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Time for new boss
In his letter, No answer, no hope (Aug. 30), Gary Rogers paints a grim picture of the accountability of our school boards.
I had similar experiences with hospital management while employed at Victoria Hospital.
Obviously, the managers of our schools and hospitals regard themselves as royalty. They are free to spend money on anything while taxpayers quietly accept this malfeasance.
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I suggest the hiring of these managers be the responsibility of the respective government ministers.
If these individuals were paid according to a set pay scale, and had to clear all expenses with an elected government minister, we might see some improvement.
David Nielsen, London
Poor timing
Regarding the article Cash-strapped school board execs’ stadium stay harms trust (Aug. 29).
The Education Quality and Accountability Office oversees standardized testing in Ontario schools. In the latest test results, it shows Thames Valley schools trailing the provincial average in Grade 3 math. Grade 9 math results were lower than the previous year.
If I were a senior administrator, I should realize it is not good, optically, to go on a junket when test scores are low. In the private sector, if sales are down, a pink slip or demotion are real.
We should also look at the elected school trustees, who must see their jobs as more than a night out.
No wonder the public looks at many people in political sectors as out of touch with reality.
Walt Lonc, London
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Involuntary tax
Regarding the letter to the editor Voluntary taxes (Aug. 30) from Doug Alexander.
Alexander refers to the purchase of alcohol and cigarettes as voluntary taxation. Not true, this is a case where goods are purchased and goods are received after paying the tax. This is true with all purchases from bubble gum to a new car.
However, to look at photo radar as a tax is milquetoast at best. My concern is what insurers are going to do when they get these photos. To me, that is involuntary tax.
Barry Mckeon, London
Embrace the good
In the U.S., Kamala Harris’s politics of “joy” has unleashed a new optimism. There is hope that, now, politicians with character, who are experienced and effective, can be allowed to make a positive impact.
I feel Al Gretzky’s attack – in his letter to the editor Stop the spin (Aug. 23) – on Glen Pearson’s “spin” in appreciating Kamala Harris, and the letter in support of Gretzky from Ivan Lavrin, Needed saying (Aug. 29), should not go unchallenged.
The U.S., with ripple effects worldwide, is facing a stark choice between good government and autocratic chaos. Canada should be supportive of and grateful to those seeking positive change.
Carol Lewis, London
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