Chattanooga 2.0 worthy civic effort
Over the years, I have seen education initiatives come and go. The Chattanooga 2.0 initiative has created hope and excitement for the future. Why the hope and excitement now? This initiative supports the idea that "it takes a village" to educate our children.
As an elementary principal, I see the dedication and high performance of our teachers. We spend hours reaching out to the community to support the many needs of our children beyond the classroom. There are many outstanding educators in our school district.
However, we know we can't meet the needs of our students alone. Supporting education should go beyond the responsibility of parents and teachers.
The Chattanooga 2.0 initiative draws in all stakeholders to invest in our most precious resource - children. It gives a clear focus and vision. I know that many businesses want to be involved.
I'm excited to see stakeholders equally involved in schools across our district to meet the needs of all children. As a graduate and employee of Hamilton County Schools, I'm completely invested in this initiative and confident it will bring the change our community deserves.
Saunya V. Goss, principal, Battle Academy for Teaching & Learning
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Education, jobs best solution to violence
I share Chattanooga City Councilman Yusuf Hakeem's strong emotion over the young boy who lost his parents to violent murder and his great aversion to the shoot-out on Brainerd Road. I disagree, however, with Mr. Hakeem's letter to Mayor Andy Berke opposing the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI).
Yes, Chattanooga has spent significant money on this program. I have participated in several of the Chattanooga Police Department's "call-in" meetings and believe that they are helpful and should be continued. Still, we should not consider this program the major solution to gangs and gun violence.
That solution will be found in the finest education possible in our city for all students - white, black, Hispanic, Asian - all students. And jobs - good jobs - jobs that lead to good wages and affordable living.
Until we commit ourselves and our schools to the best in academics and vocational training, and until we are convinced that we must support this effort with the necessary tax dollars, the peacemakers and those doing the killing will continue to suffer with gangs and gun violence.
Franklin McCallie
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Jetton will work hard as assessor
It has been our privilege to have known Sterling Jetton.
Watching him from elementary school through Central High School, serving in the U.S. Army, raising a family and employed for 27 years at the county assessor's office. We have always known Sterling to be of high morals, hard working and an all around good person.
Apparently we are not by ourselves as we notice he has the backing of the past two assessors, Bill Bennett and Claude Ramsey.
We are proud to support our friend Sterling Jetton.
Charlie and Kathy Umbarger