Correction: A letter to the editor by Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears March 11 misstated the number of jobs that would be associated with Novant Hospital. The number should have read 200-300.

Tough choices have paid off in long run

As a parent of both a middle school child and a senior ready to graduate this year, I’m really surprised of the response from many parents. I believe it is their fault that they have let their children fall prey to all that is out there. Here or in Texas. I read the paper. I never allowed my child to have a cell phone until she had a job and was able to pay for it herself. I allowed her to take mine if she was going to be away for any amount of time or out for the evening. I grew up without one. I believe we need to teach our children to be responsible for their actions and others’ property so they can understand the consequences facing them. It encourages them to tell their peers not to send those kinds of things, that they could get in trouble not just from the law but from their parents! I’m not saying my oldest hasn’t or doesn’t do the sexting. I hope that she has been taught otherwise. Unlike most teenagers, my daughter has paid for her own car and pays her own cell phone bills. I haven’t even put gas in her car. So far she has been an all around good kid and good student. Plus she works. Most of her friends have parents who have done all of that for them. Why? When they are capable of doing most of it for themselves with a little coaching. Believe me it hasn’t been easy. She has seen most of them get many things she has had to pay for herself. When they complained about the car they were driving I did hear her tell one of them she should have saved her money and bought the one she wanted like she did. I had to drive her to and from work daily for a year, not easy, but boy has it paid off.

We all have choices in this life. I choose to teach mine respect and responsibility. More times than not they learn the rest on their own.

Debbie L. Young, Raleigh

Thank you Officer Pinel

I would just like to express my gratitude for a Morrisville Police officer going above and beyond the call of duty. Officer Brian Pinel helped me not only locate my stolen pocket book last week, but he took the time to deliver it to my front door step. I realize that many officers may not have put the time or energy into this case, but you did. This act of service will not be forgotten. Thank you to each and every officer who not only protects this great community, but who strives to make a difference in the lives of others. Keep up the good work, and be encouraged in knowing that you touch everyone you serve.

Brooke Hames, Morrisville

Sunshine week should matter

March 15-21 is “Sunshine Week” — the time when those of us who work for you place an increased focus on keeping your government open and transparent.

Beginning in February and continuing throughout March, Town of Cary staff is engaged in a variety of activities to drive home our organization’s commitment to our state’s Public Records Laws — both their letter and their spirit.

In addition to a new section on the Town’s Intranet filled with interactive educational activities, employees tested their knowledge of the laws during “Sunshine Jeopardy.” Professor David Lawrence of UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Government conducted a seminar with hundreds of Town employees as well as Town Council and board members about open meetings and public records. And supervisors are actively reminding town staff of their responsibilities under Sunshine laws.

Why should this matter to you? A democracy is only as strong and effective as the level of trust its citizens have in it, and we believe that “Sunshine” is an essential element in keeping your confidence in us.

As we always say, “Sunshine” is a work in progress. Although we work hard on transparency, we need for you to let us know about problems encountered with or ideas about accessibility since, despite our best efforts, we know there will be opportunities for us to improve.

We encourage all citizens to help their governments focus on transparency by taking time to participate in “Sunshine Week.” You’ll find more about Cary’s commitment to a culture of openness at our “Sunshine Week” Web page on townofcary.org.

Harold Weinbrecht, Cary Mayor

C-Tran non-essential?

I take serious issue with the general tenor Mr. Misegades professes in his published letter in the March 11 issue of The Cary News. Specifically, his broad-brush criticism of how the Cary Town Council is managing its fiscal responsibilities regarding the current budget, its debt service and the cost of “non-essential services” (Mr. Misegade’s description), including C-Tran.

It was my privilege to serve on the town-appointed C-Tran study committee, and during the course of informative sessions it was made quite clear that such public transportation facilities have, nationally and historically, required public funding. C-Tran was initially designed to furnish low-cost transportation services to senior citizens and the disabled.

Later, C-Tran service has been expanded to serve the general public in the Cary area.

The $1.3 million loss that C-Tran incurs, Misegades suggests, must be considered as part and portion of Cary’s cost of services it provides its citizens. The other “non-essential” services he defines in that same letter — recycling, toilet buy-back, turf buy back, Cary Tennis Park, WakeMed Soccer Park and the USA Baseball Training Complex — should also be viewed as elements of a town’s ability to provide both long-range physical facilities for use by the public, as well as being financially able to take care of “stuff” which occasionally needs to be attended to.

The Town of Cary has enjoyed a distinctly enviable financially profile by bond rating agencies, as well as being recognized as wonderful place to live. Eliminating the services Misegades defines would certainly negatively affect what we describe as the “quality of life.”

Bob Adams, Cary

More ‘non-essentials’

I read Kent Misegades’ letter regarding belt tightening in the Town of Cary with great interest. It appears that he is right on. I could add pole signs, traffic light synchronization and the sewer waste to fertilizer plant as further examples.

The town’s list of projects for stimulus money would appear to also contain some very questionable items:

• Automatic meter reading for water consumption: Gives us the ability to read your meter 6-8 times per day. (Now we can tell when you shower, take a bath, use the toilet at night, do the laundry and other valuable data.) This project has been around for years and needs to be buried, not funded.

• Upgrade and expand Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility. Purpose is to maintain water quality. I didn’t know that the maintenance of water quality was in jeopardy. This concerns me. If this is a serious issue we need to do something now. Why wait for some stimulus money?

Ray Czarnecki, Cary