Ahwatukee Foothills News : Letters to the Editor

No real economic benefit to Loop 202

Dear Editor:

Regarding the article on the economic benefits of the Loop 202 in the Aug. 15 edition of the AFN, the projected $5.9 billion economic benefit over 16 years is an extremely weak argument for construction of the road.

If you take into account the time value of money and assume an interest rate of 6.5 percent, the initial $2 billion-plus net cost compounded over 16 years would be equivalent to approximately $5.9 billion.

In effect, there is no real economic benefit.

If this is the best the Arizona Department of Transportation and its for-hire engineering company HDR can come up with, then it clearly is not in the best interest of Arizona's citizens.

Is it in the best interest of the construction companies and the TIME Coalition, who have spent millions on promoting it? Sure sounds like it!

Daniel Wishnatsky

Energy independence

Dear Editor:

Since the early ‘70s there have been attempts to make this country self-sufficient on our energy needs. President Richard Nixon submitted a plan to Congress, which was rejected and, even as of this writing, similar attempts have been rejected by most liberal self-serving congressional members with "not in my backyard" and/or "environmental issues" and, lately, "it would take 10 to 15 years to derive any benefits." In doing the math, it has been at least 34 years and we are hearing the politicians "parroting the same excuses."

Whether it be for natural gas, bio fuels, hydro-electric, nuclear plants, geo-thermal, solar, wind, etc., we are doing absolutely nothing. Imagine the new economy we could have established if we took the lead to become energy independent.

Recently, a former top executive at the state-owned oil company (Saudi Aramco) indicated that Saudi production has already reached a peak and will begin dropping in 15 years or less.

In addition, a more authoritative International Energy Agency, which advises 27 Industrial nations, believes we won't hit a peak until around 2040 when supply will be at 100 million barrels a day, citing the real problem could be "above ground hindrances" in the major oil producing nations.

Those hindrances are a threat of violence from armed militias severely hampering production in Iraq and Nigeria, the nationalist autocrats of Russia, Venezuela and Iran reluctant to let Western oil giants fully exploit their resources, and why should they? In the U.S. congressional members and environmentalists vehemently oppose efforts to expand offshore drilling or to allow exploration of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. So why would the Saudis want to increase production and bring down oil prices?

I pose this question, what has been done in at least 34 years to make our country energy independent? If you are satisfied with the $4-plus and climbing gas prices stop your "whining" and pay the Middle East terrorists.

Rick Rivard

Some think rules are for everyone else but them

Dear Editor:

This is in response to the letter to the editor regarding unleashed dogs in a school playground ("There are dog parks for dogs," Aug. 1, AFN). The writer said she hopes the dog owner reads her letter and is embarrassed. I hope for the children's sake that maybe this one dog owner is different than most I've seen, but don't hold out any hope.

I have been in contact with the park ranger regarding the unleashed dogs at Desert Foothills Park numerous times; I've also been told to contact Maricopa Animal Control when we see unleashed dogs. Bottom line to all of my efforts; not a thing has changed and probably never will.

People are ignorant and think rules are for everyone else but them. I have been cursed at, ignored and, yes, given the middle finger, for just mentioning to dog owners that there is a leash law.

I was injured when an unleashed dog ran after my "leashed" dog, causing her to react. That owner never even stopped to see how badly I was hurt, just simply "leashed" his dog and left.

I was told by the ranger's office that they would increase patrols. I have given them the times we repeatedly see the same dogs and owners each day, hoping that someone would be there to enforce the law, and nothing has happened.

Gee, maybe these dog owners will see this letter and be embarrassed ... NOT!!

Judy Felicetti

No real economic benefit to Loop 202

Dear Editor:

Regarding the article on the economic benefits of the Loop 202 in the Aug. 15 edition of the AFN, the projected $5.9 billion economic benefit over 16 years is an extremely weak argument for construction of the road.

