Letters to the Editor

Stay the Course

Dear Editor,
Whether or not you think that Bob Schubert has been justified in pursuing his claim with the City Council, you have to respect his tenacity and his belief that what he was doing was the right thing.

When I think about Bob Schubert, the story that comes to mind is “Horton Hears a Who”. Horton had an idea that wasn’t exactly mainstream, and because Horton wouldn’t give up, they thought he was crazy. But as it turned out, old Horton carried the day. Isn’t this what we try to teach our kids? That if you believe in something, stick with it and don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s not worth it.

Bob’s journey over the past few years has become an inspiration for me. Use the channels that a democratic process offers, stay the course, don’t become bitter, believe in your cause.
Sincerely,
Ron Fisher

Shew, A Good Man Was Treated Poorly

Dear Editor,
I was saddened and disappointed to learn of the dismissal of Paul Shew that occurred this past St. Patrick’s Day. I was on the Council that hired Paul three years ago, and I feel it is important to set the record straight, as he seems to have become a piñata for certain individuals, some who do not even live here.

I had always found Paul to be responsive and attentive to council members concerns and requests. He was hired over several other well-qualified candidates because he was experienced and knowledgeable about local government, particularly here in Westchester.

When he arrived, after the departure of Julia Novak who served only two years, the Council was fractious as ever, with strong personalities. He worked very hard to bridge the gaps, and did much to achieve consensus, acting as an honest broker.
Moreover, he rallied the staff, and inspired their loyalty. Our professional staff serves our residents admirably well, and it was due in no small part to Paul’s leadership. I found him to be compassionate also, towards those who worked for him, as well as members of the public. It was for these reasons that I was unhappy to learn that he had to sit by himself, in front of an angry crowd, while the council decided his fate.

When Paul was hired, our search consultant warned us that we needed to get our choice right, because if we acquired a reputation as a city that forced frequent turnover in city managers, we would have a hard time attracting quality candidates and would pay dearly for them. Searching for a new city manager is an expensive, time-consuming process. We are paying Paul’s full salary, as well as the interim city manager’s fees. Once again, we will have to hire a search consultant, and council members will spend more of their time in a conclave, and work out a new, and more expensive compensation agreement.

In conclusion, I feel a good man was treated poorly by this city, and the city was not well served by the council’s action. I know, better than most, it is not easy to sit on the council. There is no pay, a tremendous time commitment, and on top of that, having to accept vilification and insults. Nevertheless, I feel that the council’s action, on March 17, was the wrong one, and harmed a good man in the process.

Sincerely,
Robert S. Cypher

Realities of Budget Cuts and Larger Class Sizes

Dear Editor,
Recently, you published a letter by Chris Cohan in favor of larger budget cuts by the Rye City School Board. This response was based, in part, on the assumption that frequent student absences should allow for the creation of larger sections.
First of all, there is no data to support the claim that frequent student absences reduce the teacher-to-student ratio in the Rye City School District in a meaningful way. Secondly, the underlying premise of this opinion seems to be dangerously disconnected from the realities further budget cuts and larger class sizes will make on Rye students.

In a time of economic crisis, many parents pull their children out of private schools because they cannot afford the tuition. If this were to happen in Rye, coupled with the proposed cuts to staff, Rye students would be looking at dramatically increased class sizes and decreased opportunity in after-school athletics and clubs. As an educator, I know that this will seriously hurt the level of open debate and higher-level learning in the average classroom and beyond.

Mr. Cohan, before you condemn the children of Rye to large classes taught by inexperienced teachers “at the bottom of the pay scale,” I suggest you consider the real “cost” of such action. Please do the right thing for the entire community.

Sincerely,
Sara Teimor, RHS World History teacher