Readers write for March 31, 2010

It seems that Minnesota's application for Race to the Top funds lacked two things: A plan to develop quality educators and support from teachers ("Why state lost Race to the Top," March 30).

Bill Walsh, the federal liaison for the Minnesota Department of Education, said that teachers and their union are an anchor, dragging down the state.

Having taught for more than 40 years, I'd suggest something very different. I think that if we had fewer liaisons and other such state and national officials in education, we'd be better off. I'm always amazed at how much money in education is spent outside of the classroom.

If we are dissatisfied with the quality of our educators, stop blaming the teachers and look at what we want our colleges of education to do to be better preparers of educators. Suggesting that we can put anyone into the classroom without training sounds like a pretty big gamble. How do we know that we'll improve educators by doing that?

If Walsh and his ilk want to put the blame on teachers, I suggest that he visit a classroom and spend some time with a real teacher instead of state and national cronies, and ask that teacher what's needed to improve education.

He'd better bring a pencil and paper to take notes, because I'm guessing that, unlike our governor, rather than laying blame, that teacher will provide a list of what is needed to bring up the grades.

JIM STROMBERG, WHITE BEAR LAKE

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I wasn't surprised to read that Minnesota did not receive federal Race to the Top funds. What shocked me was that Delaware and Tennessee were able to get such strong support from their state teachers unions.

While I doubt that the Pawlenty administration has made them feel that welcome, it's clear that the Minnesota unions were not at the table.

Group work is never easy, but Minnesota children deserve better than political posturing.

There's a second round of competition for federal funds. Please roll up your sleeves and get in the game.

MATT FLORY, ST. Louis Park

Regarding the arrests in Michigan ("9 in militia held in plot to kill police," March 30): Why is it, in the so-called "liberal" media, that the terms used are "Christian militia" but "Muslim terrorist"?

JAMES L. POHL, ALEXANDRIA, Minn.

The recent exposure of the blatantly abusive work practices by St. Paul pothole-patching staff should alarm anyone who cares about public service. Those of us who have responsibilities for similar public works services throughout Minnesota share the shock and embarrassment felt by officials in St. Paul. We endorse the strong and swift action taken by Bruce Beese -- just before his resignation -- to immediately address the issue. We also applaud the action of St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman to initiate an immediate outside investigation of the problem. We urge that this fact-finding work be tough, fair, definitive and completed as quickly as possible.

To the public: I urge you to refrain from assuming that this is the norm for public workers, and to understand that this recent outrageous behavior does not represent the dedication, attitude and work ethic of our public works employees in Minnesota. Most public works employees are hard-working, dedicated and conscientious, and often go above and beyond the call of duty to help citizens. But as in any industry, there will always be a few bad examples who abuse the system and give all workers a bad name.

To all public works employees: The citizens who pay for our necessary services deserve our best at all times. You are entrusted with the public's money and time. We need to be particularly sensitive about our work quality during tough economic times, when many more of our customers than usual are struggling to get by. Bad performance, even by a few, reflects poorly on all public works folks. It is imperative that you keep this in the forefront of your mind in everything you do, during work hours and outside of work as well.

DAVE HUTTON, PRESIDENT, MINNESOTA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION

I'd like to thank the city of Minneapolis for not filling the potholes in my neighborhood. The foot-deep caverns have dramatically slowed the traffic much more effectively then any speed limit sign or speed bump.

Wait, are we on to something?

ANNE MCgrane, Minneapolis

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There still are Pawlenty of potholes out there this year (even outside St. Paul). Maybe part of the reason is the long-term deterioration in the roads.

Somebody ought to take some photos of the biggest, nastiest potholes and put them in a campaign brochure to show how well "no new taxes" and cuts in local government aid really do work.

JEFF KOON, ST. PAUL

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To the police: Please don't stop me for drinking and driving. I am just trying to miss the potholes.

KEN MEYER, PLYMOUTH