If you take into account the time value of money and assume an interest rate of 6.5 percent, the initial $2 billion-plus net cost compounded over 16 years would be equivalent to approximately $5.9 billion.

In effect, there is no real economic benefit.

If this is the best the Arizona Department of Transportation and its for-hire engineering company HDR can come up with, then it clearly is not in the best interest of Arizona's citizens.

Is it in the best interest of the construction companies and the TIME Coalition, who have spent millions on promoting it? Sure sounds like it!

Daniel Wishnatsky

Some think rules are for everyone else but them

Dear Editor:

This is in response to the letter to the editor regarding unleashed dogs in a school playground ("There are dog parks for dogs," Aug. 1, AFN). The writer said she hopes the dog owner reads her letter and is embarrassed. I hope for the children's sake that maybe this one dog owner is different than most I've seen, but don't hold out any hope.

I have been in contact with the park ranger regarding the unleashed dogs at Desert Foothills Park numerous times; I've also been told to contact Maricopa Animal Control when we see unleashed dogs. Bottom line to all of my efforts; not a thing has changed and probably never will.

People are ignorant and think rules are for everyone else but them. I have been cursed at, ignored and, yes, given the middle finger, for just mentioning to dog owners that there is a leash law.

I was injured when an unleashed dog ran after my "leashed" dog, causing her to react. That owner never even stopped to see how badly I was hurt, just simply "leashed" his dog and left.

I was told by the ranger's office that they would increase patrols. I have given them the times we repeatedly see the same dogs and owners each day, hoping that someone would be there to enforce the law, and nothing has happened.

Gee, maybe these dog owners will see this letter and be embarrassed ... NOT!!

Judy Felicetti

Real estate article lacks balanced perspective

Dear Editor:

Ben Sandoval's article titled "Buyer Beware" (AFN, Aug. 20) has left out a few key elements that real estate agents deal with when helping home buyers and sellers with their transactions.

A.R.S. 32-2156 does state: "Sellers, Lessors and Brokers are not obligated to disclose that a property is or has been: (1) the site of a natural death, suicide, homicide, or any crime classified as a felony; (2) owned or occupied by a person exposed to HIV, or diagnosed as having AIDS or any other disease not known to be transmitted through common occupancy of real estate; or (3) located in the vicinity of a sex offender.

What Sandoval neglected to mention in his article is a real estate agent's fiduciary duty to the client. One of the fiduciary duties of an agent is to protect the confidentiality of the client. If a seller asks his listing agent not to disclose that the property was the site of a death or felony, that agent cannot say anything on the matter to prospective buyers.

A buyer's agent is not bound by this same confidentiality to the seller because the buyer's agent is not representing the seller. A good buyer's agent will always help the client uncover any material fact that is important to that client.

In fact, if this issue never comes up in conversation there are still three points of reference in a real estate transaction where it's brought to the buyer's attention.

Three separate documents that are given to the buyer at the beginning of a purchase offer address these issues.

The first form is called the Real Estate Agency Disclosure and Election. Lines 25 through 28 of this form cite ARS 32-2156 to bring attention to this issue.

The second form is the Buyer Advisory. On page 5, under the heading Deaths and Felonies on the Property, it reads: "An Arizona law states that sellers and real estate licensees have no liability for failure to disclose to a buyer that the property was ever the site of a natural death, suicide, murder or felony."

It goes on to read that "this information is often difficult to uncover."

This may be why real estate agents can't be held liable. It's a huge responsibility to be held liable for something you are completely unaware of.

It finishes by giving suggestions on resources to turn to if that information is deemed important.

On the same page (5) under the heading Indoor Environmental Concerns, subheading Clandestine drug labs there is information on remediation and where to view a list of seized homes.

On page 7 of the Buyer Advisory there is information on links to search sex offenders.

Every buyer receives a copy of the Buyer Advisory and is required to read it and give an initialed and signed copy to their agent.

