Don't make laws restricting liberty
On Monday's front page we were told that state Rep. Richard Floyd wants Tennessee to have a law like Arizona has, to harass residents who may appear to be foreign-born.
First, I'm thinking about the benefits to Tennessee of all of our residents, irrespective of their looks. People in front of me and behind me in the stores pay the same sales tax, cigarette tax and liquor tax that I do no matter where they were born.
Ditto at the gas station, they pay the same gasoline tax that I do. Ditto for home owners and renters (through their landlords), they pay the same property taxes I do.
So I'd hate to see the state budget tightening get even worse in Tennessee as a result of legislators' fears of foreign-looking residents.
Then I'm thinking of the immigrants that may help harvest strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes and many other products for my enjoyment. I had chicken for lunch today that may have been processed by immigrants. Thanks to all of them.
Let's not let fears and prejudices lead us to make any liberty-restricting laws which, following the pattern of Arizona, will cost us more in legal fees to defend against challenges.
JIM HENRY
Signal Mountain
Crangle's views make sense
I support Tommy Crangle for Congress from the 3rd Tennessee District because he represents a different choice than we typically have.
Mr. Crangle's career as an engineer in the electricity industry appeals to me because I believe we need real energy reform (even though I tend to vote Republican) and we need someone who knows the issue. His support for conservation and alternative energy sources indicate that he would be an excellent addition to the national energy-policy dialogue.
I agree with his support for reduced government spending and a smaller federal footprint and am especially pleased with his support of fiscal conservatism rather than the recent "conservative" policy of perpetual deficits brought on by reduced taxes without reductions in spending. My sincere hope is that he will continue to use an engineer's reasoning in Washington to find practical solutions to the whole range of issues facing this country today.
I cannot say that I agree with Mr. Crangle on every issue, but I am well-satisfied with the sum of his positions and his experience. I ask you all to push the button for Tommy Crangle on Aug. 5!
JEREMY MONEY
Let Wamp's vision lead us into future
Zach Wamp, our real choice for governor, has been involved in the development of small business all the 28 years I have known him. As a small-business owner, I had the honor of closely working with Zach during the early years of building the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Small Business Counci, and have always admired his sincere passion for small business as the backbone of this wonderful country we call America.
Witnessing Zach's strong sense of dedication, I always knew he deserved to become the national leader who has served us with distinction and integrity for the past 15 years.
As Tennesseans, we now need Zach's vision to lead us into the challenging future. I know his creative problem solving, both personally and governmentally. I know his heart, beyond question it is honest and true. I know his deep faith in our Creator and core belief in the sanctity of life and family, it is unshakable.
Not just because he is my dear friend, but because of these things I know, I cannot entrust the future of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the hands of anyone other than that of Zach Wamp, our next governor of Tennessee.
MARTHA GENTRY SHAHAN
Hixson
Short possesses needed qualities
Brenda Freeman Short is qualified to represent the 3rd District of Tennessee in Congress. Please support her.
Brenda is working day and night, meeting and speaking with the people of the 3rd District. She is genuine, compassionate, hard-working and intelligent -- traits easy to recognize. Brenda holds a degree in political science from the University of Tennessee and a law degree from Nashville School of Law.
She worked tirelessly in my campaign. I appointed Brenda as coordinator of a child-care task force at a time when federal support and guidelines for child care became a major national issue. Her work gave valuable insight to the needs for new child-care initiatives in the 3rd District.
Other candidates are missing some of the salient qualities I want in our next representative. We all want to see the deficit reduced, fair health care for all Americans, and reduced unemployment. We also want to protect Social Security, realizing that privatizing Social Security is not the best answer.
When elected, expect a representative to be in touch with the people and understand their needs. This could be accomplished by restoring town hall meetings and sending a representative to each county on a regular schedule.
This is a serious race with long-term consequences. I urge you to think hard and prayerfully as you vote. Elect an able and caring person to represent you and your family. Her name is Brenda.
MARILYN LLOYD
Retired Member
of Congress
Parking problems ruin St. Elmo
St. Elmo used to be a pleasure to live in.
Mayor Bob Corker had bike lanes painted that caused no parking on the streets. People started parking on sidewalks because many properties are not equipped with driveways. I live on one of those properties. The only "driveway" would cause me to be unable to open the doors or get stuck after it rains.
The police say no sidewalk parking "for pedestrians' safety."
Not having a driveway and no means to have one put in leaves only one option: park in the front yard and destroy it.
I don't understand why we're not allowed to park on the sidewalks, yet almost every side street has cars lined on both sides where only one car can pass at a time, not to mention how dangerous it is to turn between those cars just to find another car coming at you.
How is that safe?
Cars are ticketed for parking in the lane, on the walkway; however, on Sundays there are never any tickets given out.
Do cyclists not need those lanes or strollers need the walkways on Sundays?
We were told Sundays were exempt. I just don't think the city should play favorites.
MARIE TUGGY
Winters the easy choice in District 8
I have watched with great interest the candidates as they vie for the commissioner's District 8 seat. The closer the end of the race gets, the more you can truly see the character of each candidate.
We need to look for an experienced, mature candidate who will put the job ahead of the foolishness. That candidate is Independent candidate Jim Winters.
He has dedicated most of his life to helping and serving the people of Hamilton County. He is asking for your vote to allow him to continue to serve as District 8 commissioner.
Less taxes and less government says it all for me.
I know one thing: There is no way an $89,000 renovation of an office would have been approved in these tough economical times by Mr. Winters.
He is a strong business leader and knows how to be cost productive.
We have an easy decision to make on Aug. 5. Vote for leadership, maturity, and experience. Vote for Jim Winters, District 8 commissioner.
JOHN MILLARD