‘Pinching pennies’ not the way to go
Some government spending is wasteful, but lobbyists, wealthy politicians and others (article, Jan. 28) saying “budgets can be balanced, and debt paid by pinching pennies” is absurd!
Who’s behind “Citizens for Restoring America’s Financial Future”? Those in governance need an enlightened posture.
Before 2000, wars were financed by raising taxes. George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan raised taxes several times, but still started our major debt problems.
Computerization/mechanization and subsidized corporate offshoring of jobs continue creating a dumbell society, rich and poor. Eliminating benefits of the disenfranchised, and returning criminals to the streets, will only worsen societal problems.
Companies know 1 percent-3 percent/year added investment is required to maintain earlier investments. Thus “reducing spending to 2004 levels” is unreasonable.
Corporations should pay low taxes on off-shore cash and reduce the obscene salary/benefits given executives. The “unearned” current wealth distribution disparity should be embarrassing. Share with displaced workers by investing in their education and in infrastructure.
“How to really pay down debt” is to raise taxes on truly wealthy folks, many whom have expressed gratitude and willingness to pay. So, all politicians, forget about re-elections, solve the real problems, and tell constituents what they need to know. Also, require work for benefits provided!
MARVIN TURNER, Hixson
Zoning proposal would cause harm
A developer’s plans on Gunbarrel Road would clog East Brainerd traffic.
Planning commissioners meet today to vote on yet another high-density development that would increase traffic, extend our commute time, and lower our home values.
Some of us are just tired of our commissioners and City Council members lowering zoning standards to assure short-term profits for developers.
The developer wants to put dense, multifamily housing in the flood zone on both sides of Gunbarrel Road in the 1300 block going toward Council Fire and Audubon Acres.
Join us at the commissioners’ vote today at 1 p.m. at the Planning Commission chambers, on the fourth floor of the County Courthouse, 625 Georgia Ave. For more information from the commission, call 757-5216.
This latest surprise rezoning would strip us of our R-1 zoning. That zoning protects us from high-density development. Yet, again, there wasn’t timely or visible public notification of neighbors.
Our traffic is already snarled. Our skyline is cluttered with tall apartments. Traffic accidents and crime are rising. And flooding from poor city planning is cutting people off from their homes and destroying property.
LANA SUTTON