GOP showing hypocrisy, deceit
Republican leaders are demanding that President Obama stop blaming Bush and assume responsibility for the current fiscal crisis and the war in Afghanistan. Like their brethren in Texas, they are attempting to deny history. In the aftermath of their failed fiscal policy, they are prepared to cripple the nation in hopes of re-creating it in their own philosophical and fiscal image.
The Republicans' view of the current political climate is akin to a 4 X 400M relay race. The first leg of the relay race was run by Clinton. Leading by a huge margin, he passed the baton to Bush and Cheney who ran the second and third leg. They wavered, faltered and dropped the baton several times before reluctantly handing the baton to Obama. They immediately ran to the sidelines and commenced yelling to the spectators that Obama was going to lose the race. Obama has to expend all of the energy that he can to make up the now substantial gap. Still the Republicans yell: It is his fault, he is losing the race. Most of the spectators, however, aren't fooled. Having witnessed the race in its entirety; they recognize Republican's hypocrisy and deceit.
JOHN HIGHT
Preserve integrity of land-use plan
"The Wolftever Creek Area Plan functions as a general policy guide for future community growth, capital improvements, and zoning requests."
Those are the introductory words of this land use plan developed by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency with input from area citizens.
In clear violation of the intent and substance of this plan, Dr. Timothy Ballard and a Florida-based developer are currently lobbying the City Council to approve a zoning change for their Hunter Road property from R1 to R3. The zoning change is requested so they can construct a large apartment complex in the middle of a single family R1 zoned area to the detriment of surrounding property owners.
Community developed land use plans should be treated like the U.S. Constitution, and not subject to "reinterpretation" to satisfy the whims of powerful special interests.
If the RPA staff feels the Wolftever plan should be amended, they should initiate the approved process to do so -- not unilaterally "reinterpret" it to satisfy their current desires, or those of wealthy developers who view it as a roadblock to their profit-making potential. Visit www.VoiceForOoltewah.org to learn how you can help preserve the integrity of this important land use plan.
WILLIAM H. WILSON
Ooltewah
Testerman knows needs in education
David Testerman is running for the Hamilton County Board of Education representing District 8. Having worked closely with David for several years, I found him to be the kind of person who would incorporate Christian values in his decisions.
David works well with people and will be able to work in this capacity to establish effective programs to meet the educational needs of our children. David has many years of experience blended with many facets of expertise. He is an aggressive problem solver with a heart for helping people.
Many times I have observed him helping children and parents. Being the father of four children, a teacher and an administrator for the system, he knows and very much understands children, teachers, school settings and school situations.
There is always a place for experienced educators on our school board. I urge you to consider David Testerman for the Hamilton County Board of Education for District. 8.
JERRY B. BENTLEY
Retired Educator, HCDE
Make recall a priority
Instead of giving city employees raises, the City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to spike employees' taxes, and ours.
Why? The mayor's and council's spending is based on their priorities, not ours. That's a lot of contracts and giveaways for their inner circle; and high-end jobs for the mayor's cronies.
And what about our priorities: Safe roads; top-notch emergency services; and justly compensated city workers?
Forget about it until we replace our leadership and their priorities at www.recallron.com.
Officials use our tax dollars like Monopoly money for private contracts, parties, art and jobs, often in the form of non-budgeted "resolutions." Despite having city departments staffed for engineering, laying asphalt and mowing, our politicians contract many of those services out.
Our government didn't even earmark our supersized stormwater taxes for fixes, meaning it will be spent for more than EPA fines (the city got for water quality violations.)
Our city's Neighborhood Services department, Development Resource Center and Neighborhood Enterprise Inc. condemn properties, then administer foreclosures and side services for developers, who get the properties. That's a conflict of interest to transfer citizens' property and wealth into the hands of the privileged.
So let's make the recall a priority!
LANA SUTTON
Money hasn't helped Rhea
I'm sick of all the crying about not having any money for Rhea County.
Look up Rhea County grants on your web page!
Last yea,r there were millions given to Rhea County: $4 million for schools, $3 million for roads and the list goes on.
Look it up!
That was just for one year! That does not even count all our tax money!
Where is it? They are not fixing the roads, they do not pay the firemen, so just what are we getting for our tax money?
