Support Graham for commissioner
Supporters of Joe Graham are delighted to see that Joe is receiving support to become our next Hamilton County commissioner, District 6.
Of all of the districts in Hamilton County, ours has the least to show for community improvement. This is ironic, since our commissioner, John Allen Brooks, is one of the commissioners who slammed a tax increase on us. He does not understand that thousands of people in Hamilton County are without jobs and are having a tough time paying their bills and keeping their family afloat.
He could care less about Lookout Valley, St. Elmo, East Lake, Alton Park or our community. He has done absolutely nothing toward eradicating drugs, crimes and gangs in our community.
He has been AWOL when it comes to these problems and has said nothing and done nothing. Four more years of a do-nothing commissioner is the last thing that we need in District 6 and Hamilton County.
As a friend of Joe’s, I hope that everyone will continue to support him in August.
ASHLEY HAMMONDS
Why the fuss over Adams’ job?
So Curtis Adams wants a job and Crossville wants a city manager. What is so newsworthy (about a week’s worth) about that?
JOHN ROSE
Signal Mountain
Tea Party focus is on debt, deficit
After reading a letter to the editor, I believe some writers do not understand what the Tea Party is about. It is not about health insurance or war or political corruption or too big to fail. It is simply a movement that opposes ever-increasing debt and deficits and the seemingly unchecked growth of government. That is the entire scope of the Tea Party. That’s it. That’s all.
As for race grenades, they are cheap, tiresome and unfounded.
MARY ANNE BAILEY
Library provides valuable services
Hamilton County Commissioner Bill Hullander recently made a generous donation (of county funds) to the Ooltewah-Collegedale Branch of the Public Library. This $4,000 will go a long way to build our collection of educational DVDs that are borrowed by library patrons of all ages.
We appreciate his support through this (taxpayer) gift and the acknowledgment of the library as an organization worthy of taxpayer dollars.
The library provides many valuable resources and services to the community.
In one recent week, almost 2,000 people came into our busy branch library during the four days that it was open. They came for various reasons, such as to borrow books, DVDs and audiobooks; to attend story times and field trips offered to toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school-age children; to locate information for personal use or for school projects; to use the fax or copy machine; to use a computer for Internet access or word processing; to read newspapers and magazines; to attend a concert or workshop; to study with a friend; or to do genealogy research.
Apply for a free library card and use it often! Take advantage of your city and county tax dollars at work!
JOANNE STANFIELD,
Librarian
Ooltewah-Collegedale
Branch
Chattanooga-Hamilton
County
Bicentennial Library
McGary promotes conflicting ideas
On the Metro page (April 13), there was a great story about Councilman Andrae McGary and his desire to help alleviate the gang problem.
I thought Mr. McGary had a great idea and one that certainly would benefit the area.
However, on the same page there was another article with regard to serving alcohol to the patrons at Memorial Auditorium and the Tivoli Theatre, and it appears Councilman McGary was for it?
How could anybody who works with youth and says they are concerned about gang problems promote alcohol? I am truly confused? I would like to say to Councilman McGary that as a pastor for over 41 years, I have seen first-hand the effects of alcohol use. I have witnessed shattered lives, broken homes, destruction, and a lot of other bad things that were directly related to alcohol use.
You simply cannot justify your position as a peacemaker with the gang problem and promote the use of alcohol. You will compound the problem you supposedly are trying to solve.
As a matter of fact, no individual who uses alcohol should/could ever work with youth and be effective. This includes Sunday school teachers, deacons, youth pastors, preachers, or any other person who professes Christianity.
REV. RONALD B. CASE
South Pittsburg, Tenn.
A good start for health reform
If Republicans do not succeed in stopping health care in some states (Tennessee), everyone will see what lies have been spread (death panels, socialism, etc.). It is a very good start toward real health care, rather than continuing the spiraling out-of-control expensive denial of health care that we have had.
The only “health care reform” by the GOP was the doughnut-hole drug plan that lined the pockets of pharmaceutical and insurance companies.
Greedy corporations have no morals, only seeking bigger profits. Greedy corporations become corporate fascists in practice! Look at the coal mining industry. Safety violations are totally ignored. Small fines may be paid, or the violations stack up in court. Massey Energy is responsible for the deaths of the West Virginia miners!
When Republicans end or ease government regulations, mining companies obstruct worker’s safety and pocket the profits. This is not “class warfare” as their highly overpaid lying pundits would have you believe. Unionized mines adhere to safety regulations.
WALTER M. BENTON
Signal Mountain
Why is America world police force?
Recently President Obama made a surprise visit to our “brave troops” in Afghanistan. What could the president have said to our troops as a moral booster? During his campaign, the president talked about ending these bloody battles and to bring our brave men and women in the military home!
Once again we can’t help but to be reminded of “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.” It’s a mater of fact that a very small percentage are serving to protect the rest of us, followed by the question, how many of us realize the danger and the everyday sacrifice they make by laying their lives on the line? As long as there are these insane people willing to blow themselves up killing everyone close to the, there isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel.
Why do our leaders expect our military to be the world’s police force? It seems like a “no-win situation,” as the “Bush saga” continues.
I can’t understand why there is so much “hate” on this planet earth that keeps these wars going with “no end in sight”!
RICHARD D. BLOOD
Ringgold, Ga.
Henry ensures strong leadership
Re-elect County Commissioner Larry Henry, District 7, on May 4.
Commissioner Henry is dedicated and committed to the city and county residents of his district.
Commissioner Henry has the common sense, know-how and experience it takes to make the right decisions during these difficult economic times.
Furthermore, Commissioner Henry is not afraid to get involved, whether it be attending a homeowners’ association meeting, volunteering in community functions, or sitting down and speaking one-on-one with his constituents, he will do what it takes.
It is imperative that we re-elect Commissioner Larry Henry to ensure strong leadership for District 7 (East Brainerd).
MARGARET FROST