Let’s hope whoever wins gets us going
The American people are somewhat confused with the president and members of Congress. In the past, numerous promises have been made, but very few are ever kept.
The divorce rate is high because husbands and wives forget their wedding vows; love, honor and cherish until death. Then there are the campaign promises that never seem to materialize.
It is a very difficult job being president of any country, but in all fairness to the voters who put them in office, we are expecting at least some of what we’re told via promises. It is sort of like the song that goes “you can’t be true dear, I trusted you dear, hoping that we could find a way.”
Finally, with the midterm elections approaching, the war between the Democrats and the Republicans, the voters have to be wondering who to vote for and also should they be likely to get this great country of ours back on track. Hopefully, this will transpire, whoever takes control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Regardless of who wins, let us all hope for an end to the war in Afghanistan. Pray for peace.
RICHARD D. BLOOD
Ringgold, Ga.
Don’t let hopefuls win by default
Now approaches one of the most critical elections of our time. Here lies an opportunity to disprove the myth that minorities voted in record numbers in 2008 simply because there was a black presidential candidate on the ballot.
I’d like to believe the record numbers came about due to an increased awareness of the power in casting your ballot and the rise of a more politically in-tuned generation.
This upcoming election is the time for all voters, no matter the allegiance, to cast their lot at the polls. Let the best candidate win. Only not by default.
Mine is not to attempt persuading anybody to vote for anyone in this space. If, however, your candidates are not elected, look back to Nov. 2, 2010, and recall what you did on that day to promote your resolve. Do not blame “The Man” or anyone else that things are not going the way you had hoped.
Remember, the smaller the election the more important the vote, and when building anything of substance it takes a team of people all on the same page from the ground up.
At no point has so much ridden on a ballot count.
See you at the polls.
MICHAEL
BLASSINGAME
We need someone to plead poor’s case
I am one of many unfortunate people who have to use EPB (Electric Power Board).
I’d like to know just how many people ever see a meter man. You see the water man, the gas man, but most people say that they only see a meter man from EPB when he pulls in front of their house and probably jots down your usage.
Several years ago, I made a complaint about a high bill. They reread my meter and gave me a credit toward my next bill.
I went on vacation for a week. It was hot when I left and hot when I got back. My bill never came down. In fact, it went up and I had turned my power off. I haven’t turned my central air on all summer. It’s just me and my wife. We shut off our rooms and used two small air conditioners.
When will someone stand up for the poor man. Is there someone who will stand in the gap and plead our cause?
PAUL L. BONNER SR.
Vote everyone out of office
Local, state and federal government representatives, most are very much alike. Usually vote on party lines, not caring if it’s wrong or right.
If you are independent, Republican or Democrat, please, everyone, we need to vote them out. In these positions we need good people who remember what the country’s troubles are about.
Then politicians will get our message, why we voters are upset: that the job they are performing is the worst seen yet.
HARRY E. ARNOLD
Re-elect Skiles in Soddy-Daisy
I have know David Skiles for many years, and I have attended almost every commission meeting.
David is a person who fights for the best interest of all citizens of Soddy-Daisy, not just a few.
He has been very supportive of our schools and their activities. He is a man of integrity and will stand on what he believes is right for the good of our community.
I pledge my full support for one of the best commissioners this city has ever had. Re-elect David Skiles.
TERRY WRIGHT
Soddy-Daisy
Knowles’ move is perplexing
I’ve known Bill Knowles for 58 years. I’ve admired him as a person of honesty and integrity. He has made no secret, he is a born-again Christian and has worn our American flag with a Christian cross on his lapel.
In a non-partisan race for Chattanooga police commissioner, I supported the Republican, Gene Roberts. Bill supported the Democrat, Bookie Turner. I felt Roberts had more integrity.
In Bill’s first run for county clerk, I didn’t support him, as I had a political obligation to his opponent. I did, however, support him the next nine times.
Bill received our party’s nomination 10 times; we were perplexed that at age 76 he would join the Republican Party, explaining only it seemed the thing to do.
If true, as reported, since the county has become predominately Republican, Bill’s move was “to help his son Finley succeed him in office.” Then it is a shameless lack of gratitude for past Democratic Party support!
Regarding the controversies of Alan Knowles and Missy Crutchfield, conducting business for profit on government time, the buck stops with Mayor Ramsey and Mayor Littlefield.
They must assure all city and county employees receive equal treatment. They’ll be watching.
WELDON R. MARKHAM
Member, Tennessee Democratic Party Finance Council
Make some room at feeding trough
Staff writer Dan Whisenhunt is to be congratulated for keeping us humble county taxpayers informed on an abuse of our tax money and his exposé of a tight little group feeding at the public trough.
Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles could hold a family reunion in his office. His son, Public Works employee Alan Knowles, has made a tidy little profit of $157,345 from his non-profit Dove Ministries Inc. music business.
I may be musically tone deaf, but there is a visibility gap, and I am not blind. His Dove Inc. salary is not pocket money. That is profit made working Dove Inc. on his $64,555 county job and using county tools (computer and Internet). Other county employees are involved in the Dove business.
Also reported: Three county commissioners bought computers with travel money … a magic carpet ride?
And the county school board voted themselves pensions for part-time work.
Now, I don’t want my tax money back; I just want equal time at the feeding trough.
ED ELLETT
Hixson
Scientific research is a friend of life
With two wars without end and a devastated economy, other issues are a distraction. The absolute right to exist for a stem cell is based on a belief it is a human life, thus prohibited. Gen. 2:7, in part says, God formed man from the ground, and breathed into him life and man became a living being. If God made man, he gave him the capacity to protect himself.
There are millions of people alive today, many from pre-birth maladies, who would not be alive today without scientific research. Scientific research is a friend of life and an enemy of everything destructive of life. To give any man, in public office or in any other capacity, the right to obstruct the quest for knowledge regarding human life is outrageous and should be denounced by all.
Seems I have read by someone: “Know the truth and the truth will make you free.” Let’s denounce the great thefts that brought us here. Then as now, unrestrained greed was the cause. Some who are most greedy have no shame. May God forgive us.
THOMAS A. GREER
Dunlap, Tenn.
Smith is needed for Red Bank
I wholeheartedly recommend David R. Smith for District 1 commissioner in Red Bank on Nov. 2.
David is an upstanding man who will work hard for the citizens (he will) represent. He has lived in Red Bank for over 50 years, and he understands the issues and problems we are facing in our city concerning a multitude of things. David cares about our community and has raised his family here, so I know the decisions he will make will help all of our families.
His involvement in the many organizations throughout Red Bank has put him in touch with many residents in the city, and each one could tell you he is a man of integrity and honesty.
Please vote David Smith for District 1 commissioner in Red Bank on Nov. 2.
MICKY A. MOATES
Red Bank
Renewable energy is the way to go
I am thrilled to see the city of Chattanooga excelling in the field of renewable energy. Renewable is the future of energy. Chattanooga has become a leader and an example to the rest of the country on the proper way to use those resources.
Just like the Iron Age conquering the Bronze Age with its newly found resources and applications of that resource, the ever more available renewable sources will soon overcome oil power.
For my family and me, we need to save as much money as possible to keep up with today’s ever increasing price of goods. If we could get our electricity from a solar panel or wind generation, it would save my family hundreds of dollars a month, not to mention if we were to have a hybrid car to save on gas.
TVA and other companies that are making advancements for the public to use renewable resources have the right idea. When I see electric car charging stations and solar panels on my neighbor’s room, I smile because the future is looking bright for our city.
WESLEY WILLIAMS
Cookeville, Tenn.