Wilson was visionary who will be missed and more letters to the editors

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor

Wilson was visionary who will be missed

We want to add to the many heartfelt messages expressed about the recent passing of Tom Edd Wilson.

While he made his mark on many local organizations, Tom Edd will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who worked closely with him at Erlanger. We benefited greatly from his steady guidance, leadership and business experience during his four years of service on our board, and co-chairman of our Believe fundraising campaign for a new Children's Hospital.

Tom Edd was passionate about Chattanooga having a new children's hospital and worked tirelessly on garnering support for this community asset. He knew this would represent the largest philanthropic effort in Erlanger's history but forged ahead with Grady Williams to make our vision a reality.

Although we join his family and this community in mourning his loss, we are grateful Tom Edd was able to play a key role - and be publicly recognized - at our Children's Hospital groundbreaking ceremony.

We look forward to honoring Tom Edd's legacy and selfless contributions to Erlanger in a way that will inspire others for generations to come.

Kevin M. Spiegel, president and CEO, Erlanger Health System

Jack Studer, chairman of the board, Erlanger Health System

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Jasper ordinance violates rights

The city of Jasper, Tenn., where I have called home my entire life, unanimously passed Ordinance 376, which will eliminate in time all pit bull type dogs.

As a responsible owner who realizes any dog can be dangerous, I am still at a loss as to how the city feels this ordinance will do anything to improve public safety as stated was their focus.

I urge anyone who does not understand the ordinance to read it in its entirety. I am still trying to comprehend how the citizens' voices were not heard and our questions not answered.

The city of Jasper has put financial requirements on many people unable to meet them. If you are able to meet the requirements, your home will be open to inspection at any time by local enforcement.

I fail to see how that does not violate our Constitutional rights. If I do not comply with it, I will be considered a harborer of a prohibited breed type, will be considered to be committing a criminal offense, and face having my dog/family member immediately seized when they have committed no crime and do not put anyone's safety at risk.

Jessica Huggins, Jasper, Tenn.

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Beware the GOP 'anti-people' agenda

Republican lawmakers think "We the People" can be hoodwinked into letting them destroy our health care safety net. Doing their dirty decision-making hurriedly in secret without public knowledge or input is bound to lead to sepsis of our body politic.

Passage of Obamacare was lengthy and transparent. Contrary to Republican hype, it will not collapse unless it is actively sabotaged, according to experts.

Trumpcare plans to end Medicaid for 14 million people, pre-existing conditions are not guaranteed protection, and many of us between 50 and 64 will pay higher premiums. All of this points to fewer people without health insurance.

People die from sepsis, whether it is brought on by bacteria or Republicans with an "anti-people" agenda. Don't be fooled by the cankerous plans of Mitch McConnell.

Judith Pedersen-Benn

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