Catoosa sales tax hike unaffordable for many
Those of us in Catoosa County who are on a limited income cannot afford to pay more for the things we purchase. Catoosa commissioners want to raise our sales tax to 8 percent.
If they need money for improving our roads, they need to recruit more retail businesses to our county. Fort Oglethorpe may be crowded, but there is plenty of room in Ringgold and elsewhere in the county. This will generate more sales, which will provide more sales tax revenue for the county and cities.
Raising our sales tax rate may also encourage noncounty residents to save their gas and cease shopping in Catoosa County.
To promise to build a bridge over the tracks at Graysville Road is an attempt to sell us a pig in a poke. If we learned anything with the Colonnade and Three Notch Road Bridge fiascos, it always costs more and takes longer.
Commissioners also fail to mention that they would need to have the approval of the railroad first, which is not guaranteed.
Do not penalize the many to remove an inconvenience for a few.
Jeff Greer
Ringgold, Georgia
All cartoons, opinions are valued in Times Free Press
The recent letter from a reader missed the mark completely. He took exception to Clay Bennett’s cartoon in your paper, but that is the joy of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Both sides on the opinion pages give different views and ideas, and that’s a refreshing thing in these divisive times. I enjoy both pages and, yes, sometimes I disagree with one viewpoint or the other. That is my right to disagree or agree, but by having the difference, I get to see and sometimes understand.
Keep up the great work, and don’t get rid of Clay Bennett or any of the others.
Vicky Alt
Cohutta, Georgia
DNC ditching Fox for debates is ‘stupid’
In my opinion the DNC is projecting its guilt on Fox News since during the 2016 race it gave Hillary info on the questions to be asked at one of the debates. Just because the DNC did that, it assumes that Fox would too.
Pretty stupid assumption. Obviously this is a put-up up job by a group of very unprofessional people.
George Elder
Compassion needed after mosque shootings
Houses of worships – for all faiths and traditions – should be safe spaces for every person. As Jews, we know how terrifying and horrifying it is to be targeted with violence because of who we are. We are heartbroken and saddened to learn of the murders at the two New Zealand mosques. We have reached out to leaders of our Muslim community to express condolences for the senseless loss of life as well as to show support to them, our neighbors and friends.
Over the past several months the Jewish Federation has actively engaged our multi-faith clergy leaders and has been working toward community programming that will address and combat all forms of hate. Today more than ever, we must come together as Chattanoogans – as humans – to have compassion, understanding and respect for all people.
May the memory of those murdered be a blessing to their loved ones, and may their families find comfort and support from their community, country and all of us around the world.
Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga
Austin Center, board chairman
Michael Dzik, executive director