The Emporia Gazette

Attacking comments

Dear FarmRaised,

Thank you for proving my point. The typos were inserted in hopes that someone with an axe to grind would highlight them.

Again, Mr. Walker, shut down the blog.

Sincerely,
Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

December 8, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Attacking comments

Dear Mr. Walker,

In the best interest of the community and The Emporia Gazette, I recommend shutting down the blog option of the newspaper. True, the negative comments, personal attacks, random tantrums, and improper use of grammar are appalling, but there is a far larger concern to take into account.

The newspaper website is the primary portal for the rest of the world to see Emporia (thus, the term World Wide Web), and from which it forms an opinion of the community. If any person from across the nation, or around the globe for that matter, were to conduct a simply Google search of “Emporia, Kansas,” there are few concrete and truly representational websites that generate as the search results. The Emporia Gazette is one of the few that presents itself as the face of the community, “the public relations department.” I doubt those who post their comments to this website realize the outside world is paying attention, and are forming their perceptions. What must they think of Emporia after reading the comments posted upon the blog?

Preserve the newspaper’s quality journalism for which William Allen white worked so hard to create. For the sake of The Emporia Gazette, its history and its future, eliminate the blog.

Thank you,
Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

December 8, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Coming up in Copenhagen

Governor: Backup plan on global warming needed
San Francisco Chronicle
Thursday, December 3, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article...

"California has set an ambitious agenda to combat climate change, but on Wednesday Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the state needs to prepare for the worst if human action cannot stop global warming and the rise of sea levels."

December 4, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Seasonal music program set

In December 1992, I had the great privilege to be the last to play the role of Joseph in Emporia's Annual Christmas Program. I had performed in the pageant each year from 6th Grade choir through my senior year. At the closure of what was known as the Christmas Program, I was upset about the change.

Yet, in retrospect, I think the change to a Seasonal Celebration is appropriate. This allows students and the community to learn about all faiths and celebrate. We are, in fact, a nation of many faiths (and lack thereof). To use taxpayer money to recognize one religion is inappropriate, and excludes minorities and their beliefs.

If you want a Christmas Program, I'm certain each of the Christian churches in the community can provide you with a long list of their own and would for you to attend.

Separation of Church and State is a wonderful thing that we have in America. To paraphrase a line from the movie The American President, "The ACLU is an organization whose sole purpose is to defend the Bill of Rights, so it naturally begs the question: Why would anyone choose to reject upholding the Constitution?"

Thank you,
Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

December 1, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Superintendent: Close Admire School

Perhaps it was the bank.

November 24, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Superintendent: Close Admire School

gg - I apologize if my words were miscontrued. Certainly, I am not suggesting students in the northern reaches of the county begin attending classes in Emporia anytime soon.

That said, I am pointing out the obvious; an increasing number of services are becoming centralized in Emporia as rural population declines. County residents have become accustomed to a regular (daily?) commute into the city for employment, groceries, fuel, banking, etc. In Reading, where my grandmother continues to reside, the post office finally closed its doors.

Unless someone can reverse the population decline, eventually USD 251 will be confronted with the ultimate decision of whether or not it can sustain itself.

Thanks for listening.

BP
SFCA

November 24, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Superintendent: Close Admire School

It is unfortunate that North Lyon County School District's budget is shrinking. Yet, it’s not just the budget that is shrinking, but also the population. This should not come as a surprise to anyone. While I am sympathetic, these small communities have been drying up and withering away for decades. When the school district was reduced to one high school and three grade schools in the 1970’s, did anyone think the occurrence was temporary? Was anyone expecting a population boom in Americus? How about Dunlap, Bushong, Allen, Admire, Miller or Reading? The trend will continue.

Logically speaking, the population in the northern half of the county does not suggest a need for three grade schools.

I think a more relevant question to ask is how long before the students in North Lyon County are bused to Emporia to receive an education?

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

November 24, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City government

At-Large, District and Mixed System Elections
National League of Cities, 2001
http://www.nlc.org/about_cities/citie...

Additionally, the League (of which the City of Emporia appears to be a current member) offers a wealth of information and resources that might be of interest to civic-minded individuals in the community.

In retrospect, I neglected to point out another benefit of district representation; neighborhood accountability.

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

November 16, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City government

OBSERVATION: There appears to be an endless stream of complaints towards the decisions enacted and implemented by Emporia's city government. Unless I am misreading, the constant theme of these complaints seems to target equal representation of the governing body, rather many citizens feel a lack thereof.

SUGGESTION: Would it be plausible to suggest the consideration of a city commission that is divided amongst city districts rather than an at-large system? Emporia may not be Metropolis, but isn't so small for this idea not to work.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES: District representation would encourage more people to become involved in city leadership, more voices being heard and ultimately a more content population.

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

November 16, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Positive thinking

A nicely written commentary, Ashley. Anxiously, I await to see the new "Great Place" feature. Your inbox should fill up with positive emails, very quickly. Bravo!

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

September 24, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )