Letters to the editor: Dec. 15, 2011
Homeschooling works
Mr. Mangum (School Maze, Dec. 1) thinks that homeschooling is all about the academics? In supplying his sampling of comments from the recent homeschooling article, he failed with a big F to supply a balanced view as to why families in California and PUSD choose to homeschool.
OK, he doesn’t have to acknowledge the validity of an HSLDA homeschool study, but no one officially collects national data about the success of homeschooled children except HSLDA. Does Mr. Mangum think the hundreds of homeschooling families in Poway are going to even share test data with the school district on how well their children are doing? No, they would rather be left alone to do a very difficult task. Does he think that homeschooling is all about academics? No, most homeschoolers would give you 10 other reasons they choose to homeschool. To publish a comment from a one year homeschooling family is not really fair. That family’s opinion does not represent the bulk of lifetime homeschoolers.
From my own experience, homeschooling works. I have been homeschooling for 17 years. I see homeschooled children who are well adjusted and very smart go off to California universities and colleges as well as private colleges all over the country. They are doing excellent in colleges and are becoming engaged and active citizens of this great country. There are hundreds of us out here doing just fine, thank you. I’d do it all again.
Mr. Mangum’s grade is not very high for balanced reporting.
Michele Bru, Poway
Plenty of places to walk
In response to Karen Greenlee’s “A pedestrian’s perspective” (Dec. 8):
We are very fortunate to be living in and round the Poway area. We are blessed with fantastic walking and hiking trails, from easy flat walks on a trail to more difficult hikes up our mountains.
Start on the easy trails and before you know it your will be hiking up Iron Mountain or Mt. Woodson. Hiking in fresh air away from vehicles is so much healthier, safer and more fun than walking on our streets.
The hike around Lake Poway is an excellent beginner hike with some gentle hills and plenty of beautiful sights. For any hike, make sure you follow the trail rules which are posted at the trail heads, bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat, sun block and a sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking shoes.
For a list of all the trials in Poway, go to the City of Poway website (www.poway.org) and do a search for “Trails.”’
Howard Schuss, Poway
Support appreciated
On Saturday, Nov. 12, the Escondido Humane Society held a canned food and towel drive at Kahoots in the Town and Country Shopping Center on Poway Road. Despite the rain, the outpouring of donations was outstanding! We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. The towels and food are being put to good use!
Thank You!
Debbie Peters, Escondido Humane Society Volunteers
Term limits a good idea
Term limits have had no historical impact on the quality of the government system.
In governments with term limits, we often see elected officials evolve in to oligarchies. Such systems typically lose sight of the public service creed and become self-serving. A classic example of that is the San Diego County Sheriff’s organization where the transition from Bill Kolender’s era was carefully crafted from the inside to ensure transfer of power to William Gore. Some may claim that Mayor Don Higginson has created a similar oligarchy in the City of Poway.
When term limits are in place, however, we see a significant shift in a politician’s priorities. Again, self-serving interest causes politicians to constantly be on-the-look for the next job after they are termed out of their current position. A classic example of that is the California Legislature where political musical chairs has been the name of the game since term limits were put in place.
So in reality, the only effect of changing term limits is to “rattle the system,” change the status quo, and help remind public officials of their true charter.
At present, the City of Poway has evolved in to a mini-oligarchy where public officials refuse to enforce many of the laws that are on the books. As a result, the city has become a “pit bull sanctuary,” among other things.
This citizen supports instating term limits for the foreseeable future, in order to refocus our elected officials back to public service.
Assi Friedman,Poway
Another version of signature story
I strongly differ with Mr. Stonecipher’s recollection of Veterans Day signature gathering at Poway’s Veterans Park.
The two Poway for Term Limits signature gatherers, a veteran and myself, stood on the public sidewalk next to Midland Road during the speeches, contrary to Mr. Stonecipher’s assertion. Moreover, it is he who should apologize “to anyone who might have been offended,” as it was he who yelled at a senior citizen extending her democratic right to sign my petition. This was after the crowd had left and certainly not during any speeches. There were only a few small groups of people chatting in and around the main fenced area when he yelled at her to stop signing my petition and that it was undemocratic to have terms limits.
Perhaps Mr. Stonecipher is unaware of the U.S. Constitution’s declaration of term limits at the highest political level? The fact is, if Mr. Stonecipher were half the political scholar and constant gentleman that Dave Grosch is, I wouldn’t need to send this letter.
Diana Newland, Poway
Related posts:
- Mangum: To homeschool or not to homeshool?
- Letters to the editor: Dec. 8, 2011
- Letters to the Editor: April 21, 2011
- Letters to the editor: Oct. 20, 2011
- Letters to the editor: April 14, 2011
Short URL: http://www.pomeradonews.com/?p=19461
Posted by Staff
on Dec 14 2011. Filed under Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
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Mr. Friedman: You state "At present, the City of Poway has evolved in to a mini-oligarchy where public officials refuse to enforce many of the laws that are on the books. As a result, the city has become a “pit bull sanctuary,” among other things."
What laws are not being enforced by the Council? And who are the "pit bulls" that are being provided sanctuary.
Emotional statements such as yours have no basis in fact or reality. Reality is we have elected out a problem councilmember and elected in two new members. With the exception of the mayor, there is no one on the council who has served more than two terms. Term limits are unnecessary.
Fran: Well said! What an off-the-wall and inaccurate description of our fine city!
How many times does it need to be stated…if you are unhappy with your elected officials, vote them out of office. It was done twice last year, once through the recall process and then an incumbent was defeated. Enough said…Fran is absolutely correct. Term limits are unnecessary.
I laughed when I saw "…political musical chairs has been the name of the game…" b/c it has gone on in Poway. Between 1990 and 1994, you'd be forgiven for not knowing which of the council people/mayors/political appointees were serving in what position. :-) Though I suppose appointing a political friends to a vacated spots on the council, rather than the next choice in a recent election does count somewhat toward being a "mini-oligarchy".
I hope that term limits will pass here and, once our local politicians term out, they will have an impetus to bring some of their local common sense up to the state legislature.
And just to be clear, that recall process in Poway heard the voices of a resounding 29% of the electorate, the lowest turnout in more than a decade. I guess on a cost-per-vote basis, it pays good money to run in a special election recall. And that “incumbent” who lost in the subsequent election, was an appointee who not only barely ran a campaign, but also, when appointed, had pledged that he would not run. Which I suppose means he sort of kept his promise.
Howard. if you want to take a more difficult trail just walk the one on Espola between Durhullen Drive and where the sidewalks start near Titan Way. Many of our students, day workers and others take it everyday.
And please thank our city council for keeping it natural.
If you really want a thrill either walk or ride the bike lane on the east side of the street. The part where it narrows to about 18" with no where to go will get your blood flowing while cars are whizzing by.
Tom Yarnall