Tax increase hurts longtime residents
The city government has stuck it to the average lifelong Chattanoogan one more time. I would like to know how the council members who voted for the (property tax) increase sleep at night. It is beyond unreasonable to pass along this increase to people who have been here long before the buzz about rejuvenating Chattanooga came along.
If you live here in this town, “rejuvenate” must mean the city government wants tourism and foreign companies to come in, but if you have been here a while, pay what we tell you to or you can leave.
That’s exactly what will happen as true Chattanoogans begin living on tighter incomes and can no longer afford the homes they have poured their hearts and souls into their entire life.
I guess all the folks who are coming in from Volkswagen can have the homes people are going to have to leave.
I support free enterprise, but I will never support my local government giving me and my loved ones the shaft.
SARAH GUSSOW
Hixson
Clerk Knowles highly capable
It is a distinct honor and privilege for me to endorse a true friend and highly capable servant, Bill Knowles, for re-election as the Hamilton County clerk.
Bill has capably served in the position for many years and has been recognized by many organizations for his splendid leadership, innovations and ingenuity as our public servant in this very important position of our county government.
My belief is that Bill Knowles is undoubtedly the most efficient and progressive county clerk in the entire nation!
Bill Knowles is a man who possesses impeccable character; extensive knowledge of the duties required in the position as Hamilton County clerk; sensitivity to the needs and desires of his constituents; great work ethic; and a keen desire to assist in advancing Hamilton County as a great place in which to work, play, and/or enjoy retirement.
My request is that every individual, regardless of political affiliation, vote to re-elect this proven gentleman to continue in his role as Hamilton County clerk. My confidence is that Bill Knowles will never disappoint you as a qualified servant in the position or as a person with dignity, grace and intelligence.
L. QUENTIN LANE
Priorities out of line in news coverage
A live hamster allegedly thrown into dumpster warrants two (2) days of front page news coverage. On each of those days, some 3,500 abortions were performed worldwide and not a single drop of ink.
We have indeed lost our way.
AL COLONNA
Signal Mountain
Tugboats need lookout on barges
Re: Barge/boating accidents.
The fishermen killed in the June 19 accident did not have a lookout person to watch for barges and their motor then failed. The more important factor is the crew in the tugboat’s inability to see the boat in their path because of the nine barges they were pushing.
I question the safety factor of the tugboat pushing nine barges if they cannot see boats in their path. The company that owns the tugboats should require a lookout person on the first barge to radio to the crew on the tugboat should boats be in their path.
Barges should have a warning horn every 10 minutes to alert boaters and fishermen that barges are passing, especially gliding down the river at night.
I feel the tugboat’s crew’s inability to see the boat in their path is the factor that caused the unfortunate accident where the two fishermen were killed. This should be addressed to assure the safety of all boaters and fishermen.
MARY COLEMAN
Collaborative effort made Pops happen
This past Saturday, Chattanoogans in the thousands celebrated our country’s independence with a spectacular Pops on the River concert and fireworks show at Coolidge Park. The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera is proud to be part of this great community tradition. But just as freedom isn’t free, neither is this “free” event.
There are costs for our professional musicians, for the fireworks, for the stage and sound system, and for the security and other conveniences that make the event so special. This year, the likelihood that the event would take place was in doubt as late as June.
Many thanks to Dan Bowers of Allied Arts and Carla Pritchard of Chattanooga Presents! for working diligently to secure sponsorships and funding to the make the event happen, and especially thanks to the city of Chattanooga and Mayor Ron Littlefield for providing the final funding to assure the event’s continuance.
What a terrible shame it would have been if Pops on the River had not happened this year. Thanks to all those who made sure it did. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
MOLLY K. SASSE
Executive Director
Chattanooga
Symphony and Opera
Obama using law as a weapon
There have been several good examples of how President Obama wants to shape our legal system, which affects all of us.
His choice for the Supreme Court, Elena Kagan, does not even believe we have God-given inalienable rights.
The court came within one vote of taking away the right to bear arms.
They said government could create regulations that take away a right without Congress and the people voting on it.
They are using the environmental law to stop the people from saving the Gulf region even though the environment is being destroyed. The law is preventing help by other countries from coming into the region.
Our attorney general, Eric Holder, is stopping prosecution of voter intimidation because it was done by blacks to whites.
They are suing a state, Arizona, because the people there know the federal government is allowing an open border and they now live in fear for their lives.
Obama has allowed us to know that he is considering an amnesty executive order, which is not the law, but what does he care.
The law is not something to prevent government from taking our rights; it is instead a weapon to beat us into submission.
BRUCE CALDWELL
Signal Mountain
Bike ride good for health, tourism
The 3 State 3 Mountain Bicycle Ride has been a boon to Chattanooga and local communities.
Not only does it shed a positive light on the area, it boosts local revenues and promotes tourism and a healthy lifestyle.
With nearly a third of the Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia populations being obese and two-thirds overweight, we should all embrace events and activities that encourage exercise and weight loss. I encourage the local citizenry to continue to support this ride and effectively seek a solution to safely preserve the current route, even if it means rerouting automobile traffic on Burkhalter Gap Road for the day of the ride.
Robert Mingus,
M.D.