Before you vote, you need to check on who you are voting for and what good they have done. I know they may be "a good old boy," but that isn't all there is to it! How many jobs have they brought in? What have they done to make Rhea County better?
Be informed before you vote!
JOHN MARTIN
Spring City, Tenn.
Republicans' positions absurd
Harry Truman said, and I agree "Most Republicans are fine people. But there is a distinction between the individual Republican voter and the policies of the Republican Party. Something happens when Republicans get control of government. They have trouble hearing ordinary people, but no trouble hearing what Wall Street is saying." I would add some of their positions are idiotic.
The following statements are from Republicans. Texas Rep. Joe Barton said, "Obama was trying to shake down BP" for the oil disaster. The day before, 115 Republicans signed off on his statement. Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the disaster in the Gulf is an "act of God." Candidate William Randall suggested the gusher is a conspiracy between Obama and BP. Rand Paul and Rudy Giuliani said calling for a criminal investigation of BP is "un-American and a mistake." All gross ignorance!
Republicans voted not to help the unemployed and would love to destroy Social Security. They are against clean energy and won't acknowledge global warming. Why? They get tons of money from special interest!
History does repeat itself. During all of the 1930s, Republicans opposed FDR programs. However, they love to say "we didn't get out of the Depression until WWII."
WILBOURNE C. MARKHAM
Walden, Tenn.
Gobble's record can be trusted
It's been 16 years since our congressional seat was at the center of an open race, so I've paid close attention to the Republican candidates.
If we were all back in 1994, I think several of the candidates would do a good job because they seem somewhat well-versed on the issues. However, in 2010, it's clear that times have changed. I am a Republican, but this year I feel more strongly than ever that not just any Republican will do.
A lot of my friends say they're going to vote for Tim Gobble. I've seen him many times on the news dealing with the issues he faces as sheriff in Bradley County, and I've been impressed with how seriously he takes his job. If Gobble goes to Washington and works for us in the same way he has worked for our neighbors in Bradley County, we're in good hands. He's saved taxpayers money, fought for those who serve and protect the people, and deported illegal aliens.
He's been hard at work doing most of the things we need Congress to do. Tim Gobble has a record we can trust, and that's why he has my vote.
DONNA SIMS
Soddy-Daisy
Tennesseans can beat obesity
Tennessee is No. 2, and that must change.
We have the second-highest adult obesity rate in the nation (31.6 percent). We have actually slipped backward for the past three years, as noted in the "F as in Fat" report just released. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes -- areas where Tennessee also ranks poorly. Every year, obesity costs Tennessee $2.9 billion and contributes to tens of thousands of needless deaths.
But we can turn this around.
The Tennessee Obesity Taskforce's multipronged approach to tackling obesity links scientists and clinicians with city planners, community and national organizations, schools, policymakers, transportation experts, nutritionists, parents and others. With a clear focus on reducing health disparities in Tennessee's most vulnerable populations, Tennessee's new statewide nutrition and physical activity plan will help empower all Tennesseans to make healthier choices where we live, work, play, learn and heal.
Increased access to healthy foods and physical activity areas, Coordinated School Health, school nutrition and physical education all play a vital role in this battle.
We have the power to fight this serious health problem. It's everyone's fight to win.
JOAN RANDALL, MPH
Chair, Tennesse Obesity Taskforce
Nashville
Wamp supports strong military
I am a retired 40-year military veteran, having served in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Somalia. My family has also recently lost a grandson, Pfc. Jonathon Hall, in Afghanistan by an IED. He was buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors in April.
Before the funeral, Zach Wamp met with our family and expressed the nation's and his own personal heartfelt condolences in our loss. Being a military retiree, I encouraged my grandson to join the military. And I would do it again.
I believe in a strong military for our country to protect us from evil aggression, and I will vote for Zach Wamp for his strong support of our military.
Just because a man does not serve his country specifically in the military does not mean that he cannot fully support that military. Knowing Zach personally, I know him to be a man of principles and integrity.
He has this state's best interests at heart, and all of his executive decisions will be personally well thought out with Tennessee in mind.
I encourage you to vote for Zach Wamp at the polls because a vote for him is a vote for Tennessee.
DONALD E. PRIDDY