Letter: Teacher screamed, called me 'stupid' as a kid. I'd be terrified if she had a gun.
Armed teacher will traumatize kids
I write regarding Gov. Mike DeWine signing House Bill 99, which allows schoolteachers to carry guns. I am extremely concerned that this decision being left to local districts will result in harm to families.
More: Rogers: Mike DeWine 'disgraceful' for gambling with children's lives to placate gun lobby
I am concerned that teachers carrying guns will cause trauma to children who already have a negative view of school.
More: Arming teachers seems an easy fix but are the possible costs worth the risks? |Opinion
There have been young, Black children handcuffed and arrested in elementary schools across the nation. I can only imagine how much fear marginalized children will feel if they know their teacher has a gun.
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As a child in the third grade, my teacher called me “stupid” and screamed at me to sit in the hallway. I sat in the hallway next to a garbage can for an hour. I was terrified and as a woman of 32, I have never forgotten that experience.
I cannot imagine how much more harm I would have experienced if I knew that teacher carried a gun. I love and respect the teachers in Ohio and want them to work in environments that are safe for them and students — but there must be another way.
Nicci Faw, Reynoldsburg
Parking Kiosks beat meters
I am writing in relation to the July 21 letter, “Kiosk confusion bad for Short North.”
The City of Columbus transitioned into pay-by-plate kiosks in May to offer a simpler way to park. Parking has never been easier and residents and visitors can now pay by mobile device, scan to pay, text to pay, call to pay or use the ParkColumbus app.
The use of a smarter parking payment system has many benefits from more reliable and modern infrastructure to more options to pay for parking to reduced clutter from parking meters along roadways and clearer views of storefronts.
More: Time has expired for Columbus parking meters: Rest to be replaced with kiosks this spring
If you don’t have a smartphone handy to pay with the ParkColumbus app, or if you prefer to pay for parking with coins or a card, just keep an eye out for the sign indicating the nearest kiosk, or follow the yellow arrow under the zone sign where you parked. You’ll be at a kiosk in no time.
More: Ditching parking meters just a cash grab. Columbus leaving people on curb. |Opinion
You can find more helpful tips and advice by following the My Buddy Charles video series at https://bit.ly/CbusKiosks or parkcolumbus.com.
Charles Newman, Public Relations Specialist, Department of Public Service
'Big Jim' Karnes cared about kids
I am very pleased that the community of Columbus has chosen to forever memorialize our former sheriff, Jim Karnes, by placing his name on a building that will house those that have allegedly violated the rights of others. (July 14, "Jail dedicated in honor of longest-serving sheriff.")
More: Franklin County's new jail has former Sheriff 'Big Jim' Karnes as inspiration
Jim lived the motto of his profession by “protecting and serving” the citizens of Columbus.
In addition to enforcing the laws and keeping Columbus safe for others, Jim could be seen every December selling papers for the Charity Newsies.
You knew Jim cared for those children less fortunate. Through his efforts, he made it possible that “no child would be deprived an education because of inadequate clothing.”
More: Franklin County Sheriff Jim Karnes dies
He was very successful in selling these papers. Who wouldn’t stop when you saw the gentle giant and sheriff of Franklin County?
Bart Mahoney, Past President of the Charity Newsies, North Myrtle Beach, SC
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Parking kiosks more reliable and modern than meters
