Why did Mullis do an about-face?
Georgia state Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-53rd District) must not have a very high regard for the intelligence of the voters in his district. I say because of his announcement that later this summer "Senate Transportation Chairman Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) will co-author legislation that will provide for greater enforcement of federal illegal immigration laws in Georgia."
Ordinarily this would be good news except for one thing. On March 9, Sen. Mullis voted for a Democrat-sponsored bill, SR 570, which essentially calls for a repeat of the 1986 amnesty for illegal aliens and would legalize tens of millions of people who are in the country illegally. The text of the bill and verification of Sen. Mullis' vote can be found on the Georgia General Assembly website.
Sen. Mullis must take us for fools when the law he says he is now going to propose is the complete opposite of the bill he voted for just four months ago.
Could his turnaround have anything to do with the fact that he has not one but two opponents in the Republican primary for his seat on July 20?
Jeff Mullis could be the poster boy for why people have lost faith in Republican elected officials.
BEN BRANDON
Rising Fawn, Ga.
Robin Smith gets things done
Robin Smith is the only candidate in the 3rd District congressional race who has achieved something for us at all levels of government.
She has helped good people get elected to the national level like Congressman Zach Wamp; as chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, she got more good people elected; and as state party chairman, she went into all 95 counties to help Republicans overturn the Tennessee House and Senate for the first time in 140 years.
Mrs. Smith gets things done.
Recently I met a Canadian couple who came to America 18 years ago to start a small business and have become so concerned for America that they want to go door-to-door telling people, "President Obama is the first un-American president" who will wipe out the hope of America's being that land of economic opportunity, if we don't stop him.
How?
Tennessee does not have party registration; therefore, anyone asking for a Republican ballot can vote for Robin Smith. Tell your neighbors and help us send Mrs. Smith to Washington to take away "the first un-American president's" checkbook (your money)! Pray for our country and vote Republican in the Aug. 5 election for Robin Smith.
LILL COKER
Chefs should know diet restrictions
Many restaurants in the Chattanooga area are now offering gluten-free dining options, for which my daughter and I (both Celicas) are extremely thankful. However, I am bothered by the fact that word has mistakenly gotten out that this is some kind of fad diet, thereby causing a question in the chefs' and/or servers' minds as to how careful they really need to be.
For example, at one restaurant I was told the "chips" (which were listed as gluten-free) were cooked in common oil, so it depended on "how sensitive you are."
The gluten-free diet is extremely hard to stay on, and I personally don't know anyone who is on it that doesn't need to be for health reasons.
If you are going to have a gluten-free menu, there shouldn't even be any question as to whether or not the utmost care is taken to prepare the food properly and without cross-contamination. All employees need to be trained to understand the importance and sensitivity of this. For those of us who enjoy dining out, our health depends on it.
SHARON STOCKTON
Dayton, Tenn.
Fields' integrity, work ethic prevail
Many elected officials become "career politicians," with re-election their primary goal. Knowing Jim Fields, I attest he is not seeking office as county commissioner District 2, for personal aggrandizement. Jim's acts of service are genuine and performed with compassion.
Jim worked since childhood, assisting the family. He formed a steadfast work ethic and acquired excellent stewardship abilities. Following high school, a naval stint provided his first "service-to-country." Jim worked throughout college and law school.
Jim has served church, ministries, community and inner-city service organizations. Jim supports all levels of education. Besides practicing law, he teaches as assistant professor with the University of Phoenix. His wife, Pam, has been an educator for years.
Married since 1982, they parented two wonderful daughters. Family oriented, faith driven, and genuine "walking-the-walk" service to others, describe Jim.
Humility and self-responsibility developed from his jurisprudence and real world experiences. Jim evaluates both sides of issues before forming decisions. He considers process improvements, rather than repeating something over and over. His characteristics will serve county constituents well, as budgets and policies are discussed and implemented.
If we elect Jim Fields, a commissioner of extreme integrity will serve us.
RANDY SILVER
Signal Mountain
Cantrell's history puts him at top
As I consider candidates for the District 2 County Commission race, I am most concerned about having a representative who will consistently support public education, fiscal responsibility and efficiency in government. We also need a representative who is accustomed to bearing considerable responsibility and exercising sound judgment.
While both candidates are fine men, I believe that David Cantrell's background makes him the best choice. David owned and managed a successful business and made the tough decisions necessary to balance a budget and grow.
He served his country for six years as a naval aviator, mission commander and instructor in anti-submarine warfare.
David is a strong supporter of public education, and he understands the need for a career vocational/technical program. He is involved in his community by serving on a town board, and he consistently attends town council meetings to keep himself abreast of the issues.
As a senior captain for a major airline, David Cantrell is responsible for the well-being of hundreds of passengers every day. That requires the kind of sound judgment and steady hand necessary to serve us well.
Please join me and vote for David Cantrell for county commissioner, District 2.
BILL LUSK
Signal Mountain
Family thankful for prayers in death
On June 26, 2010, God took our Taylor out of the battle in Afghanistan. We know he is with the Lord and gathered with his people. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
We thank all who have lifted us up by prayer to our Heavenly Father, and this newspaper and staff for the comforting reporting of our loss.
We also wish to thank all who honored Taylor; the people of Trenton and Chattanooga, those who escorted his motorcade including the Georgia and Tennessee State Troopers, Dade County and Hamilton County Sheriffs' departments, Chattanooga and Trenton Police departments, the Patriot Guard, and the American Legion Post 106.
We also appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps who escorted him home with the pride and honor that each of those that serve deserve.
God bless you all.
WILLIAM W. RICHARDS
Hixson