Support efforts to rid city of ground ozone
In 2014, Chattanooga ranked as the sixth-worst metro city for asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While there are myriad asthma triggers, we know that a key trigger is ground-level ozone. Did you know that the American Lung Association rated our ground-level ozone quality as an “F”? Not only does ground-level ozone trigger asthma attacks, it also causes a host of other respiratory problems. Children unfairly bear this burden due to their developing lungs. As a mom, this alarms me. As parents, we do everything to protect our children, but we can’t buy clean air for them. We have to fight for it by raising our voices and letting our elected officials know that our children need protection! The Clean Power Plan will require reduction of air pollution from coal-fired power plants, which are a tremendous contributor to the formation of ozone. Doesn’t it just make sense to provide our children with a safe and healthy environment? Join me in telling Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker that you insist on clean air for your children’s health by supporting the Clean Power Plan. LINDSAY PACE Chattanooga
Coker’s legacy will be lasting
With the passing of Harold Coker, young men should admire his legacy and older men should follow his lead. As a young man who has run for public office, I have received both criticism and encouragement from leaders in our community. But Coker and his wife, Lill, offered only encouragement and prayers from the day I sat and talked with them as a zealous 24-year-old seeking to serve in Congress. Harold was 57 years my senior, not exactly the kind of person who might be expected to spur along a young lad. Too often, we expect older men to have developed a certain cynicism and grumpiness. However, he had taken a different tack to aging. He became a wonderful and invaluable sage, choosing to empower those who would come behind rather than slow them down. His life had made him fulfilled, and he chose to charge ahead, working on his pristine collection of antique cars, remaining involved in politics and loving Lill. What I will remember years from now is his gracefulness and willingness to give encouraging words that left an indelible mark. Harold’s legacy is one that will last.
WESTON WAMP
Come up with immigration alternative
I find Tennessee Republican lawmakers’ plan to sue the Obama administration ridiculous. Obama clearly said that if Republicans had a problem with the [immigration] plan that he laid out, they should come up with one better. But instead of working on a plan that they find acceptable, they are going to continue delaying actual immigration reform and just sue the Obama administration. If you don’t like something, fix it. Don’t just kick and scream about it.
SHIVANI WARD Collegedale, Tenn.