Trustees must listen to staff
Sir: This is an open letter to the LKDSB Trustees. I have been following your ARC process very carefully. This is so different than the previous ARC process, but it makes so much more sense.
First, staff are supposed to make a recommendation. The public (well some, at least) think that this is where the board has its mind already made up and they get mad thinking the board hasn't considered other options and they're rushing. However, if you understand the new ARC process, this makes sense. I hope I am right in thinking that the staff have weighed many options over a long period of time and are making a recommendation that makes sense to the ones who know the system best.
Second, the staff then seek input from the ARC and public in case they missed something (i.e. they take a lot of abuse from people who don't work in the education business). The problem with this is everyone went to school, so they think they're experts. Well, I drive a car, but I have no idea how to fix it. I have been to the doctor's office, but I do not want the responsibility of diagnosing someone's illness.
Third, the board staff finalize their recommendation based on the said feedback (abuse).
Fourth, the board trustees vote on the staff recommendation.
Finally, everyone gets on with the decision and makes it work.
This process makes so much sense to me. So, now the point of my letter. I implore the trustees to think about this process. I ask myself, "Whose opinion should you trust more?" I think it is very obvious that if I went to the doctor's office, I would trust the opinion of the doctor more than other patients in the waiting room. You need to listen to your staff who know the buildings, the staff and the students. To listen to a few vocal people who would oppose any change is foolish.
Rafi Patel
Sarnia
Thanks to a thoughtful Sarnian
Sir: Last Saturday my wife and I were helping one of the recent Syrian refugee families shop at Walmart. We had made our purchases and were about to leave the store when a stranger approached me and gave me $30, $10 for each of the 3 refugee children. A little later the same gentleman returned with 3 boxes of cookies for the children. The family was most surprised and appreciative of this generosity. There were smiles all around.
Thank you to kind a thoughtful Sarnian.
David Murray
Bright’s Grove
Don’t let proposed pier block view
Sir: For so many years I have enjoyed the natural beauty of the St. Clair River and Centennial Park. Walking out onto a pier is a great experience with the view.
However, I would not want to see anything erected which would obstruct the view or become a maintenance burden in the future.
A simple structure which could celebrate Sarnia's 150th birthday would be a tall slender pole with 150 tiny blue lights travelling up and around the pole which would tie into the twin bridges, “Sarnia” sign on the 402 and the Christmas lights on Front Street.
A living flame could crown the top of the pole and be quite attractive without distracting from the elements of water, sky, and existing landscape as well as being relatively inexpensive.
Just a thought.
B.Brain
Sarnia