I remember back in the mid-’90s when the Town of Cary’s treated water capacity could not keep up with demand, Cary was in the process of building additional water treatment capacity but the plant had not yet come online. Cary was forced to purchase expensive water from both Durham and Raleigh to ensure that its citizens had a sufficient water supply. In addition, mandatory conservation measures were put into place and new construction was severely limited until Cary could open the new treatment center. At that time, the rest of the region viewed this as Cary’s problem. Cary’s citizens sacrificed in many ways to get through this problem.

Now, fast forward a dozen years. Cary is self sufficient in its water supply and conservation measures are embedded in the psyche of its residents. However, because our water guzzling, unbridled growth neighbors are having water shortages, leaders in Raleigh and Durham now say this is a regional problem. It wasn’t a regional problem in the ’90s but now because they have to sacrifice, they consider this a regional problem.

The Town of Cary leaders need to be vigilant in protecting the water supply for their citizens. I am all for helping out in emergencies to those with a responsible track record. However, Cary leaders, do not put your own residents at risk helping out areas that were totally irresponsible in water conservation and growth management. Keep your eye on our water supply. Durham and Raleigh are!

Paul Donovan, Cary

FALC offers local artists opportunities

After leaving Fairfield, Conn., and the wonderful art association in which I was a charter member, I was apprehensive about what sort of an art atmosphere I would find in my new hometown of Cary. All I can say is that concern no longer exists. I have found an organization offering encouragement, opportunities to exhibit and contribute to the cultural environment of our community.

The Fine Arts League of Cary (FALC) is alive and thriving. Not only does it have a friendly and talented group of members, but offers opportunities to learn and grow as artists. For instance, scheduled for several upcoming monthly meetings, free to the public, there will be instruction and reinforcement on composition, line, mass and space, color, texture and value. The FALC monthly meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August, November and December) at Jordan Hall Art Center, 908 N. Harrison Ave. Visit fineartsleagueofcary.org for all sorts of information.

I encourage visiting the FALC Office Show at 875 Walnut St. in Cary where you can always find a variety of members’ art works for exhibit and sale.

There are many rewards to be reaped from supporting the community’s artists, the programs and shows inspired by FALC. In our fast-paced world of relentless survival, our expression of art offers a refreshing respite. Robert Henri’s “The Art Spirit” brings home so eloquently the bond between the artist and his creation. Art is a reflection of our values, environment and dreams. It communicates to the observer that uniqueness which touches his heart and stimulates his mind to the betterment of his existence even though he may not be aware of it.

Eleanor Fisch, Cary

Reaction unreasonable

Today I read both an article about and a letter written by Mayor Weatherly regarding a disagreement he had with a Wake County school policy. Mayor Weatherly was asked to sign a form that all speakers are now required to sign, a form that sets a bar of standards for actions and behavior when speaking to students in the WCPSS. This seems absolutely reasonable to me. What doesn’t seem reasonable is Mayor Weatherly’s reaction. As a resident of Apex I expect my elected officials to be a role model for others. Mayor Weatherly if you feel that the WCPSS is misguided in trying to protect its students from speakers that might behave inappropriately then address the situation in a constructive manner. Insulting and attacking the school system is not productive. Having the mayor insinuating that what they teach in school is not accurate is deplorable. If this is what you believe then be specific, do not just talk about “politically correct issues” being taught incorrectly. This is a huge accusation for an elected official to make. You are in a position to not merely criticize, but to try to bring a community together to work to improve our schools.

This cannot be accomplished if what you do is use your position and influence to constantly berate and denounce the school system. Also, to compare this policy with having BOE members sign a similar form before addressing town council meetings is ridiculous. The obvious difference is the town council is not our children.

As a parent, a resident of Apex and a voter I am embarrassed, disappointed and angered by Mayor Weatherly’s reaction to WCPSS policy.

Carolyn Sloan, Apex

Weatherly justified

Apex Mayor [Keith] Weatherly is justified in refusing to sign the new WCPSS consent/CYA form. Mayor Weatherly and thousands of citizens have called its baby ugly, and this is their revenge. It’s refreshing to know that there remain some courageous elected officials willing to stand up to the Machine. Weatherly makes a good point in asking whether WCPSS officials and their mouthpieces, such as the Wake Education Partnership, will sign similar consent forms before speaking to their customers, the parents and children of Wake County. When our son reported several years ago that his Apex High School English teacher lisped due to a stud in her tongue, I asked the school’s director, Dr. Tom Dixon, about the dress code. He confirmed that piercing was not permitted among students; however there existed no such dress code in Wake County for teachers. Perhaps it is time for educators to sign a consent form from parents, limiting their speech and appearance in schools to what we feel is appropriate for our children?

Regarding talk of secession from WCPSS, an idea shared by many parents (including N.C. natives!) in multiple communities across Wake County, only the General Assembly can approve this, highly unlikely under our current Democratic leadership, beholden to the government school industry.

Mr. Pomeranz, this is 2008; Desegregation of Southern schools occurred four decades ago! Visit any neighborhood in Cary or Apex built the past 20 years and see for yourself. Shame on all who bleat “racist” whenever a citizen justifiably criticizes WCPSS and its ridiculous belief that children learn through osmosis. The solution though is simple: replace government schools with private ones through unlimited charter schools, vouchers and tuition tax credits.

Free markets always result in better and less expensive goods and services, so why not also in K-12 education?

Kent Misegades, Cary, Board chairman of Thales Academy in Apex