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Speak Out
Family visas could help worker shortage
Last week's article on the struggle to find workers has prompted me to write to you. I belong to a group of folks who would jump at the opportunity to help resolve this problem but, unfortunately, we are not allowed to work. We are the families of people employed with temporary working visas while awaiting permanent U.S. residency status (the so-called "green card"). This is a long process (it often takes a few years) and until completed, we family members are not permitted to work.
For family members to work, we must apply for our own separate temporary visas, sponsored by a prospective employer. This process is often too cumbersome and costly for small business employers to consider, particularly for part-time positions. Furthermore, there is a shortage of temporary working visas.
In our case, born and raised in Canada, we speak your language; we share your tastes for food and culture; we drive on the same side of the road as you do; we have been educated in school systems similar to yours; we have grown up watching your television programs; and many of us are well-versed in your history and politics. Granted, we have gone metric in the last decade, but many of us are still comfortable with miles and gallons!
I have noticed many ads in the papers for supply teachers and part-time nurses. Some of us hold teaching certificates and very much want to return to the classroom. Some of us hold nursing certificates and would welcome the opportunity for part-time work in medicine.
Many of us perform volunteer work, which has its own set of rewards. But the income from a second paycheck (or "cheque" as spelled north of the border) would certainly be welcomed by our one-income families. Remember, too, the taxes we would pay on our earnings would help all of us. And if our teens were allowed to hold part-time jobs, it would be an invaluable experience for them. Not only would they learn the responsibilities and commitment associated with working, but the life lesson of saving and spending money they have earned themselves.
A solution would be to "umbrella" the working visa by granting the same permissions and applying the same restrictions to family members who reside with the person holding the temporary working visa. In other words, make it a family visa.
It is an unfortunate situation for all of us that we cannot work. I believe we are a source of skilled and dedicated resources who have very much to offer to frustrated employers and to our new country. In the meantime, we patiently await news from the Immigration and Naturalization Service on the status of our petition for permanent residency status.
Roseanna Lavia
Cherry Ave.
Buzz of the chain saws is too much to bear
On my daily walk to town this morning, I was struck by the loud sound of a tree being cut down. I live near Parkside Avenue, and have been following the debate regarding the removal of the liquidambar trees that line the street. I knew that the trees had been scheduled for removal, and I had resigned myself that there was nothing that could be done to stop it.
First, let me preface my remarks by saying that I don't consider myself a "tree-hugger," and I value property owner's rights. I am a moderate who until today felt that individual property owners should have the final say over most things that affect their property.
What I saw today on Parkside changed my mind forever. The majestic 40-year-old trees were being cut down because they got in the way of a sidewalk. I don't know about the rest of you, but in my opinion cement is a lot easier to replace than 40 years of growth on a tree. I believe that the neighbors on Parkside were put in the untenable position of choosing between removing the trees and accepting an unfair cost burden if they chose to keep the trees. As I understand it, if a resident decided to keep their trees, they had to sign a document stating that they understood that 1) the tree would probably die anyway and 2) if the tree needed to be replaced in the future, they would be responsible for those charges as well as any future damage the tree caused to sidewalks, gutters, etc.
This gave the residents of Parkside virtually no choice at all. The trees on Parkside benefit the entire community, yet the residents of Parkside would have had to pay all of the costs of keeping them.
A plan should have been put in place that took into account more than just efficiency.
As I sit here typing this, I can hear the saw still going as it makes its way down Parkside. I was never a tree-hugger before, but I guess I am now.
Betsy Daly
Coastland Ave.
Prop. 38 will help us rescue our schools
Yes on Proposition 38 will give a $4,000 voucher to parents who choose to get their kids out of the failing public school system and give the public schools the increased funding they need to make things better for all children.
Here's why I support Proposition 38:
* Our school system has more dropouts than any state. More children in California become high school dropouts than any state in the nation. Almost half of these dropouts go on to commit crimes. In fact, almost half of California's prison population are dropouts.
* San Jose Unified, in order to pass their bonds, showed many children being forced to use filthy, vandalized bathrooms with broken plumbing and no toilet paper. Children simply wait all day until they get home to use the bathroom.
* With over 40,000 uncredentialed teachers in California's public schools, thousands of failing and disruptive students are pushed through the system. They can't read! They can't write! Yet, they interfere with your child's learning. They are also socially promoted to the next grade where they are again socially promoted, with no consequences for their failure.
* San Jose Unified School District reported that 21 of 29 of their schools are performing below the state median level. They also refused money and help from the state to increase their test scores. What are they afraid of? Why aren't our trustees doing anything about this?
* If parents have a choice for their children's education, schools and school systems such as San Jose Unified will become accountable to parents and taxpayers.
These changes will require San Jose Unified to listen to parents and taxpayers and to provide a brighter future for all our children. Vote yes on Proposition 38 to change the system and change our children's future.
Michael Johnson
Jonathan Ave.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
