Select few trying to destroy Sneed
Chief Larry Sneed has faithfully served in law enforcement for almost 40 years. During his distinguished career he has committed himself to our community with honor and dedication. I’m appalled that a select few are attempting to single-handedly destroy his reputation.
He is a man who has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. As his niece, one of my earliest memories is watching my grandmother receive the news that he had been shot in the line of duty and most likely would die. Not only did he survive, he returned to uniform. The fact that he chose to put his badge on again after nearly losing his life speaks volumes of his character.
The city manager is hiding behind some “weak employment clause” as reason for terminating Chief Sneed. He’s yet to give any legitimate reason for what he’s done, and this obvious misuse of power is a disgrace!
I hope to see my uncle reinstated as chief of police in Red Bank and as the truth continues to unfold that the commitment with which Larry Sneed has served his community not be overshadowed by the self-serving tactics of those seeking to circumvent due process.
GINA SNEED SMITH
Signal Mountain
Published photo is contradictory
Miley Cyrus is a cagey young woman who has understood what thousands of women before her have understood : Sex sells.
Sadly, the Times-Free Press has also understood this. Why else publish a large full-length color picture of her, barely clothed, in your Monday paper?
Perhaps it is a bit prudish of me to point out that Miley is still a minor. But there is a serious contradiction here. On the one hand, we stigmatize the sexual exploitation of minors. On the other, we publish pictures that encourage that very thing.
What is the editorial policy of the Times-Free Press? Whose side are you on? That of the untold numbers of victims, male and female, many of them minors, of the multibillion dollar sex industry? Or Miley’s?
HERBERT K. LEA
Chickamauga, Ga.
That was then, this is now
I saw City Councilman Jack Benson on TV speaking about the apartments the developer is wanting to put on Hunter Road.
He said that it was his (the developer’s) property and that he should be able to do what he wants to with it. If Mr. Benson will think back a few years when the people owning the property across from Hamilton Place mall wanted to have their property rezoned so they could sell to a developer. Mr. Benson was one of the leaders in getting that turned down. In his own words, it was our property and we should have been able to do with it as we pleased.
Could it be that this was in his neighborhood then, but it is in someone else’s neighborhood now, so that is OK?
Sounds that way to me.
Just in case he says I shouldn’t have any say in this since I don’t live in the city, I still own property there, thanks to him, and I now live in Ooltewah, where this is going to affect me.
ROBERT E. PUCKETT
Ooltewah
Stimulus didn’t aid job creation
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink: “The Ancient Mariner.” Stimulus, stimulus everywhere but not a job created: Obama administration.
Stimulus by definition is something that “rouses or incites to activity.” Our government has incited to activity the paying off of union members, bailed out GM and Chrysler, provided “stimulus money” to state and local governments when they became insolvent. Providing stimulus money for unemployment benefits into perpetuity. Health care in 2014 that we will start paying for in 2011. But no economical jobs, only government jobs which provide comfort for someone without adding to economic benefits (permanent jobs).
Then comes BP and the Gulf. BP was reckless, the administration committed sins of omission. Then we have the ethanol mess, solar and wind with their abundant subsidies. We’re talking trillions of dollars.
So back to stimulus packages (money). We were in need of one 18 months ago. Could have provided tax incentives for business and a tax platform that business could rely upon.
I don’t see such a policy or directions coming down the road.
Stimulus, stimulus; it would have been nice to have had one directed toward job creation and not toward political mischief.
FRANK C. LESTER
Hixson
Crangle will return power to the people
I support for Tommy Crangle for the Republican nomination for Congress and want to help in getting his message out.
Tommy is a very strong supporter of the Fair Tax, which is one of the reasons he has my vote.
I have met Tommy personally and have held a coffee social with Tommy in my home.
Tommy believes in the Constitution in whole, not bits and pieces. He believes it is the only free way to govern, small and by the people. It will be a hard road but Tommy is willing and completely able to handle that fight. I know with Tommy there he will give the power back to the people which is where it belongs.
TAMI STILLWELL
Cleveland, Tenn.
Smith can put America on track
I’ve watched for a while now as Robin Smith’s opponents in the campaign for Congress have tried to tear down her accomplishments in order to build themselves up. I know that’s a part of our politics today, but it doesn’t make it right. Watching the good ol’ boys gang up on her only increases my resolve to help get Robin elected.
