Cost-cutting ideas for schools fall short

I just read Laura Loh's article "Panel suggests cutting frills in new schools" (Oct. 31) and, as a product of the Anne Arundel County public schools, and I was saddened by the fact that County Executive Janet S. Owens and her commission found that "straight walls and fewer bushes" would be the answer to the school system's budget woes.

Ms. Owens and her commission may pat themselves on the back for discovering a way to trim the fat, but did they ever consider the wonderful learning environment that those children at Davidsonville Elementary, as well as the staff, have in which to learn and work?

The expense at that school is a one-time cost for many future years of benefit. Was a study done to see how many parents, tired of carrying the burden of private school tuition, enrolled their children in a beautiful new school that applauds and enhances the learning environment?

Is there a price tag for the enthusiasm and pride the teachers and students must have walking through that glass atrium?

It seems that if the Archdiocese of Baltimore found a happy medium; why can't Anne Arundel County?

Teresa Ashburn

Lothian

Racing story deaf to noise concerns

I take issue with Gabriel Baird's article on the Crofton Racetrack ("The fast but not-so-furious," Nov. 4).

In the article he refers to the racetrack as a "haven." Obviously he has never lived in Crofton where, at times, the noise level from the track is nothing short of unbearable. I noticed he quoted three participants at the track - none of whom live in Crofton.

In Mr. Baird's defense, he was told by a county spokesman and by the vice president of the Greater Crofton Council that there had been very few noise complaints. I believe that is because residents are told that the racetrack has "always been here."

But perhaps the other side of the story should have been investigated a little further - the majority of Crofton residents do find the noise to be an issue.

Maybe the politicians don't want to hear the noise or the complaints.

Laura Gordon

Crofton

Police chauffeurs a misuse of officers

I have serious concerns regarding using police officers to chauffeur Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens. While she has said that this is for her safety, it seems that some of the chauffeuring is not only for her safety, but convenience and status.

While she is being driven by our police officers, she is denying our county of much needed police coverage. It seems these officers could better be used to work on lowering the crime rate instead of playing "cab driver."

While I understand that Ms. Owens is the county executive, we are the citizens of Anne Arundel County and we too are deserving of "Safety."

Joe Bruce

Annapolis