Letters to the Editors

News media need to monitor 'race'

Quote from Time magazine April 12, 2010. "Tennessee and Delaware won the first round of the Race To The Top, a $4.35 billion dollar federal grant program to help states improve their education systems. Tennessee was awarded $500 million."

In the current cesspool of corruption, greed, theft and mismanagement it would certainly be appropriate for the public to monitor how this very large sum is used to improve education, which needs improved leadership and practical solutions. The news media seem to be the only investigative source for honest answers and truth on all facets of activity of government and citizens. Go for it, news media. This is a project.

LILA TRUDEL

Ringgold, Ga.

Free market not doing job

In January, I moved to a new Medicare Part D provider after previous provider raised premiums 70 percent and cut benefits. At that time, my Medicare Supplement provider boosted monthly premiums by nearly 12 percent.

Now the Medicare Supplement provider has announced a 28 percent hike in May, in addition to the earlier one. Both, company representatives tell me, reflect the way the free market works.

Yet Social Security provided a zero percent cost-of-living increase, and one pension, thanks to the 2008 stock market, now pays out nearly 15 percent less per month than a year ago.

Given these figures and trends, I remain perplexed by the rhetoric trumpeted by "tea party" activists, complacent Republicans, and other radical extremists who claim the free market and competition will keep costs -- especially health care costs -- down.

On the contrary, it would seem that the modest health care reform enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Obama did not go far enough to control exorbitant and immoral price hikes by the health care industry.

The preamble to the Constitution mandates that the government promote the general welfare. I thought that meant the welfare of all, not just a few.

CHARLES H. LIPPY

Testerman highly qualified for board

The citizens in District 8 have the opportunity to elect a highly qualified and experienced Hamilton County School Board member in the August election.

David Testerman has 30 years of successful educational experience in the Hamilton County Schools, 26 years as a principal. David will ask the tough questions and demand honest answers. David isn't just another yes vote. He believes in clean, safe schools where educators are allowed to teach and where students can learn without fear.

David Testerman will support strong vocational-technician education programs as well as college directed programs.

Look at his experience:

Vocational Improvement Teacher for Hamilton County at East Ridge High and Sale Creek High from 1977-1980.

Coordinator of Youth Employment and Training for Hamilton County Department of Education from 1980-1984.

Officer in the Hamilton County Principal Association from 1986-1989.

President of the Hamilton County Principal Association in 1989.

Principal of Sale Creek High School from 1984-1990.

Principal of Mountain Oaks Elementary School from 1990-1991.

Principal of Westview Elementary School from 1991-1997.

Principal of Bachman Elementary School from 1997-1999.

Principal of White Oak Elementary School from 1999-2004.

Principal of Gann's Elementary School from 2004-2006.

Assistant principal at East Ridge High School from 2006-2007.

I highly recommend David Testerman.

CURTIS D. ADAMS

Hamilton County Commissioner District 8

Time to reign in wild spending

My little granddaughter thinks she is entitled to her cell phone: to unlimited texting, unlimited calling and unlimited Web browsing.

But I can't blame her because she doesn't have to pay for it.

That's the same problem we have with our health-care debate.

Of course, those who are getting the free ride love it. But at some point, someone has to pay for the free ride.

But actually, it's worse than that. We as voting adults are the ones who want the free health care and we are the ones who are making our grandchildren pay for our free ride.

We owe it to them to reign in this wild spending before it's too late.

GERALD WHITELY

Ringgold, Ga.

Obama watches over all citizens

I am so thankful we now have someone in the White House who does not give in to pressure when fighting for the good of our nation and all its citizens.

The future now looks brighter, knowing insurance companies and financial institutions will not reap huge profits at our expense. Thank you, President Obama!

SANDRA SMITH

Benton, Tenn.

Student loan reform welcome

Student loan repayment is necessary. Going to school should be affordable, and a student should not be worried about how much he will owe while attending school, nor afterward. Education is something that should be encouraged, and one shouldn't feel discouraged because of loan repayment.

A person shouldn't have to take out a loan to attend school; education should be pretty much free.

Extra Pell Grant funds are helpful. Granted, teachers need to be paid and schools funded, but that should be the responsibility of the government.

I dropped out of college to avoid long-term debt. I went to school for two years and owe $8,000-plus and didn't even finish. I plan on going back to finish my degree but am waiting until I can pay some of my debt. I accept the responsibility of repaying what is due, but it shouldn't affect my credit score.

