Best leaders don’t need big pay deal
Almost daily we learn of another high-ranking official in government or the private sector waking away with a huge severance package and bloated retirement benefits.
We are told that we cannot get able administrators unless we provide these packages. This is the big lie. Let’s turn that argument around by asking a simple question. If you were hiring, would you feel confident that you and the best person for the job if he would not take the job unless he was guaranteed a fat severance package?
The best superintendent I ever worked under was in that office for many years. It was stated at his retirement dinner that during all those years he never asked for a raise in salary or a severance package. His salary increases during those years were increases given by the state to all superintendents.
You may argue that this was a very unusual man. Yes, he was, but isn’t that the point — we are looking for that unusual man, are we not?
It does require a thorough search by a board committed to the best interests of the people to find that person. Anything less is a cop-out to special interests.
KENNETH SIMONDS
Cates knows what health system needs
I just received a flyer about Dr. Chris Cates, who is a candidate for Georgia’s 9th District Congressional seat, recently vacated by former Rep. Nathan Deal.
My mind and heart were thrilled and appreciative that this noted doctor would leave his lucrative practice to see that I (and your) would be allowed excellent, affordable health care. He also knows how to work long hours getting successful results for the good of his patients (and, I’m sure, constituents, too).
Let’s send a hard worker who knows what our health care system really needs to Washington. Vote for Dr. Cates!
The election is May 11 (a runoff may be needed on June 8.)
Incidentally, I called some people who know Dr. Cates personally to verify the flyer information. Results were very positive!
SALLY WALL
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Area will prosper with VW in city
Congratulations on getting VW for the Chattanooga area.
Not only the original equipment manufacturer plant but the dozens of supplier plants that are going to be establishing themselves in the general vicinity.
I travel frequently through the area and stop for lunch or dinner in this wonderful city and know that prosperity is going to be enjoyed by all including those of us who relish our many visits for overnight stays and refreshments.
Best to all in Chattanooga, and I pray that this brings good fortune to everyone involved. America needs this kind of good news.
FRANK GREGG
Gallatin, Tenn.
Hullander serves with integrity
It is with great pleasure for me to recommend my friend Bill Hullander, a man of honesty and integrity, to the office of Hamilton County trustee in our upcoming election.
For 12 years he has served with honor as our 9th District county commissioner. Our Birchwood community owes Mr. Hullander a debt of gratitude for his work here.
Bill is a down-to-earth man who loves to help people. He’s helped get needed road repairs, alleviate a safety problem at our school entrance.
Recently he gave our BASIC club a check for $500 to buy a new community sign, helped our school and our new Cherokee Park. There are just too many things Bill has helped our community with over the years to mention.
Bill Hullander has operated a business and met a payroll and most of all, he is a Christian with Christian and moral values.
Bill will bring new ideas to the office of trustee as a businessman.
Please help me elect this man who has proven himself over and over again.
HOYT BRANHAM
Birchwood, Tenn.
Why do people back cockfighting?
I was appalled by a letter supporting cockfighting.
Years ago, I had mixed game chickens for pets. They did spar with each other on occasions but soon returned to more important things like scratching for bugs and courting the hens.
Fighting roosters are usually shaved down to the skin, and tobacco juice and other caustic materials cause intense pain and agitate the birds to make them fight.
Their spurs are sharpened and blades attached so they fight to the death.
Did we not learn anything from Michael Vick?
Is there not enough violence on TV, videos and in our community to satisfy our lust for blood and gore?
Maybe we need to rebuild arenas and start feeding humans to the lions.
When will it stop?
JANICE LOCKE
Rock Spring, Ga.
Henry remains honest, devoted
I have known Larry Henry and his family for years. I used to do business with Larry and his father at Stacy Oil Co. in East Brainerd. So when Larry decided to run for the County Commission a few years ago, I supported him.
I also supported him four years later when he ran for re-election. And I will support him in the upcoming election as well, for one simple reason: Larry is the same honest, respectful and devoted person on the County Commission that he was as the owner of Stacy Oil Co. Some things never change.
That is why I am going to vote for Larry, and I urge my neighbors and friends to do the same.
HERMAN L. MILLER
Disguise rangers to patrol Riverpark
I frequently walk at the Riverpark and am amazed every day at how fast bikers speed past pedestrians without warning, especially when they pass from the rear. It’s startling, scary and most of all, very dangerous.
Speed limits are posted along with Riverpark etiquette but they’re ignored by 99 percent of bikers.
The Park rangers certainly aren’t going to witness these incidents because the bikes slow down when they see them. So why don’t the rangers occasionally walk the Riverpark in civilian clothes so that they can actually witness these incidents and radio ahead to another ranger to stop the violators and (at least) give them a warning?
If they would just do this occasionally, the bikers would never know when they’re passing a ranger and maybe it would slow them down and get them accustomed to voicing a warning when coming up behind pedestrians. The rangers would also witness other violations, such as people walking their dogs, speeding through the parking lot, etc.
HERMAN PERRY