Glass in the streets not a good idea
For about a month, the city of Oneonta has been spreading broken glass throughout our streets in every neighborhood. This glass is mixed with sand and is being used to reduce cost of the sand and salt that is normally used.
I have picked up samples of this glass being used, and it is normal broken glass, not rounded edges or smooth, as being advertised. I have cut myself with this glass to prove a point. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand broken glass on our streets is not environmentally friendly.
Anyone claiming so is truly misinformed.
What happens after a car accident? All the broken glass is swept up from the street. When your children fall in the streets, not only will they have skinned knees, they will have broken glass embedded in their skin.
The snow plows are spraying this glass into our yards. When summer comes and we mow our lawns; we will be sending glass shards like missiles everywhere. When our cats and dogs walk through this, it is picked up on their paws, and when they clean themselves it is ingested into their stomachs, which can kill them. Our car tires will be ruined after a time driving on this broken glass. I have tracked this glass into my home and I, for one, do not want broken glass ruining hardwood floors or having to walk on it.
I urge everyone to walk your streets and pick up samples and judge for yourselves that this is not environmentally friendly, then contact your city officials and tell them to cease and desist this action, no matter what the savings are, because they are being sold a false bill of goods.
John E. Brown
Oneonta
Tragedies show good of small town
Growing up in Franklin, I've heard many kids say, "I can't wait to get out of here." And for a while, I was starting to feel that way, too. But recently, Franklin, as a community, has become closer.
My small community has gone through much in recent weeks. I suppose I never realized how much the people in Franklin care for each other. An alumnus of Franklin Central School, Cpl. Nick Uzenski, died in Afghanistan on Jan. 11. The community really pulled through for the Uzenski family at its time of grief. Also, on Jan. 20, Franklin Central School's resource officer, Jill Mattice, died in an automobile accident.
I commend Principal Jason Thomson, Superintendent Gordon Daniels, and the entire FCS staff for giving support to the mourning students. They have been so strong throughout the crises our tiny school has endured. There are many pros and cons about living in a small community. But one thing you can always count on is someone you can lean on when life is rough.
Alaina Drayton
Sidney Center
Drayton is a senior at Franklin Central School. Drayton and other students have written letters to the editor as part of Stephen DiCarlo's Participation in Government class.
