Letters to the Editor 10-13-16

Curious
Editor:
I was surprised to see the book “Just Kids” by Patti Smith had been chosen for the monthly book discussion group of our local library. The book celebrates the relationship and art of herself and her lover, Robert Mapplethorpe, famous for his sado-masochistic photographs and attacks on Christian images. He was a male prostitute for a while and died tragically young of AIDS.
When I called the library to find out how books were chosen for public discussion, I was told to talk to the Branch Manager Bill Coolidge, who promptly returned my call but claimed no precise knowledge about the selection process. When I asked him if I could talk to him about “Just Kids” he said he had not read it. I asked him if he would read the book so I could have a conversation with him about it. He said he had no intention of reading the book, that he was too busy managing the branch library.
I am curious about this book selection process. Are members of the public allowed to vote on the selection? Why would librarians choose such a countercultural book for public discussion right before an election to increase our taxes to pay for more library services?
Maybe my questions can be answered by Ms. Kiyo Okazaki, the name Mr. Coolidge gave me for further questions. That is, if she honors my request for a meeting.
Nora Ernst
Windsor
Thanks
Editor:
On behalf of the Windsor Unified School Board, I would like to thank our students, staff and parents for showing caution while going to and from school the past few months while Windsor Road traffic improvements were being made. Yes, the project has caused some inconvenience, but it is one that could not be completed during the summer months.
Thank you to the Town of Windsor Town Council for approving the improvement project and also to the members of the Town’s Public Works Department and related to construction crews for your professionalism and for considering the input of our District representative, assistant principal Amy Zigler, in the decision-making process. With safety measures followed, we’re pleased to inform you that we’ve had no reported incidents of injury. We look forward to completion of the project in the next few weeks and the additional turn lanes, bike lanes, crossing signal and parking the project provides. The efforts of many to support the safety of students are appreciated.
A second construction project is nearing completion; a 10-classroom, two-story building at Brooks Elementary School. This project includes an expanded bus loading zone and a student drop off and pick up area designed to assist with addressing the backup of traffic in front of the school during these times.
We want to extend our special appreciation to those of you who live near Windsor High School and Brooks Elementary School for your patience and cooperation during the construction process. We believe that you will be as pleased as we are with the results once completed.
Steve Jorgensen,
Windsor Unified School District superintendent.