Re-elect Brown to Legislature
This is a pivotal time in the life of our communities and the state of Tennessee. Our political leadership should be up to the task of leading our state through this difficult period. That is why I am writing in support of the re-election of Dr. Tommie Brown to the Tennessee Legislature. Rep. Brown has been one of the leading voices in the state on behalf of quality education, as well as a consistent proponent of programs that help children and families. I have found her to be a voice for the voiceless, and someone who represents well the diverse voices and opinions of her district. Rep. Brown is deeply involved in this community and has a strong academic background as a social work professor at UTC.
This district and this state need her voice, her academic and professional knowledge, and her passion as an advocate for all persons. I strongly urge my neighbors in District 28 to go to the polls and vote to re-elect Dr. Tommie Brown.
Michael Feely
Trust Pierce to do what’s best
I have known Floy Pierce for over 50 years, and I know her love for Red Bank. She proves every day her love and that she is for all the people. She stands firm for her beliefs. She is conscious of right and wrong and refuses to accept what she feels is bad for our city. The pride I have in my heart is how Floy stood for truth at our last city meeting. That is why we need her so badly back on the board.
You know the old saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen.” She has stood the heat and this is another reason why we need her to be re-elected. It is time for the silent majority to stand up and help get our city back as a positive, thriving city again. So I’m asking for your support of her. Let her know that we stand with her and for the truth. You can trust her to continue to do what is best for us all. She has fought a good and clean fight and deserves to be our commissioner again. Vote for Floy Pierce.
Shirley Cannon
Red Bank
Keep Glasscock on commission
Joe Glasscock’s accomplishments speak loud and clear. In the 1950s, Joe helped build the first fire hall, was the first fire chief, was elected to the commission and as mayor. He returned to Red Bank politics after retiring from a successful career as a builder and land developer. He served on the commission for eight years, four as mayor. He was instrumental in procuring the new Bi-Lo center, the pocket park with the town clock, founded Red Bank Neighborhood Pride Association and encouraged the hiring of a full-time codes enforcement officer. He serves on the Planning Commission, has worked diligently to see the new middle school move forward and a new drivers testing center, with construction to begin soon.
Joe supports our Dixie Youth Program, girls softball, the Red Bank Seniors and schools. Joe solicited donations from Sen. Watson, state Rep. Floyd and Commissioner Skillern. Donations were used to enclose a pavilion, now the “Red Bank Community Center,” where senior citizens, the Chamber, Historical Society and other groups meet.
Joe’s accomplishments are many, with plans for other projects. Joe has an exceptional work ethic, is honest and dependable. Let’s keep Joe Glasscock.
Mike and Ruth Jeno
Red Bank
Roberts can make Red Bank better
My son, John Roberts, spent most of his youth in Red Bank. Attending Red Bank Baptist Church with his parents and grandmother Evadna Roberts, he has roots both deep and strong.
Married to Tiffany and residing in Red Bank, he has the determination to make Red Bank a better place. He is not afraid to make hard decisions, and when necessary he can think “outside the box” on critical problems.
I urge everyone to elect John Roberts city commissioner and join him in making a better city for future generations.
DAVID ROBERTS
Soddy-Daisy
What we need now are more prayers
Well, here we go again. Whose rights are being taken away?
To the ones who feel their rights include not hearing prayers at public gatherings, shame on you. I hope that there is never a time in your life that you need prayer, much less ask someone to pray for you or a loved one out loud.
If you are offended by public prayer, you should also know that there are some people that are offended by the use of foul language, inappropriate dress, disgusting lyrics in music etc.
Where are our rights? if we complained about these topics, you would probably tell us to close our eyes and use ear plugs.
I suggest an area in the stadium or in the stands for those who would like prayer before an event and an area for those who are opposed. I would hope that the opposed side would have plenty of seating.
With all our problems in schools, with drugs and with gangs, and yes, we do have gangs, what we need most are prayers. Whether you like it or not, there are people praying for you right now.
Teresa Goins
Hixson
Knowles issue is a minor one
I am saddened at the numerous articles and letters that have been in this newspaper recently about Bill Knowles and his family.
Why is everyone suddenly so concerned with who Bill Knowles is hiring if it hasn’t been a problem in the past 40 years?
Is it just me, or has all of this come about since Mr. Knowles changed political party affiliations? If this is politically motivated, then it is one of the most disgraceful smear campaigns I have ever seen.
I have personally known the Knowles family for over 40 years, and I have never known a better family. Are they perfect? No. Have they made mistakes? Maybe. But Bill Knowles is a dedicated, honest, Christian man with a very fine family.
