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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v12n24 (06/13/2013) » Section: Letters to Artvoice


A Student's Perspective on Proposed Budget Cuts

by Anna Blatto
My name is Anna Blatto and I’m a student at City Honors School. It’s hard to believe that almost two years ago today I wrote a letter that was eerily similar to the one you are reading now. Both this letter and the previous one pertain to crises in the Buffalo Public Schools district. Then, it was the laying off of dozens of essential teachers. As we make another round of budget cuts, we come to question the importance of music education in our schools. Music programs (especially instrumental programs) in 18 public and charter schools are being severely reduced and, in most cases, eliminated. Not only will this directly affect the teachers and students in those schools, but it will indirectly impact the rest of the district. Action needs to be taken now to save our music programs.

ECC Moving in the Wrong Direction With New Project

by Bernice Radle and Greg Conley
At last week’s 21st annual Congress for the New Urbanism in Salt Lake City, developers and real estate financiers were discussing the need to focus investment in walkable, urban neighborhoods. This is driven partly by lifestyle shifts among the Millennial generation (born between 1980 and 2000), who want to live, work, and play in urban areas that offer diverse cultural, social, and transportation amenities.

"King Andrew" Sixty Years Too Late to Control New York / Canadian Border

by Arthur J. Giacalone
It is difficult to be a fan of the Peace Bridge Authority if you believe that government agencies should act openly and responsibly. Back in the pre-Cuomo days when they were still functioning as a “team,” the PBA’s US and Canadian members routinely circumvented laws meant to protect the environment and ensure accessible and transparent government. Most egregiously, they refused to objectively and effectively deal with the adverse impacts of bridge traffic on the health of West Side residents.

An Open Letter to Sean Ryan on the Peace Bridge

by Bruce L. Beyer
I believe your stance on the Peace Bridge is incorrect. I believe you should find a way to fold your battle flag. Negotiations with Canadian PBA members should be conducted in private, not in the press. You, my friend Mr. Hoyt, and Governor Cuomo are making asses of yourselves trying to negotiate international agreements outside of your Constitutional parameters.



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