The third document is the Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract, page 5, under heading 6 Due Diligence line 188 through line 190 states: "If the presence of sex offenders in the vicinity or the occurrence of a disease, natural death, suicide, homicide or other crime on or in the vicinity is a material matter to the Buyer, it must be investigated by the Buyer during the inspection period."

Here again is an opportunity for buyers' to investigate these issues and have an open dialogue with their agent about any concerns they may have.

As a hard-working real estate agent that is in this industry every day and always wants the best for my clients, I find Sandoval's article to be lacking a balanced perspective of what this topic really encompasses.

Jennifer Schaefer

Help a fallen hero's child

Dear Editor:

On Aug. 21, approximately 250 or more motorcyclists of The American Legion Riders will arrive in Tempe to raise public awareness and support for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship.

The riders, comprised of wartime era veterans from across America, are traveling 1,800 miles along Route 66 on their motorcycles to make possible a college education for the children of those who have died defending our freedoms since Sept. 11, 2001.

Beginning their journey in Indianapolis, Ind., the group is heading to the 90th annual National American Legion Convention that will be held in Phoenix Aug. 26 through 28 to raise public awareness and support for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Legionnaires are coordinating fundraising events at Legion posts along the route.

Post 2 will host an arrival social for the community and lunch for riders from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships for the children of our fallen heroes. Today this trust fund has a balance of more than $2.1 million. Each day the need for this scholarship grows.

Meeting the financial burden for a college education today can be difficult for the average household, but in a one-parent family it is a major undertaking. Many of these families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price will struggle to provide for their children's daily needs. They shouldn't have to struggle to put money aside for college. We can ease family worries and help these children have the chance to attend college and, at the same time, honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice.

Residents of Phoenix/Tempe can play an important role in providing the gift of knowledge to these children who have lost a parent in the war on terror. Please send your tax-deductible gift of $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford to the American Legacy Fund, The American Legacy Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or stop by Post 2 and join us as we help a fallen hero's child.

Marty Conatser

National Commander

Confusion over JCPenney closing signs

Dear Editor:

Recently Ahwatukee residents may have noticed "JCPenney Closing" signs posted along roadways around Ahwatukee Foothills. These signs are referring to our Furniture Outlet Store on Elliott Road. Unfortunately, that store will be closing Nov. 1.

The good news is that our Ray Road and Interstate 10 JCPenney Store will NOT be closing. Our store has been very successful since the day we opened more than three years ago.

We thank the community it's loyal patronage and I apologize for any confusion the closing signs may have caused.

Bill Ahern

Store Manager

We need to pursue all energy sources

Dear Editor:

Joe Debbins, "Transportation assumptions need to change, now" (AFN, Aug. 1), is absolutely right... negativism, and deep recession (maybe even depression) is exactly what you're going to get if you vote for the "Party of NO," otherwise known as the Democrats.

If you sit with your head in the sand and say "no drilling" and believe in the tooth fairy, you're most likely to not even have a job, let alone the need to bicycle to work.

We need to pursue all energy sources, including oil drilling if we are to survive. If you believe in ethanol from corn, please go the bottom of the class... you qualify for total scientific ignorance.

Around the first of June, I asked, in a letter to the editor, a number of technical energy questions directed at our liberal-leftists. To date there have been zero responses. I think that proves my point that liberal-leftists don't understand science at all... they prefer to follow that charlatan-of-all-times, Al Gore (the Pied Piper of Climate Change). Gore persists in alarming you with unsubstantiated BS, so you won't notice that he is quietly sucking the IQ out of your, and your children's heads. Better read up on what the Pied Piper later does to the children.

I'll lay you dollar to doughnuts that Debbins is a Democrat... he hangs his hat on the mass transit tooth fairy. He fails to note that the population density of New York City is 26,403 per square mile, while Phoenix is 2,938 per square mile, almost a factor of 10 difference. I'm sure it's a much larger ratio for Ahwatukee.

