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Waste Not Want Not

By
Real Estate Agent with Prestige Properties

Real estate is local in nature.  We all know that.  Many people look at a community, city, or town to decide if it is a good fit for them.  One of the biggest things people with children look at is the school systems and rightfully so.

In my home state of NC, Charlotte, the largest city is facing a budget shortfall just like most cities and towns across the nation.  Unfortunately they have decided to cut close to 50 million from the school system budget.  I understand in hard times sacrifices have to be made, but wait, there is more to the story.

The local news has started airing stories about some public garbage cans that a local artist is going to decorate at a cost of $12,000.00 each.  Also, they have installed some modern art sculptures at the airport for $65,000.00.  The stories go on and on with art project after art project.

I like art.  I think art is important in society.  Should art be paid for by local tax dollars when the school budget gets cut?  I think this speaks badly of the city and sends out the wrong message.  It is decisions like these that will have Charlotte ranking lower and lower on national rankings when it comes to cities where people want to live or have a high quality of life.  Charlotte will sure be pretty with all of it's art but it will also be extremely stupid because they neglected their responsibility to education their children.

Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

Art is wonderful; I love it too! However, $12k for a garbage can? I don't think so. The art at the airport is probably important for Charlotte's image. Sounds to me like your education system could use some attention.

May 13, 2009 05:53 PM
Sarah Eubanks
Hill Valley Financial Services - Oregon City, OR
Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public

Maybe they could pay the schools for their art?!!  Have the art students make the sculptures for the airport, have the jr. high art classes paint the trash.  Then give the money to the schools...where it belongs!

May 13, 2009 06:05 PM
Todd Pierceall
Prestige Properties - Gastonia, NC

Sarah,

That is a great idea.  Instead of cutting scool bidgets pay them to do the art.  I am sure it would look just as good as a local artist and probaly have more meaning and be a bigger source of pride for the community.

May 16, 2009 07:41 AM