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Editorial: Carnival Chats |
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by Dan Veaner
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Friday, 02 June 2006 |
The Lansing Star had a booth at the Fire Department Carnival last weekend, and a lot of you came to say hello, get a free balloon and Lansing Star pen, or a gift certificate for a free classified ad. (If you missed us visit us today, Friday June 2, at Pyramid Mall's Health Fair! If you can't make it today, send a letter to the Editor -- we love to hear from you.) And a lot of folks had something to say about current events in town.
The big topic was the school budget. We had a pile of budget surveys on our table, because we thought the School Board needs all the help it can get gathering public input. It was an anonymous survey, the same one they had on the Internet. A lot of people told us they are mad that the district's priorities don't seem in order. Some said it is "teachers first," not "kids first" and they don't like that. Others thought the Board of Education didn't have a firm enough hand in keeping priorities straight. Others thought that the numbers were skewed or the process wasn't open enough. Many complained of high taxes and worried that a budget that is too high and a capital project are too much for one year.
Pat Prior stopped by to talk about Salt Point, saying she was concerned that unleashed dogs may not be welcome any more. A lot of people stopped by to say they liked our stories on the SADD Drunk Driving Car Crash simulation and the burning down of Lori's Place restaurant. (I love it when you like our stories!)
Taxes in general were on everybody's minds. Well not everybody. Balloons were on kids' minds, and we gave out over 300 balloons before we ran out of helium! For me the kids were the most fun part of the weekend, watching their faces as they rode the rides, played the game, or ate cotton candy. That balloon thing was a great idea -- I got to see a lot of happy kids!
It was good that the weather cooperated this year, because the fire men and women deserve to have a good turnout. They don't make a lot of money from the event, but it is a way to give back to the Town and spread good will from the department. A lot of fire fighters worked hard to make the carnival happen, and Lansing turned out for it. It was such a good crowd that there will probably be bigger and better rides here next year.
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