I know, I know. I shouldn't be ranting like this. Recession and layoffs are really good for my consulting business. It's already starting to pick up... the market is already reacting to the nightmare-vision of an Obama presidency.

So make my day... vote Barack and help make America a third-world Obama-nation.

Jim Thompson

Let's change state freeway laws

Dear Editor:

My wife and I just spent a couple of weeks in Southern California. We used the freeways at all hours of the morning and, to our amazement, they seemed to move faster then our own Interstate 10.

The reason for this is all trucks and cars pulling trailers are restricted to the first two lanes. When the trucks have to stop, they take longer to get rolling, causing more back up. Also motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, which takes them out of the equation. The three-car lanes moved a lot faster. The HOV lanes do not have time limits like ours.

I feel every little bit helps, so how do we get the ball rolling and change these laws? Since I've been back and traveling I-10 between the Loop 202 and the Broadway curve I notice that all the over passes have enough room to add a lane. These are small and less costly solutions that would bring relief a lot faster than waiting five-plus more years on the completion of the Loop 202.

As a motorcycle rider of 45 years, I would gladly give up the right of not wearing a helmet to be able to split lanes.

Jeff Ludwig

This fall.... Dump the Hump!

Dear Editor:

On July 30 (AFN) there was a half-page commentary by Sen. Huppenthal about how much he has done for Corona air quality problems and that people are engaging in "dishonest political mudslinging" against him. He stated that he never voted against any budget that included help for Corona.

Well John, that may be true but what the self-proclaimed "clean-air" champion of Corona failed to mention is that his original involvement was voting against helping Corona through funding by the School Facilities Board. Also, your attempts at requesting the governor provide help to Corona were for amounts of loans that didn't even cover 25 percent of the estimated costs of what needed to be done.

It's an election year and this career politician is trying to look pretty for the voters. He panders to the Pecos Road homeowners and helps more with facilitating public money flow for private educational purposes than he does public money for public educational purposes.

Sixteen years of bouncing back and forth between the State House and State Senate in order to avoid term limits is too much.

This fall.... Dump the Hump!

Thomas P. O'Reilly

City needs to better maintain traffic lines

Dear Editor:

Recently, I received a photo radar red light ticket for the westbound 40th Street and Pecos Road intersection. It was one of those unfortunate situations where I was being tailgated and I either was going to be rear-ended or had to try and make the light.

The ticket states that I was .2 seconds late, which is within the margin of error for photo radar. It also shows that my car was clearly not "behind" the painted curb line but, in fact ,was "past the line" when it turned red, which makes it legal.

Here's the problem. The clearly-painted curb line that I was past turns out to not be the "actual" curb line because the actual curb line has been worn away and is barely visible from driver level at 50 mph.

So, even though the ticketing agency's rep agreed with my objection, I would have to just roll the dice that the traffic court judge would be a reasonable and judicial Judge. And from what I have researched, that isn't likely.

It's disappointing to learn that our judicial system does not allow for reasonable arguments to be presented when accused of a violation. In the meantime, how many tickets will the city of Phoenix issue and get paid because they have not maintained traffic lines?

Kay Ballard

Vote McComish and Dial for a strong economy

Dear Editor:

With the rising food and gas prices, I'm feeling the strain. We need state representatives who understands economic matters if we ever hope to improve our economy and strengthen the job market.

John McComish has long been one of those representatives who I trust with fiscal matters because of his demonstrated ability in the State House and strong background in business.

I've been told that another seat in the house will be vacant. Jeff Dial proposes smart solutions to everyday problems and important issues. He, like McComish, has a lot of experience in business management and offers a solid position on how to improve the economy.

Among many things, McComish was national sales manager with Johnson & Johnson and has decades of business experience. Dial has worked for his family business for 20 years and serves as executive vice president.

