Ask people who drive
roads about problems
Gov. Jim Justice recently said “There’s lots of times in Charleston that they don’t understand the magnitude of the truck traffic … They’re never out in the boondocks.”
Given what has been reported during the recent brouhaha over roads, that is evident. However, West Virginia road issues have been prevalent since I began driving here over half a century ago. Pick a governor and Legislature, Republican or Democrat over that time.
None have coped well with road maintenance. And I don’t recall anyone ever asking us directly what the problems are.
If “Charleston” wants a better continuing handle on roads, state citizens are willing to point out problems. Here is one way the state Division of Highways offers to let them know: https://dotforms.wv.gov/cra/
I don’t recall how I found that online request several years back. I don’t recall seeing an advertising campaign asking folks to use it. Nor have I seen DOH advertising toll-free numbers to call about highway concerns.
In short, actually asking those who drive the roads for help identifying problems might be a useful first step in solving them.
Lew McDaniel
Morgantown
What are we going to do with today’s schools?
First and foremost, charter schools are not the answer. School improvement will not happen without a spirit of innovation. Blaming teacher unions has no basis. Many say it’s a shame some students cannot read when graduating from high school. That sounds unbelievable when one thinks about it.
It’s not low IQ because many elite are in that category. They know words and can identify them, but they don’t comprehend what they read. Now maybe one can understand what one may mean when associating high school students can’t read upon graduation.
Many elite educated conservatives publicly denounce socialism while collecting Social Security and Medicare. Where did they graduate from? Serious yes, satire a must. Having a little fun with what to do with our schools.
There is a paradox being floated in the media and the Legislature, that charter schools — which are permitted to operate without having to comply with the dizzying variety of restrictions that apply to public schools — are the answer.
Then one must assume that large consolidated schools have been the gorilla in the room. Consolidated schools are what failed the system. Charter schools are a return to smaller schools, smaller rooms like we had in the past. All of a sudden it’s like a new discovery. Let’s try small charter schools with the advantage of no rules.
How to solve underachievement in the classroom? Go to the union with no tenure the first 10 years. Teachers must produce results in education or walk. The tradeoff? Double their salaries.
Where to get the money? Have the governor and his cronies pay their taxes on time. Problem solved and the elite learn to read out of high school. In five years West Virginia will produce the best teachers and students in the country.
Steve Kopa
Weirton
Let’s take advantage
of Kawecki’s experience
I very much appreciated the letter from Walt and Kathie Labys (DP-April 20) in support of Bill Kawecki, which pointed out that among his many contributions as city council member and, most recently as mayor, he has understood the importance of healthy neighborhoods to a healthy and vibrant city.
As a past president of the Suncrest Neighborhood Association, I know how much it meant when the mayor came to our meetings, not only to report on city projects and actions but to listen seriously to constituents’ concerns.
In electing Bill Kawecki to Morgantown City Council we will not only recognize his dedicated past service but will take advantage of his skills and energy for our own sakes as citizens of Morgantown.
Judith Gold Stitzel
Morgantown