I say this to emphasize the need for reform on lending practices of all kinds. From private banks to payday loans. I am glad President Obama is working to ensure that people who are eager to get an education to better themselves, remain eager. Capping the annual payment at 10 percent will help ensure this.

KENNETH MITCHAM

Stanbery will offer vital leadership

As a Bradley County commissioner, Lisa Stanbery has worked tirelessly for the citizens of Bradley County for the past eight years.

I have been privileged to observe Lisa as she carries out her duties for the citizens Of Bradley county. She is always fully informed of the issues that are brought before the Bradley County Commission and works tirelessly to faithfully serve our citizens.

As a county commissioner, Lisa Stanbery has saved millions of our taxpayers' hard-earned dollars by seeking new and innovative ways to reduce spending while maintaining the current level of services for the citizens of Bradley County.

Lisa is a long-time supporter of programs for seniors and veterans groups in Bradley County. She is a small- business owner and will work to improve the economic outlook for our county, supporting efforts that will bring us more businesses and good jobs. Lisa is a strong advocate to improve educational and technical training opportunities in Bradley County.

Lisa Stanbery will provide Bradley County with the leadership our citizens deserve. A vote for Lisa Stanbery is a vote for responsible county government and a vote to end the "good old boy" politics in Bradley County (www.votestanbery.com).

JERRY HENDERSON

Cleveland, Tenn.

Mayor can't have whatever he wants

Apparently Mayor Ron Littlefield has been taking dictatorship lessons from Obama and his mindless followers. He thinks whatever he wants, everyone should be for it. How mistaken he is.

The good citizens of Chattanooga have resisted the consolidation of the county and city several times. Does Littlefield not realize that just because his promises of jobs, promotions, etc., pushed him into the mayor's office, that he cannot expect our citizens to roll over and let him have his way on this matter?

Sheriff Jim Hammond is doing a good job as sheriff and is a good man, but the two departments should not be combined.

The Chattanooga Police Department has had some bad publicity, but all in all it is tops in most operations. The next chief should be named from inside the department because the officers, from the newest to the oldest, have received the top training in the state of Tennessee.

ARLENE S. HOSKINS

Hixson

Country must condemn hatred

In Michigan, they called themselves "Christian militia," and their mission was to kill the "antichrist." But they were going to kill police, then kill people attending the funeral.

Sean Hannity called the Tea Partiers "Tim McVeigh wannabees" as if it was a compliment, and his audience actually cheered him.

What is happening in our country now is not a matter of right or left, but a matter of right or wrong.

We must call on Corker, Alexander, Wamp and everyone to condemn this hatred! Your silence is apathetic. Your apathy is disturbing and shows that you condone this blatant inciting of hatred.

GOP pundits use the line: "the other side does it"! This sounds like a 5-year-old and does nothing to resolve the problem.

The GOP has been taken over by extreme radicals and has morphed from the party of "no" into the party of hate and just plain evil.

For those of you living in an "alternate universe"' and think the violence won't affect you, just remember Oklahoma City!

ANN BENTON

Signal Mountain

Hullander will add services as trustee

Bill Hullander has served his people of the 9th District well for the past 12 years. He has truly stayed in touch with his community and worked to meet their needs

At one time we in Collegedale faced the loss of our community's library. To some, that might seem to be a small loss, but to our small community it was a major one. It was a valued learning place for our youth, a source of research, pleasure and focus point for our community. Bill recognized that and successfully protected our valued facility. Even though it may not be as extensive as those of many major cities, it is ours, and we utilize it.

The Hamilton County trustee's office in the past has functioned in billing, banking and investing your tax dollars. Bill will implement programs and procedures to make that office more helpful and responsive to the people's needs. To some, it might seem a small crisis not being able to meet that tax deadline, but the penalty faced by those unable is major.

We need Bill Hullander as our trustee. Let him do for our county as he has done for his district.

RITA VITAL

Ooltewah

Cameras reduce deaths, injuries

Concerning the red light cameras in Red Bank, I have a suggestion for those who would like to see these cameras come down. Just quit breaking the law.

The city of Cleveland, Tenn., installed similar cameras quite a while back. These cameras dramatically reduced deaths and injuries at several intersections to the point where Cleveland recently enjoyed one of the least number of traffic accidents, and deaths, in years. Now the cameras have been removed. The company which installed them did so on a "share the fine" basis, and income from the cameras has declined so dramatically the company said they were losing money and have removed the cameras.

Incidentally, I eat in one of the finest little family restaurants three or four times a week, and it is in Red Bank.

DARNED NEWMAN

Signal Mountain

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