Pretty much says it all
In my opinion, our new University of Arkansas at Fayetteville chancellor says a great deal about his opinion of Arkansas and Arkansans in his first paragraph of his response to David Pryor about the proposed expansion of the Razorback football stadium.
To quote the chancellor: "We believe that this project is not only important for the future of the University of Arkansas, but also for the continued economic and cultural growth of our state."
I have real trouble finding how someone could conclude that the expanded stadium would contribute to the economic growth of the state. If so, any contribution to economic growth would have to be at the fourth or fifth decimal place, or even further down the list, since we have an impressive list of private firms domiciled in the state.
And the reference to cultural growth is, in my opinion, an insult to Arkies. Learning to call the Hogs is not exactly a cultural achievement.
PHILLIP TAYLOR
Fayetteville
On teenage rebellion
From the day we're born until the day we die, each person falls into a different stage of life, such as the terrible twos, toddlers, pre-teens, and then there are the teenage years.
I believe these are the most defining years of life. Whether a person will drop out of school and work at McDonald's until he retires, or graduates from high school and moves onto college is all defined in the integral high school/teenage years. Although these years are life-defining, many kids choose their teen years to rebel against their parents or whatever authority they have. Many rebellions are from kids who have been too sheltered and act out because they are tired of "living in a box." There are other kids who have been rebellious all their lives, so no matter what others say, they will still do what they want.
Who knows where this automatic feeling of independence and insubordination comes from, but just to let teens know, your life is much longer than your teen years, and what you do now affects your future.
REBECCA VANDERVATE
Jacksonville
Addicted to the apps
Almost everyone you see is always on some kind of smartphone. It's something we check before we go to sleep every night and again every morning when we wake up. Today's society is almost addicted to smartphones and technology. The big question is do the apps on the smartphone help you or waste your time?
That question could be answered with two answers. One answer is that they help you. Certain apps can improve daily life. They have calorie-counting apps which help you stay on a diet. They have calendar apps so you always have a calendar with you. They have reminder apps so you can set a reminder to yourself if needed. The list goes on.
Although some apps help you, there are apps that waste your time. Several game apps that people are addicted to playing do nothing but waste time. People may not think so because they enjoy playing the games, but I believe they do more harm than good.
Statistics show that smartphone apps do indeed waste your time. Smartphone apps are just another trend that control people's lives.
ALLISON BURKE
Sherwood
Crisis for the district
A terrible break in the civic fabric of Little Rock occurred when Johnny Key, appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to lead the Department of Education, chose not to renew the one-year contract for Little Rock School District Superintendent Baker Kurrus. I believe it caused the greatest crisis for the district since the Faubus era ... terrible timing for parents deciding where to send their children next fall. The district now is more unstable than when the state took it over a year ago. That action disenfranchises public school voters/supporters like us. Retired and living in west Little Rock, we are taxpayers without representation, with no voice through an elected school board.
This is a mistake. Mr. Kurrus has tackled problems on every front, particularly the lack of trust. We imagined a period of stability and progress. Like Mr. Key, he is not a professional educator. But he is brilliant, passionate and hardworking, a man of faith and integrity.
Let's consider a new model for our unique circumstances. The district is too complex to be led by one person. Many larger cities have an elected mayor and a hired city manager. Mr. Kurrus would be a responsive leader whose roles include communicating with and engaging the public. A professional educator, Mr. Michael Poore would handle the core business of academics. This is similar to Mr. Key's role now at the Department of Education. Academics report to him. The governor evidently saw the wisdom in such a model.
PAT LILE
Little Rock
Bit of paradise's lost
Hot Springs Village, one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S., is right here in central Arkansas. It is the largest (by landmass) gated community in the U.S., with eight public golf courses, one private course, and 11 lakes for boating, fishing and water activities. There are over 20 miles of lovely hiking trails for enjoying nature.
There is pickleball, tennis, bocce ball, lawn bowling, and an indoor natatorium and fitness center. Quilting, woodworking, etc., groups are available, as well as clubs for cards, bridge, etc. If you enjoy serving others, village churches and organizations are the place to be, as they are very giving of their time and talents.
Seems like paradise, right? Wrong!
If you are grandparents with grandchildren who can only visit in the summer, you are flat out of luck if you want a clean area for your little ones to swim. The largest gated community in America does not have a usable outdoor pool. It is amazing to this Nana.
Our little granddaughters live in far west Texas, in a town with a population of under 1,000 that built a state-of-the-art pool that cost less than $1 million last year, while we have nada here in the largest gated community.
So, if you enjoy the variety of things that I mentioned, this is the place for you. If you want your grandchildren to swim outside, drive to west Texas to see them.
SANDY WILLIAMS
Hot Springs Village
Editorial on 04/29/2016