Siedlecki tuned into will of the people
As a young voter, I've followed my local races as closely as the race for president.
I believe that politics have the greatest impact at the local level, and that if we're not careful, the wrong candidate winning could do massive damage to our community.
That's why I'm writing today. My research on the Hamilton County Assessor of Property race has revealed to me that Commissioner Marty Haynes is indeed the wrong candidate, and I worry that a win for him on Aug. 4 could result in damage inflicted by the upkeep of the status quo.
Haynes has shown in his tenure as county commissioner that he doesn't have the best interest of his electorate at heart because of his long period of deafening silence, finally broken by opposition to enacting a senior tax freeze, even though as a county commissioner, he is in the position to enact the freeze.
That's why I'm supporting Mark Siedlecki. Although he cannot enact a senior tax freeze, his dialogue about this once-ignored topic is already making good ole boys like Haynes uncomfortable - which is what every politician should feel when confronted with the will of the people that they've ignored.
Blake Ketterman
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Carter deserves vote to keep state seat
I want to voice my support for Mike Carter as our state representative. He has proven himself in Nashville by working for his constituents and their concerns.
He is interested in conserving the land and farms for future generations to enjoy. I feel we need someone who knows how government works to represent us. Let's all vote for Mike Carter.
Dorothy Longley, Ooltewah
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Common sense boosts Thurman
We have never met Rhonda Thurman, but we are very impressed with her ability to speak out on every situation with clarity and common sense.
We feel she indeed does have her constituents' best interests at heart and does her best to save money wherever possible.
She tells it like it is, and sticks to what she believes.
Having the greatest education in the world is lacking if common sense is not also used.
We would like to encourage your vote for a proven leader.
Bob and Sue Monroe, Soddy-Daisy
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Words to live by are not plagiarized
First, I was born in 1939. And to the point: When I was in my teen years, my parents did not let a week go by without saying the same words to me that Michele Obama said and Melania is being charged with plagiarism for saying.
I remember those words to this day and live by them. I'm sure many people my age can say the same thing.
I do not consider anyone using those words as being a plagiarizer. How absurd we have become.
Bill Cotter, Signal Mountain
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Don't believe lies in assessor's race
Here go the Democrats again in spreading lies and untruths in an attempt to steal an election. This time, they have their sights aimed at Marty Haynes and the assessor of property office.
There is a TV commercial from the Democrats that is completely wrong and lies about county government and our county taxes. Where is the proof that county government has increased our property taxes?
The facts on this question are clear. County taxes have not been raised since 2007, one full year before the senior tax freeze was even possible. This is undeniable fact.
Any other increase in county revenue is due to new home construction and new businesses moving to the area - not a county property tax rate increase.
Don't believe the lies coming from someone who just moved back here to run for political office.
I have known Marty for more than 15 years, and I know we can trust him in managing the assessor's office the right way and according to state laws.
We need to reject this kind of political rhetoric. Please go vote for Marty Haynes as our next assessor of property.
Wally Reece
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Beware Trump, a dangerous narcissist
We listen to Trump, watch his grimaces and antics as he acts out the psychiatric category of narcissism - aware of nothing beyond self and what one wants.
Newborns begin normal developmental stages from there; narcissists remain there, stuck in their own crisis-driven fantasies.
My varied clinical work included seeing hospitalized patients referred from medical specialists requesting input on diagnosis and treatment, some to be diagnosed as narcissistic. However, I never saw anyone diagnosed as narcissistic in psychotherapy.
Trump's is an unstable life adjustment, chaotic inner life exploding into unpredictable aggression, without insight or empathy and accompanying impulsive, unpredictable behavior.
Trump differs from other narcissists only because of inherited riches, and his one skill as con artist. He buys personal relationships to soothe his ego, and buys professionals to attack others and protect him. Exhibitionistic campaigning is all he's capable of.
He is simple-minded - his world has only one inhabitant - himself, only one value - power and its symbol, money.
Voters beware.
Faye S. Walter, Sewanee, Tenn.
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Welch a proven, capable leader
As District 2's representative on the Hamilton County Board of Education, Dr. Jonathan Welch has proven himself to be a capable and thoughtful leader.
As voters are keenly aware, the past year has presented many challenges that would test anyone's leadership capabilities. As chairman, Dr. Welch ably led the school board through some difficult times, and he did so with integrity, professionalism and a level of persistence and determination to always try to do the right thing.
Among the board members, as well as interacting with the public, he was a stabilizing influence and a capable leader. Collaborating when possible, he made substantive contributions to maximize the board's potential for equitable outcomes.
In this pivotal time in the life of Hamilton County's educational system, we need leaders like Dr. Welch as we make critical decisions on improving our standing among schools across the state and nationally.
Each member of the Hamilton County community has a shared interest in the future of our public schools. I hope the voters will join me in voting for Dr. Welch to continue serving District 2.
Tom Edd Wilson, Signal Mountain