Do your homework in East Ridge race
I swore several years ago that I would stay far away from East Ridge politics. However, when I read that Bob Johnson was running for the office of mayor again, I almost fainted. I hope that the voters of East Ridge do their homework on this man.
He walked out of a council meeting and resigned without giving any warning whatsoever. At the beginning of a council meeting, he and one other councilman announced their resignation and walked out.
If he loved East Ridge, he would not have just walked out on a meeting. He stated some reasons at the time for leaving, which if they were true, show his lack of tenacity and courage. However, I believe that if he were to think really hard and be honest with himself and the public, he knows why he resigned.
Sure, he had caught a lot of flak over the awarding of bids to contractor friends, when they weren't the lowest. Sure, he had those calling for his ouster. But the real reason is in the audit. I plead with the citizens of East Ridge. Do your homework, look at what the 90s were like and ask yourself: Do we want to go back to that? Elect a real mayor.
JAMES R. KING
Election about race, culture
I think more and more the November elections have less to do with the recession and jobs and more to do about race and culture. This is somewhat damning, I know, but if you go back to the white South backlash in 1964 to the civil rights legislation, you can see what I mean.
Indeed, the anti-government Obama rage prevalent in the tea party is shades of Pulaski, Tenn. This is borne out by slogans, such as "I want my country back." Also, the preoccupation with guns and Fourth Amendment rights.
Finally, the election is not about the deficit and government spending, because if it were, you would not have Republicans pushing for an extension to the Bush tax cuts for the rich.
By the way, Obama lowered the amount of withholding taxes taken out for 90 percent of working Americans.
MIKE C. BODINE
GOP hindrances erode public faith
The good news for Democrats across the nation as well as in Tennessee is that no matter what the election outcome in January, the Republicans will have a greater obligation to govern rather then merely snipe and obstruct.
Republican obstructionism hasn't maintained the status quo. Its effect is not neutral; it corrodes the public faith in government's ability to address the issues and problems.
It, however, demonstrates that Republicans can beat something with nothing. It demonstrates, for example, that John Maynard Keynes is still a prophet with honor but without influence, though events keep vindicating his prophecy.
B.J. PASCHAL
Sevierville, Tenn.
Fleischmann shows lack of respect
Where's Chuck? Chuck Fleischmann chose not to attend the 3rd District congressional debate at LMU on Oct. 19. He gave no reason for his absence. He has failed to respond to numerous e-mails asking for clarification of his position on various issues.
Why is he so non-responsive to the people he wants to represent in Congress? He must feel that with an "R" next to his name, all he has to do is keep his mouth shut and get elected.
Chuck must believe in the old saying "better to stay silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Shame on you, Chuck, for disrespecting the voters of the 3rd District.
BRIAN ZIMPRICH
Tazewell, Tenn.
Red Bank needs to re-elect Pierce
Red Bank citizens, I encourage you to re-elect Floy Pierce as your commissioner.
I have known Floy for over 30 years and found her to be honest, respectable, kindhearted with strong values and a person with deep faith. She loves her community and has worked long and hard over the past eight years with the citizens of Red Bank.
She has gone beyond her duties to help with the senior citizens, police and fire departments, to lower taxes, bring in new businesses and work on preventing crime in the area.
Her special interest is helping the senior citizens her love and compassion to meet their needs even when she has other commissioners coming against her for their own personal gain.
With her business skills, knowledge and her love for the Red Bank community, she is a valuable asset looking for every opportunity with an open mind and heart to bring Red Bank back to a thriving community where families want to live and feel safe.
We need skillful leaders, and Floy Pierce would serve you well for the city of Red Bank. I urge the Red Bank citizens to re-elect her as commissioner.
BRENDA PHELPS
Harrison
Ads for Davis are negative lies
Lincoln Davis should be ashamed of himself. The ads he is running don't hurt the adults involved, but Dr. Scot DesJarlais, 4th District congressional candidate, has children. One of these children is the son of the woman in the ads. They can read and go to school and probably hear these negative lies. This child's mother should also be ashamed for allowing this garbage to be printed.
RHONDA THOMAS
Jasper, Tenn.
Cagle has cost city enough
I can't believe our Soddy-Daisy ex-city manager Janice Cagle is a candidate for commissioner.
