Scooter companies need strict safety oversight
I am someone who moved away from Chattanooga to Tacoma, Washington, and have seen how electric scooters have been implemented. Despite public opinion of them being high here, they are a dangerous mess the way they are deployed.
The biggest problems stem from the lack of standards on maintenance which leads to them being electric death-traps with failures, including brake failures, steering failures, and in one of my own personal cases, the back wheel coming loose while going down the road resulting in a near miss of being run over by a car.
If Chattanooga wants to have scooters, officials cannot let the scooter companies push them around, and they absolutely need to put in place regulations that hold the scooter companies accountable for maintenance failures of the scooters.
Chattanooga officials can't let those scooter companies get away with creating that danger in Chattanooga.
James Rogers, Tacoma, Washington
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Direct discretionary funds to HES needs
Rather than "discretionary" funds for each of the county commissioners for personal projects, direct the entire sum to the Humane Educational Society.
It has been in dire need for years and provides an important service to the county and to the animals they protect.
This is a much worthier cause.
Janet Secrest, Hixson
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Donations, volunteers support Goodwill mission
The Thanksgiving season is a perfect opportunity for us at Chattanooga Goodwill Industries to say, "Thanks for Giving."
Our generous donors and supporters make it possible for us to continue the mission we began in 1923: To help people with challenges gain work experience, learn skills, find jobs, earn paychecks, enjoy independence and contribute to their communities.
You entrust donations to us, knowing that we will turn them into job training services, free medical equipment and other resources for your neighbors in need. You shop with us and find not only affordable clothing, furniture and other items for your homes and families, but your purchases allow us to offer our services and programs at no cost to the community.
Thank you to the members of our board of directors who as volunteers freely give their time and expertise. Thank you to the nearly 500 Chattanooga Goodwill employees who have built an agency that serves thousands of people each year. And finally, we thank the generous citizens throughout 23-county service area for their support.
From our Goodwill family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.
Dennis Brice, president and CEO, Chattanooga Goodwill Industries