Changes by GOP leave little choice
Like the letter writer from Sewanee, I was a long-time GOP voter. I agree that the GOP has changed from its once responsible fiscal and social positions. Those positions now seem to be solely those of big business without regard to the needs of the typical American. Their position regarding health care is a good example. And Sen. McConnell’s recent statement regarding financial sector regulation was just an outright lie.
Serious voters who need balanced, responsible representation now seem to have but one choice, and that isn’t the GOP. That is bad not just for the serious voter, but all of us. As the writer said: There were many responsible GOP leaders in the past who would be very sad today.
Sen. Dirksen; where are you when we need you?
PAUL MORRIS JR.
Signal Mountain
Keep Casavant on commission
I endorse Dr. Richard Casavant for County Commission District 2. I’ve worked closely with Dr. Casavant for three years as mayor and town councilmember of Signal Mountain. I’ve seen his commitment to Signal Mountain, District 2 and to Hamilton County as a whole.
Dr. Casavant is an essential part of the team that brought us the Volkswagen plant. He understands what it takes to bring jobs to Hamilton County and the importance of public education to that goal. Dr. Casavant’s commitment to the education has been unswerving.
Dr. Casavant possesses a rare attribute in the political world: he is honest and forthright in his views. Even when we have disagreed on issues, he has been upfront in his opinions and clear in his reasons for the decisions he has made. I can always trust that what he tells me is what he believes.
Dr. Casavant’s opponent in the Republican primary seems to be a fine man and has been active in his church and community. However, I see no reason to make a change and lose the knowledge and experience we have in Dr. Casavant. I urge voters in District 2 to keep Richard Casavant on the County Commission.
PAUL M.
HENDRICKS, M.D.
Candidate Smith is the real deal
We are honored to support Robin Smith in her bid for Congress! She is a bright, intelligent and hard-working leader who will represent the 3rd District well in Congress. Coming from a working-class family like ours, she fights for the things that matter most to us: pro life, pro family and true fiscal reform.
We both work in demanding professional careers outside of the home. Like many couples, we too juggle countless responsibilities pulling us in many directions at any given time of the day. So much so, we often we find ourselves buying groceries for the week at 11 p.m. on a Friday night. How refreshing it is to know that Robin shares the same struggles as we do — feeding our family! She was in line with us one recent Friday night — talk about a glamorous life! She’s real people. She’s the real deal. She’s what we need in Congress!
EDDIE & ROBIN
GRANT
Bal Harbor
Ramsey deserves our applause
Politics is not a dirty word. It is the art and science of getting things done. County Mayor Claude Ramsey is a superior practitioner of this art and science.
It is not possible, during confidential negotiations (as with Volkswagen), to consult with each affected agency (such as the “school system”).
Mr. Ramsey knows that Rule One, at all times, is this: When you make a commitment, you keep the commitment.
All persons worthy of holding public office or public positions should understand and agree. Mr. Ramsey deserves the community’s respect and support on this. Rather than criticize him, we should applaud him.
JODY BAKER
Henry serves tirelessly, fairly
On May 4, the voters in District 7 have an opportunity to return a proven leader to the Hamilton County Commission. That leader is Commissioner Larry Henry.
As a former chairman of the Hamilton County Commission, he understands that all issues and concerns that are brought before the commission must be studied thoroughly, and his votes reflect both his knowledge of each issue and the will of those he represents. He does not grandstand on one issue, but instead is able to see both the immediate and long-term consequences of his decisions and then votes accordingly.
Commissioner Henry is a quiet, dignified leader. He is a man with the courage of his convictions and the constant desire to serve the people he is elected to represent.
Commissioner Henry has indeed served his constituents tirelessly and fairly. He is certainly deserving of your vote on May 4. Please vote to re-elect Commissioner Larry Henry.
HERB KNOWLES
Nominate Boyd in District 8
To Republican voters in Hamilton County District 8.
On May 4, we will choose who will ultimately represent us in the open District 8 seat on the Hamilton County Commission.
I support Tim Boyd.
Tim is a native of East Ridge, where he and his family live. He is a graduate of East Ridge High School where he was a standout athlete and student. He earned his degree in engineering from the University of Tennessee and then entered the private sector, building businesses and creating jobs for the past 30 years. He has been an asset to our community.
He understands, first hand, the proper limited role of government. He knows where government can and should help but just as importantly he knows when government needs to get out of the way and let the free market function.
He cares deeply about this district and our community. He has the maturity, experience and knowledge to serve us well.
I ask for your support for Tim Boyd on May 4 in the primary election and again in August in the general election.
KEN MEYER
East Ridge
Attend session on schools budget
One of the most important responsibilities of the Hamilton County School Board is the formulation of an annual budget. The board will discuss the budget presented to it by the administration in a work session to be held at the Board of Education Offices, located at 3074 Hickory Valley Road at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
I encourage all interested parties to attend this work session and then contact their School Board representative with their input before the vote is taken on the budget at a special board meeting to be held in early May. I believe in representation that works through input from its constituency.
KENNY SMITH
Chairman
Hamilton County
School Board
Elect Bankston and Hullander
Rarely do we have such candidates with integrity and character as we have in Chester Bankston and Bill Hullander.
Both have a working knowledge of county government and the citizens’ needs. Both have been accessible, and that’s a plus for our county.
Mr. Bankston has served well on our Board of Education and now he’s asking for a seat on the County Commission. He will work with County Mayor Claude Ramsey and his colleagues on the commission, bringing good-paying jobs for our citizens.
Mr. Hullander’s running for county trustee. He has served the 9th District for 12 years and did a great job on the County Commission and will certainly be a plus to the trustee’s office.
The Birchwood community has not been left out. Bill Hullander has been a blessing to our small community in northern Hamilton County.
Mr. Bankston, who is a native of our community, has blessed us with a great principal, and we are grateful for that. Let’s get out and vote and elect these two Christian gentlemen.
EVELYN BRANHAM