Theft of signs is a sign of worry
Our signs along Hunter Road stating our opposition to the apartment complex on Hunter Road in Ooltewah were removed by thieves. Apparently we struck a nerve or somebody on the opposite side of this issue is worried. These are tactics that have long been employed by opponents of issues from my native Chicago. Intimidation, harassment and theft is their modus operandi.
But please take note that we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. I feel our residents and supporters have taken the high road on this issue. Yes, we are against this rezoning, but we have voiced our opposition professionally, legally and within our rights granted by the U.S. Constitution. We have not slandered anyone as far as I know or turned to illegal activity to get our voices heard.
Chattanooga residents need to know that we will fight this in court if we have to. Chattanooga taxpayers will have to foot the bill to defend this. That means more burden on the already overtaxed citizens of Chattanooga just to enrich an out-of-state developer from Florida and a property owner who lives outside Chattanooga.
SCOTT HARRINGTON
Ooltewah
Union bosses seek to influence races
As a former county commissioner of 20 years, I am troubled about the influence of powerful union bosses on our County Commission races.
Democrat Kenny Smith has received over 50 percent of his funding from unions and union-connected individuals from as far away as Washington, Nashville and Knoxville. County Commissioner Brooks has significant union funding, and Commissioner Skillern’s opponent had over two-thirds of the funding from the Iron Worker’s Union.
David Cantrell is a Democrat running as an independent against Jim Fields. He does not have to disclose until July 29. We can’t know what his disclosure will show; we do know that most of his supporters had Obama yard signs in the last election. Commissioner Beck has received funds from unions and has no opposition.
What are we to think? What do unions want out of these county commissioners when elected? Do they want to unionize county employees, petition the state to change the Right to Work law, unionize VW?
Many of you will remember that unions ran good-paying jobs out of our county in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Union bosses want to do it again. Let’s elect good people who are not beholden to union bosses.
HAROLD COKER
County Commission
1982-2002
Don’t treat habitat destruction lightly
Thanks for the “Where Have the Frogs Gone?” front page leadoff July 6. It’s a question addressed to those under 40 … to those who know no other world.
Why don’t you expand it? Where have the fireflies gone? The glowworms? (that could be seen on dark summer lawns).
Have you examined curricula forced upon public school kids today? Four sciences are available for them: Biological, physical, computer and political. The first two have been all but scrapped.
Hence, your writers are on target in posing such a story to the young, citing testimony from biologists from their own age group who will say nothing untoward about present culture.
That is, the nation’s current population is 325 million, soon to be 500 million if existing immigration policies prevail.
You treat habitat destruction blandly and Dr. Seuss-like when it should be top line.
JAMES L. DELANEY
Estill Springs, Tenn.
Brooks visible only for elections
I support Joe Graham for Hamilton County commissioner.
Isn’t it strange, that the last few months that John Brooks has been seen in places he has never been seen before? Just like in the last City Council election.
Now, Mr. Brooks seems to have an unlimited supply of money for projects in our community that we asked for years ago!
These elections are good for the community – new playgrounds, and money for the recreation center and other things we have pleaded for. Wish we had an election every six months! This only happens, though, if an incumbent thinks there is a good chance of losing their job. Who would have thought that Commissioner Brooks would have his picture made donating money to a group of recreation officers in Lookout Valley?
I want to thank Commissioner Brooks for spending county money to repair our ball fields; we needed it, for sure, but your political tactics stinks!
I wish Commissioner Brooks could have rubbed elbows with my friend, the late Commissioner Ben Miller. Commissioner Miller could have explained to him that the citizens need help throughout the term, not just at election time! Vote for Joe Graham on Aug. 5!
JERRY WALLS
Swafford always ready to help
It is a privilege for me to endorse Ron Swafford for re-election as the Hamilton County Juvenile court clerk.
I have known Ron Swafford for many years. He has always worked with the children and the families in our community. He has never hesitated to take calls either at work or at home. He has always been ready to help people with questions or direct them to the appropriate person.
Mr. Swafford has been very active in his church, Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, since 1978. He is a member of the male chorus, deacon board and he is an assistant youth Sunday school teacher – grades 9-12.
He is on numerous boards and committees, most of which have had some connections in the juvenile justice and organizations that seek to improve the lives of children and families.
I ask you to cast your vote for continued leadership. Please vote Ron Swafford, Hamilton county Juvenile Court clerk.
ALEXANDER BOYNTON SR.
Haslam has ability and experience
Zach Wamp had a tough fight in 1994 against Randy Button for the House of Representatives, but won a ticket to Washington. It’s been a breeze since then. He served his district well. Voters forgave him when he broke his pledge to quit after four terms. But he wants to be Tennessee governor.
He was one small voice among over 500 in Congress. Zach has sold real estate but never ran a business. Congress can spend money freely and raise taxes or borrow whatever they want. The governor of Tennessee is one voice of decision. He makes decisions affecting millions of people and billions of dollars. He can’t spend money he can’t see.
Zach has never had to make a payroll or budget the accounts. Congress is no training ground for running a business, certainly no background for fiscal responsibility. Our organization was strong behind him in 1994 and would continue to support him for Congress. He should have stayed there. We cannot support him for governor.
Bill Haslam has the experience and ability. He knows how to run a business and has managed a city. He will make a better governor.
PETE CHANEY
Veterans for
Good Government