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Grand Island 4th grader expresses city concern
Kids say the darndest things. But sometimes the smartest things. One fourth grader from Shoemaker Elementary in Grand Island wrote a letter to the Editor of the Grand Island Independent expressing his concern about Shoemaker Trail.
News 5's Katie Gauthier went to Grand Island to check out the trail and discuss the problem. He received a pretty big reaction. The Grand Island Parks and Rec Director even showed up to answer his questions. "I am writing you today to let you know about a concern that I have with safety along North Road." "I was supposed to do this thing for boy scouts and it was supposed to be write a letter about some problem in your city," said Alec Paul. Alec's letter was published in the Independent October 30th. "Every now and then I'll get a letter like the one Alec sent in that ya know was well thought out and has some questions I could answer," said Parks and Rec Director Steve Paustian. "I ride my bike around the neighborhood but I can't really ride my bike everywhere," Paul said. Especially to school. Not having a hike and bike trail that leads from school to his home sparked the conversation. And so, Steve decided to visit with Alec's 4th grade class. "It was kind of exciting," said Paul. Exercise isn't the only issue at hand here. Alec also points out that this trail should continue on for safety. "I got a really busy highway by me," said Paul. And now the town does have the project on their radar. "This is a challenging segment to get that constructed," said Paustian. Writing in was more important than the actual project. "It benefits the kids, it helps them understand the civics process, the fact that their voice can make a difference, you know, all of the things that are important in our democracy," said Paustian. Alec hopes his letter rubs off on the rest of his class. "I think it might encourage them to um write and see what they can do for the community," said Paul. And that is the type of leadership we all look forward to. "That's the kind of person you look at and say, by golly, maybe this country is gonna be alright afterall," Paustian said. There is a field and a private neighborhood in between the trail that Alec had asked to be lengthened. Steve did say that after approval from all of the neighbors, in a few years the project could be completed. |
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