Opening Day of Whitesboro School Offensive

To The Editor:
Sept. 3, 2010 was the opening day of the Whitesboro Reunion and the grand opening of the long awaited showing of the new Whitesboro School. Did I say that right? Anyway, this letter is my own way of expressing what came before my eyes and the comments from those present and those not present.
Before I go any further, let me state for the record, I will never remain silent about the things that matter most. Politicians, community leaders, educators and others will take issue with this letter, which is built on truth and fact. It is not about attacking one’s character, just the behavior that seems to be continuous. They have every right to respond.
Sitting outside the Whitesboro School, it was distressing as I watched the many people who walked through that front door who were actually outsiders. Also, some of those same people in attendance never involved themselves with the community or with the residents who reside here. It broke my heart. To participate as though they have been supportive of that community throughout the years is disrespectful. Even worse was the fact that it was allowed without concern from those who have been given the titles of leaders. That too, is very disrespectful.
I have to ask where were all those outsiders in attendance when all those children, black, white, Hispanic and Mexican, traveled through those doors holding the hands of their parents to attend Head Start for quality education even 10 years ago. Thanks to outside intervention, many parents, teachers, volunteers, visitors and finally the little babies did not know they had entered a building containing lead- based paint and asbestos. Imagine that. Let’s just add 20 years to that 10 which equals 30 years. That led to the closing of this historic institution.
Now we have a new building for Cape Human Resources. Good. Where is the space for the children whose parents are still looking for Head Start locally? I’m really not feeling this kind of behavior. To grandstand politically after displaying the lack of concern for the children is bad. Sen. Jeff Van Drew and the assemblyman was kept in the dark about many things. If I were either of these gentlemen, I would consider who is loyal and who is not. Maybe both of these Democrats need to reach out to other well- informed people of all the communities. Who are they anyway? I was asked.
The school is nice. I’m not impressed. Did it create any additional employment for those looking? Let me hear the voices of the little babies. Then and only then will I be impressed.
There has got to be a better way of addressing the needs of any community. Ms. Smith and her staff deserve a place to conduct what they do best. To use a special day for political reasons is old and selfish. I say we all need to be more open to other people. It’s okay to ask for help from those who have experience. Community building is not about egos or status. For me personally, the school is just the beginning. With the right leadership and agenda, change is coming.
BRUCE BETHUNE
Whitesboro