Here’s a “Wrap-Up” story in today’s Chronicle:
In a project called “City of Houston: Problem Solved,” teams of fourth- and fifth-graders have been learning about government by allocating a fictitious $2.8 million among city departments.
Needless to say, the departments’ needs exceed the money available.
At first, said computer lab teacher Lilene Caldwell, “some of the children wanted all the departments to get the same amount of money. Otherwise, they said, ‘It’s not fair.’ “
Caldwell said she explained, “You can do that if you want to, but you’re going to have to fire half the police.”
Then there’s this:
City Councilman Mark Goldberg, whose district includes the school, visited with the students recently.
“They were really interested, on more of an adult level than a children’s level,” he said. “There wasn’t much talk about playgrounds. It was more about public safety and what the police do. There was even one question about the pension.”
Interesting, huh? Fourth- and fifth-graders, when faced with city budget funding dilemmas, chose to fund public safety over playgrounds. Mayor White, on the other hand, when faced with a police manpower shortage, has chosen to focus on Houston’s own Central Park. Among other things.
