Retiring early
I just read the article about Superintendent Whitten working her last day in Methuen. I think that her story is representative of why so many people are upset with people in the public sector. She admits that she is too young to retire, that she should still be working, and yet she's retiring. She's probably getting a huge salary from we, the people, and she's going to relax for a little and then get another job, just like the superintendent in Andover did. It's crazy. Principals do it, too. They work for a few years at these high salaries, they retire at a high rate and they're still able to work. They should have to work for as long as they can. These pensions have gotten out of hand.
Kindergarten
I'm calling about the Sound Offs regarding Methuen's full- day kindergarten program: I'm glad that other people are calling in. I think there should be options. It's ludicrous for a 5-year-old to have to start life with a full day of school. It would be nice to have options. Unfortunately, it's just the day and age that parents want full-time baby sitters so that they can do whatever they want. There should half-days for 5-year-olds. My daughter is going to be 5 next year and I'm very upset that she may have to go full-time to kindergarten. It's nice to see that there are other people out there that want the same thing for their children — a half day of school — like we had when we were in school.
Librarians
Students are not checking out books at the Andover schools, as students are now using the Internet. All librarians should help out and teach some classes.
Lights on
If Andover is shutting off street lights to save money, and they're so concerned about saving money, then why do they leave the lights on at the Dascomb Road Park and Ride when you can't even use it yet? Every night the lights are on when I drive by there and you can't even get in there to park your car. It doesn't make sense to me. Andover, wake up.
Road repairs
We read all of the time about sections of bridges falling down on top of cars, bridges that are unsafe for use. We've been paying gas taxes for years and taxes keep going up. Isn't that what the taxes are for — to repair the roads and the bridges? What is the state doing with our money?
Abandoned dogs
I'm calling in regards to the article about the dogs tossed like trash in the Dumpster. What's wrong with people? If you no longer want your animal, then give it to the MSPCA, so that someone who may want a dog can adopt it. All I can say is that I hope these people don't have any children.
Beck fans
To all you Glenn Beck fanatics: Your golden boy told people on Saturday that he went to the National Archives and held President Washington's inaugural documents. He then proceeded to tell the people that we need to always tell the truth. After some investigation, it was found out that he never handled those documents. He's a liar and a phony. Stop drinking the Glenn Beck Kool-Aid. He is only in it for the money and the celebrity status.
Stir it up
Once again President Obama showed no class. He could have said that he was wrong about the surge and President Bush was right. But no, he has to keep it going and going; just stirring things up again.
