"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
We are in a time where every dollar counts, every line on a budget worksheet must be scrutinized.
But while dollar signs are a priority, that cost shouldn't come at the expense of safety...
especially the safety of our kids.
We're talking about something as simple as school crossing guards.
For many years, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have provided school crossing guards.
Now, City Manager Curt Walton and Police Chief Rodney Monroe want Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to bear the burden alone.
The city wants the county's schools to pay for their own guards.
Sound fair?
We don't think so.
We'll break our reasoning down three ways.
First, the technical side....
Streets are not C-M-S property. Neither are sidewalks.
They're city property.
So why should schools pay to protect them?
Second, keep in mind that County Commissioners have already slashed the CMS budget.
This proposal kicks the school system when it's down and struggling.
Finally, the side of common sense...
Our kids' safety shouldn't be on the budget chopping block.
Period. End of story.
Maybe someone with the city went line-by-line to cut costs.
Maybe he didn't see a child crossing the street when he was typing in numbers on a calculator.
Every dollar counts -- we understand that.
But we urge you to remind your city leaders that kids count more.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