Her poor judgment along with that of Mayor Shipley has cost the taxpayers of this city enough.
Not only did we as taxpayers pay the bill for $5,000 for an investigation of wrongdoing regarding the arrest of Mayor Shipley's uncle (or non-arrest), but we are still awaiting the outcome of a lawsuit against our city, Mayor Shipley and Ms. Cagle. It is not a surprise that Mayor Shipley is in support of Ms. Cagle. One might wonder how many other issues we taxpayers are not aware of.
We cannot and should not forget these things on Nov. 2.
GARLAND JOHNSON
Soddy-Daisy
Glasscock gets the job done
In a recent letter to the editor, Carolyn Lewis, a former employee for the city of Red Bank, praised Floy Pierce for her dedication in helping build the new community center in Red Bank.
My dad, Joe Glasscock, actually came up with the funding and "volunteered" my 32 years of construction experience to stabilize the old termite-damaged pavilion. In the six weeks that I gave my time and experience. I was proud to have worked with the public works men on this project. They did the landscape work, helped install trusses and did a truly great job with the interior finish work.
My dad also worked tirelessly with the state of Tennessee to get the Highway Patrol Center built next to the Recycle Center on Dayton Boulevard. Most recently, he helped relocate a Chattanooga restaurant to the old Esquire Cleaners building.
I see him working every day on projects like these to benefit Red Bank.
If you want to elect someone who has the experience to get the job done, and he does it simply because loves the city he has lived and worked in for over 55 years, then vote for my father, Joe Glasscock, for Red Bank city commissioner.
J. BRYAN GLASSCOCK
Signal Mountain
Wood understands people's struggles
I recommend Teresa Wood, who is running for District 28 state representative.
I've known Teresa for 10 years. There is no hidden agenda in her approach.
Teresa Wood is the type of fresh personality we need in Nashville. She knows the value of hard work. After determining not to accept defeat, she earned her GED, then a bachelor's degree and a law degree. She and her husband, Tony, took in a grandchild for five years. Having dealt with the frustrations of the current education system, Teresa determined to help make a difference.
As small-business owners, Teresa and Tony understand the struggles of the working man and woman. They have a great appreciation for the dollar and know how to function in tough times.
Education, along with safer neighborhoods, stronger families, keeping taxes low and state income tax out, are some of the issues she has discussed openly while pledging to demonstrate the same hard work ethic she displayed in this race.
I believe Teresa Wood brings a freshness that has been amiss in recent years in the 28th District. The incumbent is to be congratulated for her service, but changes need to be made with time.
Please vote for Teresa Wood, state representative, District 28.
JAMES AND DONNA BURRESS
Let Roberts help Red Bank
I endorse John Roberts for commissioner of Red Bank.
I am sure many of you may think "of course she supports him" ... as I am also his wife. Those of you who know me know that I am not easily won over.
Matter of fact, it took years of friendship before I agreed to even go on a date with him. Therefore I can fairly say that not only am I his biggest supporter, but I am also his biggest critic.
John has so many great qualities from which our city would benefit. He considers both sides in an argument; he can admit when he is wrong (after I tell him that he is); and he is amazing at thinking "outside-the-box."
He has always loved Red Bank, his hometown. We love to live here and want to start our family here.
I cook in the kitchen, while he "cooks up" new ideas to bring in business and improve our city. So, why don't you try out a "new recipe" and let him cook up something for us all. We appreciate your support on Nov. 2.
TIFFANY ROBERTS
Kyriakidis can aid all in the district
Well, you independents, it's time to show your independence in November.
Let's show the world that Tennessee is finally ready to make changes that neither of the major parties understand. We need to protect our children and grandchildren from the financial burden our leaders are recklessly putting on them as well as all of us today.
I lived across the street from Ted and Betty Kyriakidis and their family for many years and could not have had better neighbors. They are the hardest working family I have ever seen. They have depended on working hard for financial independence. This hard work has given them the opportunity to raise a wonderful family, which brings me to ask you to vote for their son, Savas, who is running for Congress in the 3rd District.
He is a wonderful, honest, successful, Christian man who can help everyone in our district. Please shake up our state and the whole world and vote for Savas Kyriakidis this November.
DAN AND BETTYE ST. CLAIR
Rossville