Speak Out

I have been a volunteer for Anniston City Schools for more than 10 years. I understand the frustration of those challenging the superintendent selection process. But I disagree with those who believe a legal remedy is the right solution.

I believe the advocates of a legal solution take the position that their case is not about Superintendent Joan Frazier, but about a flawed selection process. Some advocates have admitted that if the legal challenge prevails and the selection process is repeated, Frazier will likely be selected again. Thus, the net effect is to spend thousands in legal expenses and end with the status quo. A better use of this money is to improve our educational system.

Let me make the case for another solution. During the past 10 years, the Anniston City Schools has had five superintendents and four high school principals. The Board of Education has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal expenses, buyouts and recruiting expenses. Pending litigation will probably add significantly to these totals.

So, I agree with the advocates; the board is the problem. However, based on past experiences, a legal challenge will not change the conduct of the board and will cost thousands of dollars to defend — money the school system cannot afford. The solution is to vigorously seek to significantly alter the exiting school board during the next election.

I believe Joan Frazier is the right person to lead the Anniston City Schools. Joan has a passion for improving the Anniston schools. She knows many of the parents, students and teachers, and, more important, she understands the problems.

Lemuel W. Davis
Jacksonville

Economy nightmare

As we wonder what direction America is heading, one thing is clear for now — it's downhill. The country where milk and honey once flowed can hardly pay for the milk at a price of $5 to $6 a gallon. At $4 per gallon and climbing, gas prices are forcing customers to choose between the two.

The era of big SUVs seems to be ending, while small, fuel-efficient cars are in. Rich and poor feel the pain of recession with the poor, as usual, at the tail end of any hope for the better. Social Security and Medicare cuts pose a future threat. Instead of asking for $770 billion for foreign countries, President Bush should open his eyes and mind to the suffering and needs in the United States. He ignores the possibilities for the better.

He keeps the wars going and says the United States is No. 1, but he does not see the quicksand we're slowly sinking in. Money and lives are being wasted. The blood of our troops has soaked the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan for years, with no victorious outcome in sight.

Bush asking the Arab nations for more oil output will not help our gas price situation. Only independence and our own oil can solve the problem. Cutting down on unnecessary expenses would help. Bush should concentrate on how to get this country in the swing again. Instead of counting cows at his ranch, he ought to count our money and put it to good use.

After he retires, I hope that Laura Bush has plenty of toy soldiers for him to play with.

Margit Suesser
Anniston

Thanks from Coldwater

Our faculty and support staff would like to thank our PTO members for all the hard work and support they have provided us this year at Coldwater Elementary School.

They have raised funds for our school through fundraisers and hard work. They have made it possible to make many improvements and buy much needed equipment.

Special thanks to Margie Bates and Cathy Denson and many others who have made all this possible.

Kenneth Gover, Principal
Coldwater Elementary School
Anniston