Boost tax base with new grocery
It’s just a grocery store, not a super big box.
I’m not sure I can understand why our County Commission would vote against increasing our county tax base while not considering implications to the real estate taxes we pay on our homes and businesses. It appears that a vote against the grocery store is a vote for higher taxes.
The county needs money for teacher raises, road repairs (especially after the harsh winter), higher employee health care costs and numerous other growing expenses.
The grocery store at the intersection of Middle Valley Road and Thrasher Pike will provide $500,000 to $600,000 for the county which covers much of the school system increases.
Competition and convenience are good. I welcome the new grocery store and pharmacy and hope other improvements are ahead.
Rick Reynolds, Hixson
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VA chief gets a pass on embellishment
As one of the original members of Special Forces (10th SFG Airborne), I want to thank the VA secretary for his obvious admiration of the group.
Suffice to say, he has nothing to be ashamed of being a West Point graduate, a former 82nd Airborne “trooper,” and importantly, an elite Army Ranger. Pretty great credentials as very few people have achieved these levels of excellence.
His only mistake, ala Brian Williams and perhaps Bill O’Reilly, was not knowing when enough was enough.
He can easily atone by getting the VA to look after its business of providing for our deserving and much underserved veterans.
Don Reid
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Cursing artists have no place at Riverbend
It’s happened two years in a row. First came CeeLo Green, then Buddy Guy. Both got on stage at Riverbend and cursed.
The filth coming from the mouths of these artists is simply unacceptable. Maybe it’s time for Riverbend to re-evaluate who they are inviting to perform.
Artists who curse at Riverbend should be in breach of their contracts and should not be paid. Riverbend has long prided itself on being an acceptable environment for groups such as families, children, and young people.
If this is about to change, perhaps it’s time to rethink whether to attend.
Ben Williams