Robin was the chairman who improved relations between the Hamilton County Republican Party and the Hamilton County NAACP. She was appointed to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission as a result of her outreach to all communities in our area. Robin was an active participant in bringing positive change to the community long before she decided to run for office. I don’t look for people who show up and tell you how great they are. I look at their past. When you do that, it’s easy to see that Robin Smith is the right person for us in Congress.
Our country’s problems are many and they are difficult. Sending people who just want to warm a seat in Congress won’t get them solved. Sending someone like Robin Smith will make us proud and will help get America back on the right track.
ARLENE MICHELLE
East Ridge
Rhodes can help halt health reform
As a practicing cardiologist serving thousands in the 3rd Congressional District, I find myself very concerned about the recent health care legislation, the trillion dollars in new spending, the escalating debt crisis, the new nominee to head the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid services, Dan Berwick, and the lack of solutions found in Washington. Many feel as I do. Despite the time constraints we all live under, I decided to become involved and engaged in the process of democracy. I feel compelled to take a stand and am supporting Art Rhodes in his candidacy in the 3rd Congressional District. Why?
After talking to, watching, and reading about Mr. Rhodes, it is clear that he has understanding of this complex health legislation as well as its ramifications. In reading the Heritage Foundation’s report, I realized just how complicated this 2,309 page document is. Mr. Rhodes has the experience and skill to help halt this legislation and provide solutions in a needed bipartisan fashion … patient and physician involvement, tort and insurance reform, and personal responsibility. If this is not “done right” we will all suffer for years to come. Become involved. The stakes are high. Take the time, as I have, and get to know Art Rhodes.
JAMES L. MARCUM, M.D.
Brooks provides personal attention
I support the re-election of John Brooks as the county commissioner for District 6. John has been a very active and effective voice for our district in the past four years and is campaigning on a proven track record and with an emphasis on issues of education, crime prevention and job creation — critically important issues for our district and city.
His record is impressive, but I have been as equally impressed with John’s personal attention to the needs of his constituents.
I have watched him spend time and personally make a difference in the lives of people in neighborhoods across the district. He has helped us with developing a community garden in East Lake, increasing opportunities for youth in Highland Park, and working for children in St. Elmo and Lookout Valley. His work has touched the lives of many people, and he has demonstrated a record of compassion and conviction in his time on the County Commission.
Please consider a vote for John Brooks in the Aug. 5 general election.
MIKE FEELY
St. Elmo
Ruling in pet case capricious
The recent ruling by Judge Sherry Paty on McKamey Animal Center vs. The Pet Company at Hamilton Place Mall is, without question, capricious and legally illogical and one of which the judge should be deeply ashamed.
The Pet Company chain store is the only remaining mall pet store in the state, with all the rest having had their licenses revoked for far weaker cases than McKamey officials presented against the Hamilton Place Mall store. In addition, the fact that the state has a recommendation in place to revoke the store’s license to operate speaks volumes about the serious nature of the case before Judge Paty.
Pervasive, long-term problems with untrained employees, diseased and neglected animals of all varieties, lack of proper medical protocols, and basic store cleanliness are only the tip of the iceberg.
For the judge to give only a slap on the wrist to a company with a history, both nationally and locally, of documented systemic managerial and procedural incompetency is beyond belief and apparently beyond the scope of Judge Paty’s ability to render a proper legal decision.
NISA R. HOOPER
Behler has the gift to excel as clerk
We meet people in life who make a huge impression on us. Gary Behler is one of those people in my life and because he is, I would like to publicly give my support to him as he seeks to serve children and families in our county as Juvenile Court clerk.
I have known Gary Behler for 17 years as a friend, supervisor and brother in Christ. He has the heart and gifts to excel in all areas.
As a friend, he encourages, has good advice and provides support.
As a supervisor, he had a standard of excellence that he upheld. He challenged his team to do things that would improve our service. Then he rewarded the excellence that he expected.
As a brother in Christ, he is an example of humility and strength. He loves and nurtures his family and others. He embraces the responsibility of taking action because it is the right thing to do. He does not seek honor. He never compromises his values, and he seeks to protect the rights of others.
He will serve the families of Hamilton County with the same heart! Please vote for Gary Behler.
PAT BALL
Brainerd