You've made my daughter cry. How does it feel to make a second grader cry?
Yes, that's right. Thanks to your recent $15 million budget cuts to the state historical and museum commission, our local historic site, a wonderful place that has provided us (not to mention thousands of other people) hours of learning and enjoyment, is being forced to shut its doors. It's a unique place, a place many towns across America would love to have in their midst. It's a place that provides an oasis of beauty in the midst of rusted urban decay and historic pride in a tiny town that has seen better days and doesn't always feel like it's got a lot to brag about anymore.
Frankly, we think you've made a mistake.
What good does it do to promise to maintain the buildings if you're not going to help maintain a staff there that can keep the place open to the public and provide educational tours for the public and for schoolchildren?
We're all aware these are difficult economic times, but oh, how I would love to get a look at the state budget and see what was prioritized ahead of the historical commission. I'll bet you some very smart moms and dads and schoolteachers and yes, schoolchildren could help you figure out other things that could be trimmed from that budget.
I'm endeavoring to at least teach my daughter a lesson in civics and in the potential for positive change if people come together and work hard enough. Today I explained to her what petitions are (since I was busy signing one). I've also suggested that she write you a letter. I don't know if she'll do it or not. She was busy wiping away tears and feeling unsure that a letter from a second grader could really make a difference.
So...civics lesson another day. Today we just needed some time and space to feel sad.
4 comments:
Aw, man. Really sorry to hear that, Beth... :( Is there a petition online to keep it running?
Thanks, Erin. It's pretty sad. There's not an online petition that I know of -- the one I signed was local. Probably the best thing would be to write the state legislature to express displeasure over the budget cuts.
It looks as though they're going to try to keep running occasional special events, like at Christmas, and try to staff with some volunteers for limited hours in the spring. It's all part of 300 some lay-offs across the state, most of them at historic sites and in the environmental protection area.
Sigh. I've felt like the grouchy ladybug today.
Just found out the Niagara is losing its captain and a good chunk of its crew. Goody... :-/
I think lots of places will be affected by these cuts! .com
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