The readers of this newspaper should know that the saturation of media attention has blown a minor issue way out of proportion. Please don’t believe what the media is attempting to do by smearing this fine man’s name and reputation.
Instead, the readers should know that Bill Knowles has been an honest, loyal civil servant and has served this community faithfully for decades.
DEE McDANIEL
Ooltewah
Signal needs to keep Robertson
In Signal Mountain we hold our elected officials to high standards. We demand that they balance our budget, protect our quality of life, always remain respectful and accessible to the public, and govern in an equitable manner. Our present council has met and exceeded these standards. One member, Susan Robertson, is up for re-election.
Susan has embraced these standards and has gone the extra mile. She saw a need to inform citizens of the council’s work in an easily accessible form and started writing “Council Notes,” a weekly column published by the Community News for almost four years. She has promoted citizen-driven workshops to develop the land-use plan, to redevelop the former middle school property and to envision our commercial areas in the future.
Susan has been a part of the team that anticipated the downturn in our economy and managed our budget responsibly. She has promoted land-use planning that takes into account the capacity of our roads, sewers and schools.
Susan is a valuable and integral part of our council, and we need her continued service.
Melissa Cantrell
Signal Mountain
Vote for new voices in Red Bank
I do not doubt that Mayor Glasscock has done many wonderful things for our city. I know he loves Red Bank and I thank him for the many years of service. But I do think it is time we elected new officials. Sometimes it takes a new staff to come in and look at things with fresh eyes and new ideas in order for things to improve and move forward.
I attended the candidates forum at the community center and was very impressed with all the new faces and new opinions.
Those who will get my vote are John Roberts, Robert Perry and Greg Jones.
They impressed me the most. I urge Red Bank to vote for these candidates. If you don’t vote for these, please vote for any of the other newcomers.
We do need a fresh start in Red Bank. We need people with new, fresh ideas in order for our city to move forward. Please vote for a new voice in Red Bank and lets move our city into this century. Please!
DAVETTE OAKES
Red Bank
Benefits better under new act
I just received notification from my insurance company that, due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, my stepson, who is finishing college, will be able to stay on our policy until he is 26; that any children under age 19 no longer are excluded due to a preexisting condition, and that annual and lifetime limits on certain coverage are being eliminated. Best of all it’s the same plan we have always had and the premium is only slightly higher than last year!
So what happened to that “big government takeover of health care” and the “big increase to the deficit” that the Republicans and Glenn Beck have been warning us of? Apparently it’s a myth since private insurance is still writing all the health care coverage and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates, the act reduces the deficit by $140 billion! What amazes me most, however, is that Republicans are running on revoking the act, and there are fools that think that’s a good idea.
Marc Kenyon
Soddy Daisy
Solve obesity with healthful changes
The recent withdrawal of the diet drug Meridia from all markets is the latest setback in the long and frustrating quest for a pharmaceutical solution to our obesity epidemic. Drug companies have spent millions of dollars on research and development, but none of the diet drugs on the market is considered very effective, and some are even dangerous.
Unfortunately, obesity is the No. 1 public health problem in our community and for our nation — one-third of our population is obese — responsible for heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, and accounting for millions of premature deaths annually.
Causes of obesity include consumption of fat-laden meat and dairy products and inadequate exercise. The failure of the drug industry to come up with a quick fix adds emphasis to the diet/exercise solution, which is particularly critical during childhood years, when lifestyle habits become lifelong addictions.
We need to adopt some healthy changes to solve this crisis. Let’s start by replacing meat and dairy products in our diet with wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits, and adopt a regular exercise program. We must insist our schools introduce wholesome meal choices for our children, because they are our future.
MAX SILVERBERG
Help Gee set, accomplish goals
On Nov. 2, I will have the privilege of voting. Dick Gee will get my vote, and I look forward to his leadership for our community on the town council! Having witnessed Dick in action as president of the Signal Mountain Playhouse, as a leader in the long range planning committee for the Playhouse, and side by side when building sets and cleaning and improving the Playhouse property, I know of his ability to focus, make a plan, follow through. Be assured his heart and mind are on the betterment of our community. He will listen to your ideas and you will be made to feel important as our town sets and accomplishes its goals.
Che Carico
Signal Mountain
City needs more like Glasscock
We have known Joe Glasscock for many years as a good friend, family and business man.
He is honest, a man of his word, and you can depend on him to do what he says he will do.
If we had more commissioners with a true love for Red Bank and the same goals as Joe, this city could really shine.
Too bad we can’t have him cloned.
Please vote for the best, Joe Glasscock.
CHARLES & HELEN STEELE