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Letters: The true value of school crossing guards in Philadelphia

RE THE letter from David Brotnitsky that the school district or city can save money by cutting crossing guards at corners with lights:

RE THE letter from David Brotnitsky that the school district or city can save money by cutting crossing guards at corners with lights:

I'm the home and school president at FitzPatrick Elementary in Northeast Philadelphia, and I'm in front of my school every morning with two other volunteers to keep the area clear for the school buses.

At Knights and Chalfont, there are two guards at the light, and if you sit there for just one morning, you can see that they need four because drivers speed and disobey traffic signals and each other. They make illegal U-turns, try to beat the red light and figure they can beat the children crossing the street.

There have been many close calls and the drivers don't care. Now there are hundreds of ways to save money in this district and city, but not at the expense of the safety of our children. Please come and sit in front of your neighborhood school and see how many people actually obey the school zone speed limit. You will be amazed!

Jennifer Cullen, Philadelphia

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To Kim's credit

I will stand by Kim Byrd's side any day, including testifying on her behalf during her civil action against the city.

Byrd was a great chief of staff at the Police Department and truly went out of her way in assisting residents and activists in making the city a better place for all.

Today's department isn't exactly a match made in heaven on community partnerships, but I do give Commissioner Ramsey credit for addressing misconduct concerns. But on effective partnerships to fight crime, Sylvester Johnson and Byrd truly shone.

With regard to those spreading rumors - those who live in glass houses shouldn't be throwing stones.

Gregory Bucceroni, Coordinator

Crime Victim Services/

Youth Violence & Crime

Reduction Partnership

Philadelphia