Bay Area protesters gathered to stop the Olympic torch from
being passed off in San Francisco this week, my response to this
is, why can’t we get this much support and media attention during a
time of budget cuts that will greatly effect everyone in this
state?
Reading articles throughout the month about Gilroy Unified
School District cutting 42 positions, state parks closing down, 10%
cuts in social services and mental health programs
… where are all the protesters?
Dear Editor,
Bay Area protesters gathered to stop the Olympic torch from being passed off in San Francisco this week, my response to this is, why can’t we get this much support and media attention during a time of budget cuts that will greatly effect everyone in this state?
Reading articles throughout the month about Gilroy Unified School District cutting 42 positions, state parks closing down, 10% cuts in social services and mental health programs … where are all the protesters?
As a community we must understand what’s going to hit us. Less funding equals less opportunity and access to programs for those that need it the most, quality of care and education will decrease and safety can be jeopardized.
For child welfare and related services $433.1 million will be cut. For state education $4.6 billion will be cut. This budget affects everyone and we need to act! If you are in a union, contact them. Talk to organizations (churches, clubs, teams, groups) that you’re a part of that would be willing to lobby. Write letters to government officials. I hope that we can rally together like the protesters because that is exactly the type of mentality we need to get our voices heard. 
Kailynn Kitaji, Gilroy
