02/03/12 Letters to the Editor

Open eyes to disabilities

To the editor -- OK, it's time for people to open their eyes: Autism is real, Asperger's is real. The numbers of children born with autism has risen greatly in the last few years. My grandson has Asperger's. He is constantly being picked on at school, but no one seems to see it. Kids call him stupid because he has Asperger's, when he is highly functional.

Sit your kids down and have them put a puzzle together upside down. My grandson can do that as quickly as putting one together right side up. He just wants friends and to be respected. Parents, teach your kids about Autism Spectrum Disorder. These kids are a gift from God that teaches us how to view the world differently.

Teachers, do your homework and learn about autism. Just because the kids think outside the box and get the answer right does not mean his work is wrong. Did you know they believe that Einstein, Ben Franklin and other great inventors had autism? For Pete's sake, read a book.

JAN KILPATRICK

Moxee

Shoveling's the right thing

To the editor -- Thank you to our society urban dwellers who shovel their sidewalks in Yakima in a timely fashion after a snowfall. These include sidewalks attached in front, or even around the side or back of your home along your street. Shame on those of you who do not!

I am an able-bodied frequent walker, who can afford boots and forge the snow, which is challenging at times. Then I see school-aged children, the elderly with canes and walkers, parents with strollers and individuals getting to a bus stop while maneuvering messy sidewalks.

Shoveling should be a requirement, and failure to shovel perhaps punishable by fine. If you are unable or unwilling to shovel your responsible sidewalk, please hire help, or ask for assistance. Shoveling provides good exercise and is the neighborly thing to do. Actually it is the right thing to do.

MELISSA LEMP

Yakima

Editor's note -- Chapter 8.88, Snow and Ice Removal, of Yakima's city charter outlines the responsibilities of owners and occupants to clear the snow. Penalties for the civil infraction are not to exceed $50.

Sound school decision

To the editor -- I applaud the West Valley School District's decision to cap the contaminated soil at Apple Valley Elementary. I lived just a few doors from the school. Before growing a vegetable garden, I had the soil tested to make sure it was safe. The test came back clear and we enjoyed the fruits of our labor.

As a taxpayer and a parent of students who attend Apple Valley, the safety of our children is one of the first things the school district should consider. The Department of Ecology tested the soil at many area schools, and Apple Valley had the highest levels of contaminants in the district. The WVSD was made aware of the problem and Ecology came up with a solution based on recommendations from a multi-agency task force.

The district was faced with a possible situation of big liability if it took no action. Ecology was allocated these resources to be used in situations just like this. What would the writer of the Jan. 23 letter, "Why school decision?" say if a child became sick and the district had to pay out tens of millions of dollars in a lawsuit because the district was aware of the potential problem and didn't follow Ecology's recommendations?

JASON HOFF

Yakima

Support West Valley schools

To the editor -- Soon West Valley schools must ask its patrons to approve a two-year replacement levy. Due to diminished funding, this is for $1.5 million more than the current levy expiring later this year.

I recently visited two elementaries, the middle school and the high school. As a retired WV teacher, I was really impressed with the quality of instruction and the enthusiasm of the students. I could see why our schools have been designated among the top 5 percent in the state. Presently, 15 percent of seventh-graders take algebra, 34 percent of eighth-graders are in either algebra or geometry, and nearly half of all seniors enroll in advanced science and math classes. Clearly something good is happening!

Even with annual expenditures per student at $9,209 -- second lowest in the Valley -- we must use reserves to maintain this quality level.

Levy passage is necessary to prevent curtailment of programs. And if the Legislature authorizes sufficient projected revenues, our levy will be adjusted downward, collecting only what's needed to maintain current levels.

I'm sure we can skip a Sunday restaurant dinner per month to help keep West Valley schools top notch. Please join us in supporting this levy.

CHUCK MILLARD

Yakima

Approve Selah bonds

To the editor -- Selah schools are asking for our yes vote to build a new junior high school. I'm sure you've read of the building's condition, age, maintenance issues and unsafe layout as previous letter writers have made a great case for the replacement of this school. This year alone, the junior high spent weeks without running water to several of its buildings because of another water main break. We can replace this worn-out building with no increase in our property taxes and with a percentage of matching funds from the state of Washington. I encourage you to read the information provided for us by the Friends Of Selah at www.friendsofselah.org.

As a community, we do a wonderful job of taking care of each other and supporting the various causes and fundraisers that are held for our citizens. Please show your support for the bonds with a yes vote; this will make an impact on the approximately 3,400 kids enrolled in our schools. Take a tour, make a call and see for yourself what many have been saying for years: It's time to rebuild. Approve the Selah bonds.

MICHELE GARRETSON

Selah