Janitors are heroes to students

Concerning Newtown Elementary School's Ted Qualli winning the national Janitor of the Year contest, I'd note there are many other unsung janitors who also are hard workers and key players in their school systems ("Honors for beloved janitor," Tuesday).

I score students' standardized tests nationally, for math, English, and other subjects. These students write essays and stories based on their personal experiences. Over and over, it is the janitor, not the teacher or principal, who "saves the day" by figuring out a solution to an intractable school problem. Taking nothing away from those other professionals, but those on the front lines of education — the kids — know the real value of the work janitors do. Hats off to those janitors as well as to Qualli.

— Lennie Perlman, Philadelphia

Philadelphia has steadily decreased wage and business taxes over the past two decades, yet high unemployment persists.

We must take a more-creative approach to expanding job opportunities, and that begins by better leveraging our resources. Vacant lots can house indoor farms that produce healthy and affordable foods while creating family-sustaining jobs in communities that suffered most from the collapse in manufacturing. Our world-class technology and business sectors can donate resources and expertise toward building these farms, training workers, and distributing their fruits.

If approved by voters on May 16, the Philadelphia Community Reinvestment Commission would be composed of 21 representatives from private foundations, hospitals and universities, community development and anti-poverty organizations, and business and financial institutions. The commission would develop sustainable solutions that meet our most pressing challenges.
A recent State of the City report from the Pew Charitable Trusts revealed that nearly 80 percent of our region's businesses are white-owned, while just 2.4 percent of businesses are black-owned. In a city that is 65 percent people of color, that is an unacceptable disparity.

The crisis of economic inequality demands a coordinated approach to community investment that transcends mayoral administrations and political winds. For truly equitable growth and expanded opportunity for all people to contribute to Philadelphia's communities, vote Yes on Ballot Question No. 2.

— Darrell L. Clarke, president, Philadelphia City Council, Darrell.Clarke@phila.gov

Pennsylvania is facing a deadline that should never have been an issue, with consequences that could impact thousands of residents.

The Department of Homeland Security granted Pennsylvania an extension through June 6 to comply with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, which Congress passed after the 2001 terror attacks. If Harrisburg doesn't act by June 6, state driver's licenses and ID cards will not be accepted at up to 257 federal buildings, nuclear power plants, and military bases around the state and across the country. By January, every Pennsylvanian will need a passport to fly commercially, even from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.

Sen. Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) and I have introduced House Bill 150 and Senate Bill 133, which are awaiting consideration from the House Transportation Committee and the House State Government Committee, respectfully, are the first step to resolving this mess. But they must be passed and signed into law before the state Transportation Department can start to meet the enhanced security standards.
The General Assembly has seven session days until the deadline. I urge all Pennsylvanians to call their elected officials to demand action on this important legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania's IDs will continue to be accepted and remain secure from fraud.

— Ed Neilson, state representative, 174th District, Philadelphia

The commentary, "Don't follow Colorado's lead on legalizing pot" (April 27) called marijuana a "gateway drug." However, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "most people who use marijuana do not go on to use 'harder' drugs."

Most of those who become mentally and physically dependent on drugs and/or alcohol have anxiety issues (in alcoholism), depression (in cocaine abuse), or are undergoing significant psychosocial issues.
Teenagers who began smoking heavily and "developed an ongoing marijuana-use disorder lost an average of eight IQ points between ages 13 and 38, NIDA reports. However, "the IQ decline may be caused by … genetics and family environment, and not by marijuana use itself."

Marijuana has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the use of opioids and to decrease seizures.

The commentary cited the benefits of alcohol, yet failed to list the cancers that occur with chronic alcohol abuse, in addition to damage to the heart, skeletal muscles, and the brain.

As a clinical researcher conducting studies to reduce opioid use in chronic non-cancer pain, I welcome the new Pennsylvania law that will allow me to improve analgesia in these patients with marijuana administration.

— Frederick J. Goldstein, Drug Interaction Services, Ambler