To the Editor:

Today's political climate seems to be one of arrogance and disrespect. It’s a shame that some of our local administrators have chosen to emulate these traits.

Recently, I had hoped to speak with a local high school principal about a project that I thought could be beneficial to raising funds. I left four messages over the course of two days. Finally, a polite lady called to say the principal didn’t have the time or interest in speaking with me. I asked if I could come down to the school and was told he was conveniently “out of the building.”

I am aware that some ideas may be impractical or outside the normal scope of activities and would have accepted a negative response after discussion, but I feel people should have a reasonable access to our officials and they should not be allowed to hide within their “ivory towers” when they feel like it.

What bothers me was that this person will make time to remind us we are one big family that needs to support any and all financial issues that would benefit the schools or the administration, but I guess there are no levies planned for the upcoming elections and, therefore, he feels his time is too valuable to spend talking with an ordinary member of the community. I realize that his job is one of many demands, but this is the middle of summer and there is a summer school principal to assist with the school’s needs.

Maybe I’m naïve to believe the Golden Rule should still apply in this day and age, but I’m certain this individual wouldn’t want to be treated the way he chooses to treat others just because he can.

Michael Bartok

Hinckley