Forget coal ash removal; spend those dollars on schools
In their campaign to kill coal, The Chattanooga Times and Tennessean editorial writers continue to sell the snake oil concocted by the environmental movement fringes. They choose to ignore facts and resort to scare tactics and untruths.
Yes, coal ash does contain tiny amounts of arsenic, mercury and selenium. The levels are comparable to native soils and sands. Those elements can be toxic but aren't at toxic levels as has been demonstrated and acknowledged by the EPA and other scientists.
Nevertheless, the extremists with their editorial Kool-Aid continue to misinform the public. The Kingston spill was a major disaster, but it wasn't toxic and now is fixed and stable.
But the Southern Environmental Law Center and The Times editor want to remove all the ash in the state to who knows where - purportedly to save our rivers.
As has been demonstrated, there are no indications of toxic metals downstream of ash ponds. Let's consider a more scientific, moderate solution.
I believe those dollars would be better spent in our schools and cities where they are likely to improve real lives rather than addressing a nonexistent, imaginary threat.
Steve Barnes, Cleveland
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Republic's control of Chattanooga parking is excessive
Who is really controlling Republic Parking? Did you know that if you are one minute over the "free parking" at Warehouse Row, the fine is $50? A whole day of paid parking there is only $15. Who (other than New York City) charges $50 for a one-minute parking violation?
Republic Parking is already subtly controlling half the commerce in this city with its land grabs and subliminal altering of our shopping, visiting and staying habits in 15-minute paid increments! And, although our city's elected officials consider their municipal contract with Republic Parking a win, they've utterly lost control (nor is it in their best financial interest to regain control) of Republic Parking's voracious appetite to profit from all things flat and empty.
I applaud Republic Parking's genius business model but am sincerely fed up with its strong-arm tactics.
And, to answer my own question, Republic seemingly has the only key to the city, and, by forced submission, my wallet.
Wake up, citizens of Chatty. Welcome to $50 parking fines.
Rodger Piersant
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Goodwill Industries thanks contributors
Chattanooga Goodwill Industries opened its doors in 1923. Our mission was then and is today to empower people with disabilities to enjoy independence and contribute to their communities by gaining work experience, finding jobs and earning paychecks.
This time of year is the perfect chance for us to say thank you for blessing us with nearly a century's worth of support and enabling us to carry on our mission.
Over the years, we've expanded our service area, started programs, added retail stores and helped thousands. These achievements aren't ours alone. They also belong to the donors who give us gently used clothing and household items to sell in our stores; to the shoppers whose purchases help fund and support our programs; to the employers who hire our clients; and to so many others.
We are grateful for their contributions to our mission. Together we help more than 6,000 residents every year throughout Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. We join with each person helped in saying: "Thank you, Goodwill donors, shoppers, volunteers, employers and employees for believing in Chattanooga Goodwill Industries."
We are indeed blessed.
Dennis Brice, president and CEO of Chattanooga Goodwill Industries Inc.