Reader likes work in Sunday edition
Sunday's edition was a pleasure to read.
Among other things, I'd like to single out the following: David Cook's column. "The People's History of Chattanooga" offers a rare glimpse at the city's subaltern history. Credit goes to Chattanooga Organized for Action, whose brilliant work has made it possible for us to see an important slice of history.
In the second place, Gay Moore's wonderful piece about the remarkable Mabel Scruggs nicely complements Cook's story.
And in the third place, I am delighted you gave ample coverage to the local rally in support of Bernie Sanders who is, in my humble opinion, the only serious and honorable voice in this strange election year.
Fouad Moughrabi
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Assessor's office needs only Jetton
As a 36-year employee of the assessor's office, I am baffled by statements made that our office is in "dire need of an update" and "modernizing." The only updating we need is new carpet. Before blanket statements are made, you need the facts. We have an excellent office with an excellent staff.
The next assessor needs to understand the role of the assessor and the assessor's office. As happened in Roane County, electing a man with no experience can cause embarrassment for a county.
The next assessor needs to be a leader and a public servant. He needs to be able to unite the employees rather than divide. He needs to be a man of integrity and character. When he speaks, you need to know he's not distorting facts.
Two of the three candidates have experience in the assessor's office working for both Bill Bennett and Claude Ramsey.
Having a full understanding of what it takes to perform the duties of assessor and knowing both candidates professionally and personally, Claude Ramsey and Bill Bennett have both publicly endorsed Sterling Jetton, and so do I.
Jim Johnson, Hixson
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Cartoon on Scalia is embarrassment
Antonin Scalia was a great legal mind of American jurisprudence and constitutional law, a very decent human being and worthy of being a justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Clay Bennett's cartoon of Feb. 16 was insulting to the memory of Justice Scalia, his family, his legal opinions, the dignity of the court and we as a people.
As the public watches American law decay into ambulance chasing, perhaps there are enough lawyers left who wish to preserve the dignity of the court and their profession and demand an apology from this paper for publishing this piece of garbage.
Clay Bennett is unfit to shine the shoes of Antonin Scalia.
Ronald E. Lavender
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Rape perpetrators need justice done
This Gatlinburg detective, Rodney Burns, is not fit to investigate anything at all. He should find another line of work.
If it had been done to him the same as done to the victims in this case, he would change his testimony pronto.
Proper punishment is to have the same thing done to these guys and have them taken off the street for a good, long time, and their parents should be sued to kingdom come. Let there be justice.
Leba Woodburn, Cleveland, Tenn.
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Clinton experience makes her top choice
In today's interconnected world with countless internal and external dangers, the wise choice is a person with the experience, the intelligence and the instinct to lead.
My life has taught me that in all things important, experience counts the most. I urge you to join me in voting for Hillary Clinton.
Jim Hall, Signal Mountain
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'Feel the Bern' fire can fuel victory
Bernie can win! His campaign has snowballed, coming from nowhere to prominence because his platform makes sense.
Bernie can deliver. He is a highly effective legislator, working with both parties to become known as the "amendment king" during his 12 years in the House of Representatives.
Bernie has experience. He has held elective office for 35 years, first as a mayor, then a U.S. representative and ultimately as a U.S. senator.
Bernie can make big changes in your government and your future - with your vote.
Linda Pillow, Signal Mountain
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Patterson choice for criminal court
I first met Boyd as a teenager back in the mid-1980s when we were fellow students in tae kwon do school. He was tall even back then, had a perfect side kick, but I also remember a very studious person who cared about doing things right.
Boyd made a positive impression on me, and I never forgot him. Years later while I was working as a law enforcement officer here in Chattanooga, I ran into Boyd again. He was a Hamilton County prosecutor. I wasn't surprised.
We reminisced about the good old days in tae kwon do school and caught up on those years since then. The rest of my years with the CPD, I consulted with Boyd many times to make sure that all of my i's were dotted and t's were crossed in many of my important court cases. I trusted his knowledge and advice, and he was more than willing to help.
I endorse Boyd Patterson for Criminal Court judge and will be voting for him.
Bobby Pamplin, Hixson
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Greenholtz deserves full term on bench
I have known Judge Tom Greenholtz for some time. Judge Greenholtz and I joined the board of directors of Chambliss Center for Children at the same time. I have witnessed his passion for the mission, which encompasses early childhood learning, foster parenting and shelter care for teens.
Tom is compassionate as well as passionate. I observed Tom during his time in the various leadership roles up to and including his tenure as board chairman. I witnessed Tom's immense desire to drive the mission forward, to be careful stewards of the center's assets, and carefully plan and execute the many tentacles of the mission of the center.
I have had the privilege of getting to know Tom both personally and professionally, and I believe he has an unusual grasp on the execution of and the potential for our criminal court system.
Please join Gov. Haslam, Tom's constituents and me in affirming Tom's place on the bench. He will make our community a better place to live and work.
Paul W. Fitzgerald, Signal Mountain