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In response to “Spending probe spreads at DSS” (June 28) and “Financial debacle at DSS cries for changes” (June 28 Editorial):
DSS director Wilson shows poor judgment and should resign
DSS Director Mary Wilson has shown an incredible amount of poor judgment in a short time on the job – the amount of money spent on office renovations, staff trips to Hawaii for continuing education, funds spent on the staff Christmas event and improper tuition reimbursements, to name a few.
Suggestions for addressing the problem should include Wilson resigning, County Manager Harry Jones retiring and Samara Foxx leaving DSS to become mayoral candidate Anthony Foxx's campaign manager (no interview required).
Gene Curtis
Charlotte
In response to “Charlotte Symphony in dangerous spot” (June 28 Carolina Living):
City like Charlotte has no cultural heart without CSO
I'm amazed the Arts & Science Council has cut the funds it allocated to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra by 54 percent. Cuts to other groups were almost all under 30 percent.
A city the size of Charlotte has no cultural heart if it has no symphony.
Just what door should the symphony knock on at a time when corporate and foundation giving is shrinking? You can only charge so much for a seat before no one shows up.
Shame on you, ASC. I'll give directly to the symphony in the future.
Anita Skogland
Charlotte
In response to “Will N.C. be denied funds over charters?” (June 29):
N.C. undercuts federal support meant to enhance education
Charter schools can be very good options for North Carolina.
Now that U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is proposing additional stimulus money to some states if they adjust their cap on charter schools, I thought North Carolina could be a beneficiary.
Then, I remembered an article in Sunday's “The Source” that said even though Mecklenburg received $35.8 million in stabilization money from the federal stimulus package, the schools would actually see no additional funds since the state will “cut more than $36 million from the money it sends to CMS … .”
I felt betrayed by North Carolina's sleight of hand.
What an undercut of President Obama's well-intended support for education.
Loretta Wertheimer
Davidson
In response to “White firefighters win court appeal” (June 30):
Bigger question is why did minorities fail promotion test?
The Associated Press article in the Observer describes the Supreme Court decision as a “ruling against minorities” when it is no such thing. It is simply a ruling that upholds basic principles of fairness and equality.
Without question, there are many thousands of minorities capable of passing the test for promotion in the fire department.
The bigger question is why were none of them taking this test, and if they did, why did they score so poorly?
Bill Grandy
Charlotte
In response to “CMS relents in special ed case” (June 29):
Hawkins triumph not likely to benefit other CMS families
Thank you, Charlotte Observer and Ann Doss Helms for bringing the Hawkins family's story to light. As a long-time advocate for children with Down syndrome, I have heard hundreds of similar stories.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools does many things right, but special education has always been a subject they've failed.
There are individual principals who work hard to provide special needs children the services and resources they need, but there are far too few of them.
Unfortunately, I find it highly unlikely the Hawkinses' triumph will benefit other CMS children.
CMS has mastered the art of beating down weary parents who are simply fighting to get their children the services and education they are due by law.
Sherri Rea
Charlotte
Make licensing naturopaths part of health care reform
The writer is a naturopathic physician.
Amid the many differences of opinion on health care reform, we all agree on one thing: Americans lack access to primary care.
We have not taken full advantage of our supply of primary care providers. Naturopathic physicians are trained to provide primary care, and licensed to do so in other states, but not in North Carolina.
All states should license these doctoral graduates, and health plans should recognize and reimburse their services.
Naturopathic physicians specialize in prevention. Wouldn't that be a valuable addition to the team?
Amy Naylor
Statesville
In response to “Discounter continuing its growth spurt in N.C.” (June 24):
State's largest employer helped destroy N.C.'s textile industry
How ironic that the same company that has been largely responsible for destroying the textile/apparel industry by importing cheaply made goods now is the largest private employer in North Carolina, which was once the largest textile-producing state in the country.
We as consumers must learn to connect the dots between the products we buy and the jobs they support.
Wal-Mart has been, and continues to be, a destroyer of jobs and small towns, no matter how it tries to reinvent itself.
Winston Richards
Charlotte
