If you wish to see our tax money at work, go down Meadowbrook Drive in the Wurlitzer Park area. DPW workers have been there doing work apparently to alleviate a water problem standing in front of the special residents’ home curb line. I say “special” because this work is using a few workers that could be used to replace quite a few sidewalks in this area. Another case of who you know.

•••

I disagree with school starting before Labor Day, especially when they have school for two or three days and then four days off for the holiday weekend. Years ago, this last week was our last long summer camping trip. I’m a BOCES advocate, but feel they should not dictate the school calendar. The schools that pay into it should reach consensus on when vacations are. I’m even surprised the teachers’ unions accepted this early start. Could someone please ask their children what they learned in the first few days?

•••

In reference to the 2009 school tax: Although my assessment went up, my tax went down $85. I also remember my school tax from 2007 to 2008 went up $110. You just can’t win. But remember, keep an eye on the library. You’ve got an extra $100 paying in there.

•••

All sex offenders should be penalized by giving them a lobotomy. Incarceration, isolation and rehab do nothing but put fear of them recommitting into the rest of us. Take away their memories of the incidents and you’ve effectively punished them. We’ve already paid for their upkeep through the welfare system, so why not give them a lobotomy to give us peace of mind and render them harmless to society.

•••

In regards to the articles about stolen bikes in North Tonawanda. Take a look in the yards along Ironton. There is a yard with lots of bikes in it.

•••

To the person who says they are glad someone is running against Colleen Perkins. I Know for a fact that she does go around in her district to meet people and see if she can help. If you have a problem you want addressed, go to a council meeting and let her know. I did and our problem was taken care of. She can’t be everywhere everyday. But if she knows of a problem, she will do her best to rectify it. The next meeting, by the way, is Tuesday, September 29.

•••

This is about the bike thefts going on in NT: Maybe it’s the police. The same police who steal scooters right out from under kids who don’t have a helmet on. Clearly there is a lot of other crime in the city going on, but that is okay, because the cops don’t care about that, they just want scooters!

•••

The article about the NT teachers nearing a contract agreement states “CSEA representing clerical, nursing and teachers’ assistants was satisfied with a separate five-year contract approved in January.” As a teachers aide covered by that contract, I would like it noted that we settled the contract dispute but all were not “satisfied.” The teachers’ aides in NT do not get health insurance from the district. We are the only employees in the NT school district that do not get it. The administrators and their spouses have their health insurance paid for after retirement, yet the people that work directly with the students do not have health coverage.

•••

What’s the reason for the lengthy construction being performed on the former DAV post on Sweeney and Falconer?