevented this near tragedy. What came to mind were the few pedestrian safety devices currently installed at busy crosswalks. I asked myself why hadn't all busy crosswalks been upgraded with these devices? We lack the funds was the only answer.

Then I thought of the upcoming school bond levy and the $60 million fund it would create. Would we not be willing to spend a third or less of these monies to safeguard our school children along our busy streets and highway, to say nothing about locals and visitors?

Do I want the school system to have an adequate rainy day fund to meet emergencies and must-haves; of course. Should we, like the greyhound at the track, be slaves to the rabbit of high-tech—always chasing (spending) but never catching? Would we be better off spending lavishly on retaining and attracting the most knowledgeable and inspirational teachers money could buy? How in the name of education is it wise to provide salary to administrators who would cow-tow to narrow minded, hysterical political interests fearful of a message of hope and encouragement by a man who rose from little via hard work and a quality education to become president of the United States?

There is a great deal this community could do with $60 million, public safety being one and quite possibly sacrificing some material benefits for the highest quality, forward thinking human input. I want our children safe and their minds opened to the gift of human awareness.

I'm unconvinced that this can only be achieved under a $60 million roof.




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