I feel confident that with McComish and Dial in office, economic matters will be dealt with by experts who have learned from real life experiences. And with fuel and food prices soaring, that's what Arizonans need right now.

D.R. Shebesta

A ‘green' tip

Dear Editor:

Do you ever wonder how many people think about how to water their lawn and keep their vehicle clean without wasting water?

My family fits into that, but it is mostly my dad. I propose a solution (a way that you don't have to waste water): wash your car while its on your lawn so the water will run off the vehicle and into the soil. Makes the grass greener and your car cleaner - without wasting water!

Joshua Ekstrom, 13

We don't need another tax increase

Dear Editor:

Based on the TIME Initiative (Proposition 203) our governor is in full support of raising the state sales tax by 17.8 percent.

This is based on a review of the citizens/groups that filed the "For" and "Against" statements with the Secretary of State. A total of 61 were filed out - 43 "For" and 18 "Against."

It is of interest to note that of the 43 that were "For" the proposition - 31 or 72 percent were paid for by the TIME Coalition - even the one that our governor submitted.

I believe the TIME Coalition is really "stuffing" the ballot box on this initiative and hopefully my fellow citizens will just say no when it comes time to vote on Prop 203 this fall - as TIME has expired - we don't need another tax increase.

Jim Jochim

The U.S. is too prosperous

Dear Editor:

"A desire to live more simply..."

The words of a local biophysicist who means well and probably views the world through the eyes of an hysterical environmentalist. We appreciate his cycling to the mass transit station to go to work in Phoenix. He's doing his part to keep the planet from drowning in its own prosperity, which, if he has his way, won't last much longer.

Our prosperity is always at the expense of the other nations of the world? Will we be happier when we reduce our standard of living to that of Zimbabwe? Or Mexico?

Let's give up our air conditioning, electricity, autos, etc. After all, only a hundred or so years ago the inhabitants of this planet didn't have those amenities and they survived. They were lucky to live to the ripe old age of 60 or 65. Probably didn't enjoy it much, either. And their productivity certainly wasn't anything to shout about.

By the way, progress and prosperity create jobs, which create wealth, which creates better methods of controlling greenhouse gases, which is his complaint. This isn't a zero sum game.

Roll back the vision of progress, which technology gives us, and replace it with the curtain of mediocrity, diminished progress and all of the niceties that socialism allows us. Is that to be our fate?

Biophysicists probably wouldn't exist if it weren't for the prosperity and progress enabled by the pollution of free-market capitalism, republican democracy and all they allow us to enjoy.

Don Kennedy

Do not call it marriage

Dear Editor:

My life-long educational, business, social, fraternal and religious connections en robe a quality of life in harmony with God and his handy works, the laws of Nature.

Indeed, it is unsettling to hear and read much about same sex marriages, its practitioners worshiping at the altar of abomination.

Creation! Two males cannot procreate; two females cannot procreate. Nature does not permit it.

Since our ancient beginnings, our values have evolved over time into a unique and deeply-rooted social, legal and religious institution; marriage between one man and one woman pre-dates the state and its patronizing laws. Marriage reflects the natural biological complementary union of a man and woman. It is an integral thread in the social and religious fabric of every major culture and society.

Our ancestors understood marriage as an intimate union between one man and one woman. Most people in the 20th and 21st centuries define marriage that way, too. Along came the deviates who wanted the same social esteem as the heterosexual population. They wanted to be "married" and "respected without bias and prejudice." The homosexuals who choose to share their lives together as a "couple" have a right to do so under law.

That does not make the law right, only condescending. It does not make their homosexual lifestyle harmonious with Nature. That lifestyle is not, by any ancient or modern definition, a marriage. So please do not try to dignify your unnatural lifestyle by calling it one.

James McGrath

Incident at Cerritos Elementary handled well by all

Dear Editor:

(Editor's Note: The following was sent to Kyrene Superintendent David Schauer)

Last week was quite a crazy week for us at Cerritos Elementary - and before too much more is said about the incident that happened on Monday, Aug. 4, involving a man running through the school campus - I wanted to give you my take on things.

