Opinion
www.SanTanSun.com
September 7 – 20, 2013
Community Commentary
Publisher’s Note
Post Labor Day signals change Another Labor Day has come and gone, and with its passing comes many changes. Labor Day means different things these days, and has evolved throughout the years Laurie Fagen from its humble Photo by beginnings before the LightRainImages.com turn of the previous century. It debuted in 1882, created by the labor movement, and according to the U.S. Department of Labor, was “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers,” and “constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.” Initially, legislation was passed by cities, then by states to make it an official celebration, and in 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. When I was a kid, it used to mean the true end of summer. In rural Iowa, our classes started in late August, so I was always a bit jealous of those who didn’t have to go back to school until after
that first weekend in September. But it was great to get a long weekend so quickly, to help with the transition from a lazy summer to a regimented schedule. Many of you probably went camping and picnicking one more time, perhaps in cooler temperatures up north. For others, it was a lovely long weekend off. Labor Day also signals the end of the lower summer season rates for hotels and airlines, which means both generally cost more after the holiday through Memorial Day. It also means Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. We all know what that means: the start of a crazy, busy quarter. So to all workers in the SanTan Sun News area and everywhere, whether you are in a labor union or not—we join Congress in paying tribute “to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom and leadership—the American worker. Hope you had a good Labor Day, and thanks for reading the SanTan Sun News. (This Publisher’s Note was adapted from a similar 2012 Opinion piece.)
Education is the key to growing Chandler’s economy BY TERRI KIMBLE
Chandler is unique as it has four different school districts that encompass Chandler. Chandler schools have excelled in education with test scores reaching above the state and national averages. Our schools continue to receive an A rating and have been cited for excellence by outside organizations, including the Arizona Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. With scores that consistently score among the top in Arizona’s college-entrance exams, it is no surprise that the diverse programs the state offers, such as online schooling, help to better prepare recent graduates for the workforce. Recently, the Chandler Chamber hosted an education forum celebrating the diverse types of learning in Chandler. Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal was our keynote speaker and gave us an in-depth look at Arizona’s key strengths of today’s education system. Dr. Kristopher Sippel, superintendent of Learning Center Public Schools, discussed charter schools in Arizona. Dr. Camille Casteel, superintendent of Chandler Unified School District, Dr. David Schauer, superintendent of Kyrene Public Schools and Dr. Kenneth Baca, superintendent of Tempe Union High School District, were among
the presenters representing the schools and almost 48,000 students within the Chandler city limits. Their collaborative presentation on education in our local schools touched on various strengths, challenges and future trends facing our community. The quality of our educational system continues to be a driving force in economic development. Being recently appointed to the board of directors for the Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC), I feel that I have a unique opportunity to continue the collaborative effort between business and education in Chandler. The ABEC strives to unite business and education leaders to advance education in the state of Arizona. With that being said, the quality of our education in Chandler most certainly does not stop at the P-12 level, but continues on into our local higher education universities and community colleges. We strongly believe that with the ongoing collaborative efforts of businesses and our education communities, Chandler’s economy and success can only grow. Terri Kimble is the president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at terri@chandlerchamber.com.
Deadline EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: NOON WED., SEPT. 11, 2013 MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 23 Chandler, AZ 85244-0023 TELEPHONE: 480-732-0250 FAX: 480-883-8714 ©2013 SanTan Sun News
For News Tips, Editorial Articles, Opinion or Classifieds, email is preferred. NEWS EMAIL ADDRESS: News@SanTanSun.com ADS EMAIL ADDRESS: Ads@SanTanSun.com WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.SanTanSun.com
47
FOR THE SEPT. 21, 2013 ISSUE
35,000 Total Circulation 27,250+ Driveways
Library is really a teen center every afternoon BY BARB HEDSTROM
Whoever thought putting a library for public use inside a public high school should have his head examined. Warning: Do not use this library between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. on school days. A big sign should be posted: “This is a teen center. Enter at your own risk.” If you do chance it, you will find high school kids all over, draped on the chairs, lounging on the floor, laughing and being rowdy, talking on cellphones, doing everything else except reading. You might stumble over them on the floor and the poor “guard” who walks around mumbling “You have to behave” is a laughing stock. He is totally ignored. Not a job I would ever want. Actually it’s a teen day care center, where parents park these kids after Hamilton lets out. This is a dangerous situation causing chaos in the parking lot where tons of parents park, drive in and out, wait and totally ignore the homemade “one way” signs that someone in the library has posted to try to calm the traffic. It’s a wonder no one has been hit in the parking lot. Or have they? Stay away from Hamilton Library every afternoon. The kids have taken over and you are not welcome. Barb Hedstrom is a Chandler resident.
All residents invited to libraries BY BRENDA BROWN
As Chandler Public library manager, I want to assure all our residents that we strive to provide library customers with a safe, helpful and enjoyable experience at all four of our facilities, two of which are located on high school campuses. A strong partnership has existed between the Chandler Unified School District and the city of Chandler for many years, which has allowed our organizations to share some facilities and save taxpayer resources. Both the Basha and Hamilton libraries are shared facilities, and at certain times on school days there is a greater number of students using those facilities, plus parking and traffic issues that are common at most schools. Students are expected to abide by the same library rules and policies as our other customers, and I encourage anyone with concerns to speak with the library staff directly so they can address the issue immediately. In addition, Hamilton Library staff is working with school administrators to mitigate the issues raised in this letter. Each of Chandler’s four libraries offer a unique experience, and I encourage customers to explore all of them to find the environment that best meets their needs. Brenda Brown is the Chandler library manager.
Have a story idea or news tip? Know of an interesting photo opportunity? How about positive feedback or constructive comments? We’d like to hear from you. Email us at News@ SanTanSun.com.
Proud member of the
AD DESIGN
Shanna Hogan
Christine Bryner, Studio 509
EDITOR PUBLISHER
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Steve T. Strickbine
NEWS EDITOR
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Tracy House
Laurie Fagen
SCHOOL NEWS CONTRIBUTORS
WRITERS
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Lynette Carrington Alison Stanton
Jacqueline Bartrim Rebecca Bentz Denise Hanson Holly Kain Robyn Kelly Guia Lehr Linda Monaghan Wendi Olson Lora Robinson Carol Skocypec Stephanie Vatistas
Jane Meyer Debbie Jennings WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY
Fifty square mile coverage area from Price/101 to Greenfield and from Frye to Hunt Highway.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Susan Kovacs, n-ergizing
SECTION EDITORS
Teri Carnicelli Sharon McCarson Steven Solomon Meghan McCoy
LAYOUT DESIGN
Eric Jelinek
48
September 7 – 20, 2013
Opinion
www.SanTanSun.com
OFFERING PERSONALIZED
medical care family FOR THE WHOLE
with Chandler’s Premier Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
No doctor? New patients welcome! No insurance? No problem. Call us for an appointment today. Gil M. Holland, MD, FAAFP Laura Leal, FPN-BC
480-814-1100
• Comprehensive health care for infants and children • Immunizations and vaccines • On-site blood draws • Sports and athletics physicals • Women’s health • Aesthetic services: Botox® • Adult wellness • Acute and chronic care
3200 S. Alma School Road, #204, Chandler, AZ 85248 | www.ocotillofamilymedicine.com
Limited Time Offer:
BOTOX
®
$9.50 per unit
All Aesthetic Services Administered by a Board Certified MD