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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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TFP opinion pages offer reader direction and more letters to the editors

TFP opinion pages offer reader direction

About the TFP’s “Community Voice” and opinion pages.

I wonder how many readers are drawn to the editorial pages by the wonderfully significant and hilarious cartoons presented by Clay Bennett and others?

This gives me subtle direction to read many other important editorial articles, which often should be presented on your front pages.

Danny Hays, Cleveland, Tenn.

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County school board action defies logic

I sit in disbelief that the Hamilton County Board of Education has chosen Kirk Kelly to be interim superintendent. What thought process led to this decision?

The school board needs to take a lesson from Erlanger. It needs to find its own Kevin Spiegel who will not be satisfied with the status quo and who will do what it takes to turn this school system around; one who will surround himself or herself with people who will make things happen for the children of Hamilton County, even if it means that things might be uncomfortable.

My wife and I watched as at least one exceedingly qualified candidate with a strong record of accomplishments and national recognition was passed over. We will be very disappointed if Hamilton County loses Jill Levine to another system.

The board is apparently content with the way things are, and they should not be puzzled if nothing changes. With this decision the board has once again failed to engender public confidence in its work.

Let’s hope the voters will fix this problem in August.

Jeff Ness, Soddy-Daisy

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Bike lanes will worsen traffic

We live on the North Shore and use Frazier Avenue daily, not only for commuting to work, but every time we leave our home.

On a good day, it is busy. On a bad day, there is gridlock. When the new apartments are completed at Manufacturers Road, there will be even more traffic.

Bicycle lanes are wonderful when there is room for them, but we ask the city to please consider the good of the hundreds of cars that travel there daily over the good of the few bicyclists.

Please do not take away two of our driving lanes.

Bob and Donna Moss

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Loyal employees stymied in retirement

A large, local company recently announced that it is buying a dental and vision company.

In 2015, this company reported revenue of more than $10 billion. Recently, this company notified its retirees over 65 years of age that the retirees will no longer have medical coverage through the company, but will have to transition to a private insurance exchange or lose their medical coverage.

This is another example of corporate America not caring for older retired employees who helped them be successful for so many years.

Joe Roberts

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Siedlecki would stand for seniors

As a 60-year-old Hamilton County and city of Chattanooga resident, I believe the election for assessor of property is very important.

I saved diligently, all my life, for retirement. Here I am, at the brink of retirement, and I have discovered I still don’t have enough savings to make it for a lot longer.

One way I could stay in my house is if the property taxes were lowered or at least stopped from rising. Since I have to pay property taxes to the county and city, it’s my biggest monthly expense.

I am so appreciative to learn that Mark Siedlecki is one candidate for assessor of property who actually wants to help out seniors like me! I recently ran across this quote of his: “It is morally wrong to work your whole life only to be forced from your home due to a tax increase or nearby rising property values.” I could not agree more!

I can only hope he wins this election and works to help enact property tax relief to seniors! Thank you, Mr. Siedlecki, for standing up for all of us!

Stephanie O’Guin