I've heard that there have been a few parents who contacted the district about the incident; complaining about the vague letter that was sent home to parents - and at least one parent complaining about how our principal, Darcy DiCosmo, handled the suspect.

As a parent who picks up her children from school each day (not in the parent pick-up lane, I am physically on the campus at pick-up time) - and as someone who regularly chats with a great number of parents who wait for their children outside the school - I would like you to know that the vast majority of us think DiCosmo did an excellent job of handling this very scary and difficult situation.

Yes, a strange man entered the campus through the only unlocked door (the front door into the main office), which is terribly frightening. But DiCosmo really did her best to immediately stop him and try to find out what he wanted. When she couldn't get him to respond and he took off toward the hallway, she chased after him.

The complaining parent I'm referring to seemed to blame DiCosmo for chasing this man out of a door in which parents and children were standing at release time. I think it's pretty clear that DiCosmo didn't have a choice in the matter. The man was heading toward that door and there wasn't anything she could do to stop him. She did keep chasing after him though - all the way to the Altadeña parking lot - to try and get his license plate number. That's where he threatened to run her down with his car.

I happened to be standing outside the door that the man ran out - as were many other parents - and I never saw or heard any parent say they saw DiCosmo shoving parents during this chase. In fact, all of the parents I talked to couldn't believe that she kept chasing after him. We all thought she acted in a pretty heroic fashion.

In any case, I would hate to have one or two parent's negative comments somehow represent how the majority of parents at Cerritos feel about the incident and how DiCosmo handled it. I think the overwhelming majority of us think she went above and beyond the call of duty.

As for the letter that was sent home, I do agree that it was much too vague. I'm guessing that the district or school officials (whomever wrote it) felt that maybe people had already read all the facts about his incident in the newspaper. However, even if they had, it is still critical for the school to give parents as much factual information as possible. Otherwise, there is a perception that the district/school is hiding something and is therefore dishonest. More information is always better than less.

If the district has concerns about putting such information in a letter that goes home with young children, then perhaps notes like that can be stapled shut or put in a sealed envelope.

As far as security at our schools go, the only thing I can think of that we might be able to improve is possibly adding a security door in the area that leads into the main hallways of our schools. Such a door would be activated by code or magnetic card key that allows people to click through.

Obviously, with all of the parents that come to school each day to volunteer, drop off lunches, papers, medicines, etc., we simply cannot lock the front doors. However, I know we all agree that we don't ever want some crazy person to be able to get into our main school hallways again.

This is an issue our PTO will be taking up at our first meeting Aug. 12. Perhaps such a door is something the PTO can raise funds to purchase.

Stephanie Hayden

PTO President, Cerritos Elementary School

John McComish deserves your vote

Dear Editor:

At the beginning of the early voting process, I think it is important to note that only one of the Republican primary candidates has the experience needed to help get us through these tough times. That candidate is John McComish.

Only McComish has a proven track record of getting things done for our district and our state. He has been called "thoughtful, hardworking and competent."

McComish is all these things and more. He was a corporate executive for 24 years and president of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. As the majority whip in the House of Representatives McComish has shepherded numerous pieces of legislation through the legislative process and has shown himself to be a proven and effective leader.

McComish has received numerous awards and other forms of recognition through the years: Arizona Chamber Legislator of the Year; 50 Emerging State Leaders; Arizona Technical Council Legislator of the Year; National Federation of Independent Businesses Eagle Award and the list goes on.

Only McComish has the extensive experience and proven track record needed in these tough times. He has shown himself to be a true friend to the people of our district. He deserves your vote.

Kerry G. Wangberg

Schmuck's track record cannot be overlooked

Dear Editor:

In my two-and-a-half years as a member of the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team representing the nearly 3,000 homeowners of Lakewood, I have had the opportunity to meet a wide range of elected officials from both sides of the spectrum.

