Fleischmann urged to support research
Since my 48-year-old father got his cancer diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in 2003, we have seen medical science and cancer treatment improve by leaps and bounds. My dad died just six months after his diagnosis. But today, there are so many new treatment drugs and techniques that make me hopeful, especially when I hear cancer mortality rates have gone down 34% in the last 30 years. I think of my dad, who would’ve done anything for more time with me, my sister, my mom and his future grandchildren. Cancer patients who’ve come after him have gotten that time thanks to cancer research.
This progress in the fight against cancer would not have been possible without the federal government’s support for research and innovation.
Cuts to federal research funding mean cuts to progress and missed opportunities for lifesaving discoveries.
Rep. Flesichmann, when you vote on the upcoming budget, I hope you will vote on behalf of the families, children, friends and loved ones who will face a cancer diagnosis in the coming years. Your constituents are counting on your support for cancer research funding.
Amy Ellett
Public input needed on asphalt plant plan
I am writing to express my outrage about the proposed hot mix asphalt plant at the intersection of Thrasher Pike and Highway 27 — in proximity to Ivy Academy (a public school), North Chickamauga Creek and the North Chickamauga Creek State Natural Area.
The fact that a public meeting on this proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. — with little notice — is unacceptable. Such timing all but ensures limited public attendance and undermines the community’s ability to respond to an issue with potentially severe consequence.
An asphalt plant in this location threatens: Student safety and health due to air emissions so close to a school; water quality in a protected creek that feeds into the Tennessee River; wildlife and recreational access in one of our region’s most treasured natural areas.
Our community has the right to be fully informed and actively involved in decisions that affect our families, environment and future. Anything less is a failure of public leadership and civic responsibility.
We expect our elected and appointed leaders to protect our children, safeguard our natural resources and uphold the principles of open, accountable governance. This process, as it stands, falls far short of those expectations.
Zach Moore
Retired painter has consumer warnings
This letter is a caution to people who pay a contractor, subcontractor or handyman anything before completion of the work, or a portion of the work.
In the case of completing part of the work, pay for what they have completed. A person who has done no labor deserves no pay. In the case of paying money before doing any work to buy materials, get a list of material needed with a written estimate for the entire job, You should see no tools are purchased — a workman who has no tools likely has little to no experience. If tools, equipment or paint is needed, set up an account and buy these yourself.
Get recommendations before hiring anyone.
There is a shortage of qualified, honest and dependable trades people. You will likely have to wait on one you should hire — they are busy!
I hope this helps overly trusting people to beware of being taken advantage of.
Terryl Roddy