Dear Editor,

Cathy Truitt’s attacking ad was downright shameful. This is a person who is supposed to care about children? Instead of promoting her values (does she have any?), she assaults School Board member Ron Margiotta, District 2 candidate John Tedesco and, most shockingly, all of Western Wake County. It is simply outrageous that she would belittle the concerns and needs of a whole area of the county in order to benefit her campaign. Parents from every district should be concerned with Ms. Truitt’s ability to completely dismiss the needs of some for the betterment of herself. I’m sure Ms. Truitt understands that every School Board member must take an oath to represent every student in Wake County. It is obvious that Ms. Truitt would be willing to lie if given this opportunity. And if she’s willing to lie now, imagine what she’s capable of if elected. Please vote for John Tedesco on Oct. 6th.

Allison Backhouse

Apex, N.C.

Dear Editor,

Once again the petty partisan politics prevail in the campaign for the School Board. Ms. Truitt claims to be a different candidate but resorts to same old tired name calling and finger pointing instead of bringing her own ideas and solutions to her campaign. Why resort to name calling if you have the best interests of the children at heart? Stand on your own merit instead of disparaging someone else. Do you wonder who's financing her campaign? Could the Friends of Wake County be behind that ad in the N&O? What can the public expect when we don't get the benefit of unbiased non-partisan investigative journalism in Wake County? The real losers in the scenario are the families and children in Wake County. It’s not about the children and their best interests. Its about the candidates who have the most money and have "friends" in Wake County that get on the School Board. Ms. Truitt is about keeping the partisan politics and personal ideology in public schools instead of above fiscally responsible and parent-responsive representatives who want real change for families. Let's hope the voters see through the smoke and mirrors next month.

Regards,

Frankie Jean Smith

Dear Editor, Those concerned with crowded classrooms should understand they are just the resulting rash from the interior cancer. Only 30 percent of at-risk kids passed EOG tests last year. Only 56 percent graduated, lower than Halifax County, criticized by Judge Manning as committing “academic genocide.” While WCPSS is focused on school data to fill award shelves of administrators, student data is managed by moving kids to hide ‘problems.’ WCPSS has almost triple the ratio of administrators paid per student/ teacher than other large systems. Their $5 million PR budget (your property tax dollars at work) is used brilliantly to protect the system. Recently 1,500 teachers were cut and administration was untouched. Classroom crowding and ‘wacky Wednesdays’ have been conscious choices, disconnected from students and families and a direct result of system fixated on feeding itself. But voters can immediately correct this. The Board of Education controls administration.

On Oct. 6, four seats are open for the school board. WSCA is a grassroots parent-led organization backing candidates who will put children and education as top priorities, above high administration salaries, trips and awards. Come to the Pullen for Change: Sept. 19 at Pullen Park. Hear four candidates who will change this. Find more information at www.wakesca.org.

Sarah Redpath

Dear Editor,

I saw two white deer in my garden this weekend. They looked like the one at Lake Benson Park except they were alive. They were eating our tomatoes in our garden. There was a mother and fawn, both were all white, but they did not have pink eyes. I watched them eat for 10 minutes and then they walked into our woods. We wanted to tell you so people can slow down on Rand Road. This way they can be around for other people to enjoy.

Sincerely,

Shelby Dittman,

Age 7 Garner, N.C.

Dear Editor,

This letter is in response to the article titled “Only 1 challenger appears at forum for Garner candidates” dated Sept. 2, 2009. Please note that I did not receive a written invitation to the candidate forum sponsored by the Southern Wake Republican Club. Had I received notification of this candidate forum I would have definitely attended.

Amaka Flynn

Candidate for Garner Town Council