A few local leaders have stepped up to lend time, expertise and energy to participate in the important South Mountain Freeway issue.

One of those leaders is Frank Schmuck, candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 20. Schmuck has a proven record of helping communities like the city of Tempe with freeway-related issues. That proven record can not be overlooked.

You see, this is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue - it's a community issue. My point is not endorsing a party but a person I believe will protect the Ahwatukee Foothills community and Lakewood, who has appointed me to represent its 15,000 residents.

That is why I have decided to endorse Schmuck. He is a proven leader in freeway issues of the past. He is passionate about protecting Ahwatukee from this $3 billion fiasco while protecting all of Ahwatukee's children and the elderly. I have talked to at least 12 elected officials or would-be officials and Schmuck has already done more for Ahwatukee and Tempe than most of the others.

Schmuck is my only official endorsement of any candidate and most have asked for my endorsement given the years of work on this project and aggressively challenging it, which I will continue as the vote for the freeway is nearing.

John D. Rodriguez

Lakewood Representative

South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team

Vote McComish and Dial for a strong economy

Dear Editor:

With the rising food and gas prices, I'm feeling the strain. We need state representatives who understands economic matters if we ever hope to improve our economy and strengthen the job market.

John McComish has long been one of those representatives who I trust with fiscal matters because of his demonstrated ability in the State House and strong background in business.

I've been told that another seat in the house will be vacant. Jeff Dial proposes smart solutions to everyday problems and important issues. He, like McComish, has a lot of experience in business management and offers a solid position on how to improve the economy.

Among many things, McComish was national sales manager with Johnson & Johnson and has decades of business experience. Dial has worked for his family business for 20 years and serves as executive vice president.

I feel confident that with McComish and Dial in office, economic matters will be dealt with by experts who have learned from real life experiences. And with fuel and food prices soaring, that's what Arizonans need right now.

D.R. Shebesta

A ‘green' tip Dear Editor:

Do you ever wonder how many people think about how to water their lawn and keep their vehicle clean without wasting water?

My family fits into that, but it is mostly my dad. I propose a solution (a way that you don't have to waste water): wash your car while its on your lawn so the water will run off the vehicle and into the soil. Makes the grass greener and your car cleaner - without wasting water!

Joshua Ekstrom, 13

I think the following information needs to be disseminated to the public

Dear Editor:

A school Principal writes a letter (on August 6, 2008) to the parents of children attending Cerritos Elementary School describing an incident (occurring on August 5, 2008) "of a man driving erratically in the parking lot".  That is all that was said in the letter about the incident. When one reads the letter it appears to be a parking lot incident. In actuality children and parents getting together at an exit of the school building (as children were being dismissed for the day) witnessed the Principal pushing and shoving a man out of this same exit of the school building and through the crowd of children and parents. The Principal was shouting "get out, leave" ... and the man was walking rapidly towards the parking lot. The children and the parents saw what happened at the exit of the building. The principal and the man came OUT of the school right into a crowd of children and parents ... the incident at that time was not the parking lot!

The letter the principal sent to the parents is a half truth as to what happened and certainly does not address what the children and parents SAW and experienced!!!! Or more to the point what was this person doing in the school in the first place and how did he get in? Scared to tell the truth? The children were scared to see their principal acting in this way and deserve to know why she was behaving in such a manner. They are witnesses to the faceable exit from the school of the person who allegedly was "driving in an erratic manner in the parking lot." I am appalled that the Principal chose to cover up, or better yet suppress information to the children and the parents.

Truth is strong, half-truths lead to disrespect and distrust. Tell the children the truth, they know what they saw and deserve to know why the Principal chose to act in the manner that she did. As just as important what to do in the future if it happens again. Give them some credit, they handle truth very well and the Boy Scout motto still is good "Be Prepared".

Marge Kennedy