Columns

Column as I see ’em …

Does Saffell Street Elementary School really have a cockroach problem?

It does according to school board chairperson Donna Drury.

During a public hearing to raise property taxes last week, Drury alarmingly recounted a visit to the school that she said resulted in her having bugs in her hair and crawling all over her, before doubling down on that nightmare by saying students are bringing cockroaches home in their backpacks. (See A1).

Over the course of the past few days, I have heard from many of you who have shared your thoughts and concerns with regard to our public pension systems.

I realize that the recommendations that were submitted last week to the General Assembly by the consulting group who reviewed our retirement systems were troubling and unsettling. I know that there are many of you who have dedicated many years of public service to our communities and our state.

I recently received this note from a Methodist pastor.

“I could assume you are one of the democratic Trump-haters in which case the president can do nothing that would please you. I am sorry you feel the way you do and that you would consider publishing such a mean piece about our president. I do not know you so this is not an attack on your person. I wonder how such a beautiful lady (picture) could have such ‘bad’ thoughts. Why don’t you join many of us in praying for our president and national leaders?”

It’s always a surprise to see the end of the month. One week just rolls on into the next and before you know it a new month is here.

I am in full-bore canning mode and planning mode. I’ve got lots of processing left to do in the kitchen and my brain just keeps going outside to all the possibilities.