'Removing prayer violates rights' and more Letters to the Editors

Removing prayer violates rights

Concerning the issue of prayer during commission meetings, I would encourage the minority of people who do not want prayer to not pray if they do not want God's help.

Are we going to ask for God's help in the next hurricane Katrina, 9/11, horrendous earthquake or devastating tsunami?

According to the First Amendment, Dec. 15, 1791, if you take prayer out of commission meetings you are "prohibiting the free exercise of religion and abridging the freedom of speech and of the press." Are we next going to prohibit "the right of the people peaceably to assemble?"

The first settlers fled England to have freedom of religion. Our country was founded on this freedom. Our first president, George Washington, requested to "proclaim a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God.

He prayed, "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy Holy protection; ...Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." Do we want God's protection from our enemies? Our first president wanted it and our capital city took his name.

DAVID SHERMAN


Powers worthy of judgeship

Ron Powers is the best choice for Sessions Court judge.

As we look to fill the position vacated by Judge Bob Moon's untimely death, we are faced with choosing from a large number of candidates. I feel fortunate that I have come to know one of these candidates well: Ron Powers.

I've had the opportunity to deal with Ron on both a professional and personal level. As an attorney, Ron is an honest, straightforward man. He approaches his work in an energetic and ethical manner, displaying great knowledge of the law. I'm confident that these qualities will serve Ron well as he serves the people of Hamilton County.

Ron also serves as our deacon at our church. Ron is a valued leader in our church, who shoulders his responsibilities with strength, wisdom and compassion. I have every confidence that the traits Ron exhibits in his professional and personal life would translate to his role as Sessions Court judge. He is a man truly worthy of the position he seeks. Please vote for Ron.

STANLEY COKER

Apison, Tenn.


Elect Gardenhire for truth, honesty

For many years, Todd Gardenhire and I have attended Highland Park Baptist Church. I know Todd to be an honest, truthful person who is straightforward and lives his conservative, Christian convictions. When Todd tells you something, you can take it to the bank; not like so many politicians who misrepresent the truth to make themselves look better or to say what you what to hear.

For honesty in government, please, vote Todd Gardenhire for state Senate.

SUE TUCKER


Mayfield can help change Washington

As a business owner, there are two challenges I face nearly every day.

One: I have to identify a problem and simultaneously move in a direction to solve that problem. If I hesitate, employees suffer, profits suffer and ultimately, so does my business.

Two: I need to increase my profit without increasing my cost. The best way for me to increase my profit is for me to listen to my customers. I must pay attention to what my customers are saying.

Do I believe government should be run like a business? I think it's a very simple answer. I want leaders in Washington to solve problems as they identify them, and I want them to listen to the needs of those who elected them. Unfortunately, that is not happening; however, I believe Scottie Mayfield will do that as a member of Congress.

Scottie has 40 years of business experience at Mayfield Dairy Farm. He couldn't have stayed in business if he didn't solve problems quickly and efficiently, or if he didn't listen to his customers. I believe his leadership in Washington can change the way government does business. Join me in voting for Scottie.

ELLIOTT DAVENPORT


Panel made right choice in Norton

The Hamilton County Commission made the right choice in March to appoint David Norton as Sessions Court judge.

His education, experience and judicial temperament make him the right choice.

With his 28 years of faithful public service, he knows the problems facing Hamilton County and is concerned about the breakdown of the family.

He will work with faith-based programs to help solve problems. He will give compassion and firmness in every case.

I talked to Judge Norton on Wednesday. He told me about his medical condition and the treatment that he will be taking. I believe in him.

With treatment, our compassion and our prayers for him, he will be able to serve as Sessions Court judge in Hamilton County.

Please join me in voting for Judge David Norton as our Sessions Court judge in Hamilton County, and let God decide if he is physically able to serve.

WAYNE KEYLON

Soddy-Daisy


Wamp is best candidate

Anyone who would compare Chuck Fleischmann to Barack Obama is politically uneducated. Congressman Fleischmann blames this nation's problems on Obama, Pelosi and Harry Reid. Unfortunately this represents the status quo in Washington.

So many elected officials forget about what's best for America and worry more about who's at fault for the problems. Every time there is a problem this country needs solved, they lean on the backs of my fellow soldiers. No one thinks twice about asking young men and women to sacrifice for our country. However, when a young candidate stands up and is willing to go to Washington to work across parties and fix our country's problems, people say he's too young and inexperienced.

If we are more concerned with what is best for America than being Republicans or Democrats, there is only one real choice for Congress: It isn't our incumbent, and it sure isn't a retired spokesperson (for a company owned by Dean Foods) who seems to have learned about Congress on Wikipedia. The best candidate is Weston Wamp.

TOMMY "D" WINCHESTER


Starnes best choice for Sessions Court

Please vote for Gary Starnes for Sessions Court judge. Gary has worked tirelessly throughout this campaign.

During the time I have known Gary, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic. He has the qualities to be Sessions Court judge: honesty, integrity and knowledge of the law. There is a reason Gary has been endorsed by both editors of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Chattanooga Local 673, and the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association. Gary Starnes is the best person for Sessions Court judge.

SHIRLEY McDONALD

Ooltewah


Miller credentials can't be matched

Ralph Miller, school board candidate, has unparalleled credentials, strong Christian values and 40 years' experience as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Hamilton County school system. Has worked at Ganns Middle Valley, Ooltewah Intermediate, East Lake Junior High, East Lake Elementary, Hardy Junior High, Chattanooga High, Northside Junior High, Normal Park Elementary, Wolftever Elementary, James A. Henry Elementary and Cleveland High and Junior High schools.

He also has 10 years' experience working at Boyd-Buchanan School after retirement. His wife taught 33 years in Hamilton County school system; his son currently teaches at Hunter Middle School.

He has strong investment, connections, and experience with all levels of the Hamilton County schools and served on the negotiating committees of the Hamilton County Education Association. He is an outspoken participant and advocate for the arts in education. Has practical, realistic business perspective, analytical, independent thinker; articulate, not afraid to question the status quo, and a gentleman, highly intelligent.

He truly will be able to make a difference in the precious lives of our students. Ralph Miller is the perfect choice for such a time as this!

PHYLLIS SMARTT

Ooltewah

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