Wednesday, April 22, 1998

Death for children?

About the time it appears the most stupid law one might think of has already been passed or proposed, some politician dreams up a new one. I am referring to the knee-jerk law proposed after the recent school death tragedies committed by young kids.

State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, would allow 11-year-old children to receive the death penalty.

Pitts would defer execution until the chid reaches the "mature" age of 17. Also, he is so concerned for the children that he doesn't want them on Death Row with hardened criminals and suggested, "Maybe we ought to have some type of facility like Death Row for juveniles" (Abilene Reporter-News, April 9).

If this wasn't so sad, it would be comical! I wonder if Pitts has considered the merit of spending the Death Row construction money on rehabilitation of the children and their families, as well as for the counseling and funeral expenses for the victims' families? Wouldn't it make more sense to legislate laws that would require parents, or those adults responsible for the "well being and responsible behavior" of children, to share the penalty administered for crimes committed by young children?

Most of my life I have vacillated on the subject of the death penalty. Pitts' proposed bill, along with Richard Horn's sensible discussion in his April 15 column, has convinced me a life sentence without parole is the better (and harsher) punishment for heinous crimes.

JACK TOWNSLEY

Abilene

Best for the job

I support Bob Siltman for election to the AISD School Board Place 4. He has contributed endless hours not only to the education of our school children, but also to the enrichment of our community.

During his tenure at AISD, Siltman was responsible for many of the innovative and creative programs involving our children and the community. Recognized by the Texas Music Teachers Association for his innovative programs in the classroom, Siltman also honored our veterans and other groups coordinating public school music programs that touched our entire community. Always active in a broad spectrum of public affairs, he has been a force behind many of the rewarding community fine arts programs of the last two decades.

I commend Mr. Hundley and our present board for their fiscal management that saw us through a period of building growth and adjustment. They utilized the experience of local business people to solve business problems. Now is the time to look at the educational and cultural programs of our schools directing resources as needed to build outstanding programs.

We need board members with a track record of success in these areas. As a nationally recognized composer and adjudicator, experienced administrator and supporter of Abilene, Siltman is our best choice.

Please join me in electing the most qualified person for AISD School Board Place 4, Bob Siltman.

J. VAN GLYNN

Abilene

Via e-mail

No to sirens

It amazes me that every year about this time, many residents of Abilene are obsessed with getting the sirens back. Can we just please forget about them?

Don't these residents remember when we did have sirens and they didn't work properly? No one paid attention to them. And if the city put the sirens back in use people would still ignore them.

For those who say it is a great warning system, wake up! If you are even familiar with West Texas, you know a tornado can hit at any time, anywhere. If one suddenly popped out of the sky, ten seconds of warning will not save you from the wrath of a tornado.

So please, can we get back to more relevant topics that could actually benefit the city!

LANCE ATCHISON

Abilene

Via e-mail