LETTERS - Nov. 24

ISSUE | EDUCATION

Impressive resumé

As a parent and a retired teacher, I felt student Natalie Hackett Abulhawa's frustration in applying to college and in the inequity of the system ("Daunting start to college application process," Nov. 20). I agree with every point she made. My hope is that she can use her opinion piece as her essay during her college application process.

|Vivian Wolfson, West Chester, gwily7@verizon.net

Wolf at chalkboard

When Ed Rendell served as governor, I was chair of the state House Education Committee, drafting the legislation that provided for smaller class sizes across the state, all-day kindergarten, funding for quality preschool programs, and other education initiatives that Rendell embraced, signed into law, and included in his budgets ("Corbett campaign lied about Rendell's record," Nov. 14). Gov. Corbett, unfortunately, squandered the huge surplus he inherited by giving a gigantic tax cut to the corporate community, followed by immense cuts to education funding in subsequent budgets.

As governor, Tom Wolf has pledged to restore education funding, helping us regain our former high standing in educational success for students and their families. I look forward to working with him.

|Jim Roebuck, state representative, Philadelphia, jroebuck@pahouse.net

ISSUE | RED-LIGHT CAMS

Revenue for a reason

Reading about possible plans to discontinue red-light cameras in New Jersey, I wondered whether this change was prompted by concerns over accuracy, or perhaps the large sums going to camera firms in Arizona ("N.J. likely to shut down red-light cameras," Nov. 8). But instead of these reasonable objections, I discovered that the sole motivation appears to be a juvenile ideology that the program "served only to enrich local and state governments." Nevermind that the dollars are fines paid by drivers risking the lives and property of themselves and others.

So if people die or are injured because red-light running increases, that's a price worth paying for the supposedly noble cause of choking our own government?

|Richard Everill, Collingswood

ISSUE | GIVING BACK

Raising spirits with fewer trimmings

During the holidays last year, Americans spent an average of $730 on gifts, food, decorations, and more. For thousands in our region living paycheck to paycheck, these expenses can be overwhelming and sometimes out of reach. By working together, however, we can help make the season brighter for everyone in our community.

Volunteering with family, coworkers, or friends is a meaningful way to spend time together around the holidays. Instead of the typical office gift exchange, why not donate a gift to a child in need, or cook and serve a holiday meal at a local nonprofit?

Through the Holiday Network, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey can provide connections to organizations throughout the region that need help collecting donated items or other volunteer duties. Details are available online at UnitedForImpact.org/HolidayNetwork.

|Chris Murray, vice president of communications and external affairs, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Philadelphia

On male motives and volunteering

Recent coverage of the imbalance of men and women serving on Montgomery County boards, commissions, and authorities served to shine a light on the efforts now under way to reach a proper balance ("Working to advance women in power roles," Nov. 17). However, The Inquirer's characterization of men who wish to donate their time and talents as "angling for positions" was a description of volunteerism that I find more than a bit inaccurate, offensive, and sexist. Montgomery County has no shortage of both men and women with a sense of community service.

|Don Benn, chairman, East Norriton Human Relations Commission, East Norriton

ISSUE | IMMIGRATION

Tending to problems at home might help

Immigrants can come out of the shadows now ("Immigration action," Nov. 21)? Who's been in the shadows? All I've noticed is an in-your-face attitude by illegal-immigrant activists leading protests on campuses and marches down main streets, demanding recognition and benefits reserved for citizens. I see undocumented immigrants interviewed by name on TV.

And what happens to an American citizen who crosses the border accidentally into Mexico? He's arrested, held for months, shackled to a bed by his ankles, beaten repeatedly, and threatened with death. Perhaps these immigrants should stay in their country to make it better so future generations don't feel the need to flee their homeland.

|Fran Steffler, Philadelphia, fsteffler@aol.com

Setting standards for those who help

Many Philadelphia immigrants require help with complex immigration matters and must place great trust in assistance providers. I have proposed legislation that creates standards for those providing assistance. It would give consumers clarity about how such services should be handled, promote ethical, fair, and honest business practices, and preserve public confidence.

|Dennis M. O'Brien, at-large member, City Council, Philadelphia