Wednesday, August 13, 2003

I am a 35-year-old native of Fayette County. My wife and I are raising three children, two of whom attend middle school.

In my 12 years as a student of Fayette schools the bus picked me up at the end of my driveway on Ga. Highway 92. My children in seven years have never had to go out of my viewing distance to catch the bus. This year they're having to walk not only out of sight but approximately a quarter of a mile to catch the bus.

Though communicating with school board members and transportation employees I've been told the decision to change policy on this issue is due to overpopulation and lack of money.

This said, let me say that my kids are THE reason I get out of bed in the morning. Nothing on this earth is a legitimate excuse to jeopardize their safety and well-being. Our children's safety is not an area that is appropriate for "cuts."

I have talked with countless other people (parents as well as people without children) who share my belief that some things are much more important than money, time or anything else. Our children top that list. Our most precious commodity IS our children and they need to be put first.

Stan Moore

Fayetteville