Despite the continuing stigma that exists in North Carolina regarding people with developmental disabilities, I am encouraged by the governor's attempts to consider solutions that could reduce the impact of the proposed service cuts in housing, supported employment, direct personal care, case management and other life sustaining supports.

Last week Gov. Perdue stated: "We must make deep cuts, even to many good programs in our state, but we must also raise additional revenue. Yet I do not believe that the revenue packages presented by either the House or the Senate are sufficient to meet our goal of protecting North Carolina's classrooms and vital services." Ensuring adequate funding to maintain needed services will also allow us to continue down the road of equality and opportunity for persons with developmental disabilities.

We must all work together to assure people with disabilities and their families are supported through this difficult economic time. We believe a balanced approach of budget reductions, greater efficiencies and increased revenue is the best way to work through this crisis. We encourage the General Assembly to work with the Governor and find solutions that protect our citizens and move North Carolina forward.

Robin Baker

Executive Director

The Arc of Orange County

Essay took reader back to Savannah

Wonderful column by Eunice Brock, just wonderful!

I have experienced the peace and dignity of that beautiful cemetery in Savannah on several occasions, but never with the poetic depth that she expressed in her column. Now I want to see it again, column in hand!

Ann Powers

Chapel Hill