Ticket to prosperity
In response to the article about Tennessee leading the nation in minimum-wage jobs and those who protest for a higher minimum wage, the solution is simple. Higher-paying jobs are available to those who are prepared with marketable skills, education and motivation. Minimum-wage jobs are primarily entry-level positions meant as a starting point, not a lifelong station. Permanence in a minimum-wage position is a result of a lack of skills, education and/or ambition. A person cannot complain or protest for pay they don’t receive for work they cannot or will not do. Stay in school, work hard and advance – that is the ticket out of minimum wage.
ROY C. CURTIS, Jasper, Tenn.
Trust Smartt for commission
Even brilliant people are wrong from time to time, but they have a choice between covering up or fessing up. The person who refuses to admit he is wrong does not belong in leadership. Any voter should look for positive signs of why a candidate should be elected, and danger signs of why one should not. There are few danger signs more clear than when a person refuses to admit he is wrong. And the Sabrena Turner campaign is wrong on the annexation claim. It’s hard to miss the bright blue signs proclaiming “Sabrena: the “ONLY candidate that fought annexation.” However, a little reading of past Times-Free Press articles on the issue clarifies that Phil Smartt fought annexation while chairman of the WWTA. But it’s not about who was successful in fighting annexation. It’s not about who cares more. It’s about who I trust to be honest, exercise good judgment, lead with integrity and work with other elected leaders. Maybe that’s why Phil has been endorsed by every influential Republican in this area – Claude Ramsey, Harold Coker, Bobby Wood, Gerald McCormick, Justice Mickey Barker and others. They know we can trust Phil to lead with honesty and integrity.
KATHY BECKSTEAD
Vote Fleenor for judge
We are fortunate to have someone of Pam McNutt Fleenor’s caliber running for Chancery judge in our May election. Pam is a native of Chattanooga who loves our community. She will work with determination to ensure that Hamilton County citizens are treated with dignity and respect. Pam’s character and ability are without compare. I have known Pam for 40-plus years. She is smart, honest and compassionate with a strong work ethic. Pam was the salutatorian of Central High School in 1977, graduated from UTC and then completed law school. She has practiced law here in Chattanooga all of her career. I know Pam well, and if you get the chance to meet her, you will feel that you know her well, too. She never meets a stranger. She is working with diligence to get out and meet as many in our community as possible. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to her. I ask for your vote for Pam McNutt Fleenor in our upcoming May election. You will be proud of the job that she will do for Hamilton County!