Shifting Joynes a wasted move
Since I no longer have children in the school system, I hesitated to voice my opinion at the ouster of Charles Joynes from Brainerd High School. There was such a glowing article in the Times Free Press about the changes he made and the rapport he had with the students that I was really encouraged to hear someone was making headway with underachieving students. A father figure that so many needed! Who better than he, to be working with the task force on our citywide gang problem! Did that happen? Not only did it not happen, but he was moved.
I have waited in vain to hear the hue and cry against Charles Joynes being removed from Brainerd High! His students' voices obviously haven't been heard. According to David Cook's column (June 7), Mr. Joynes will head Chattanooga Middle High College! What on earth for? Those young people don't need him in their cheering section. They are going to college -- early, to boot! What an absolute waste! Deprive the very children who would benefit most from his leadership? Why, what motivated that? Something is very wrong in the cerebral department of those who run the school board and the County Commission, in my opinion.
JANE YELLIOTT, Hixson
Hoss has skills for judgeship
Bryan Hoss is running for Soddy-Daisy judge, and I want to encourage Soddy-Daisy residents to cast their vote for him in the Aug. 2 election. Bryan has the legal experience, commitment and temperament necessary to serve Soddy-Daisy in this position.
During our legal careers, Bryan and I have not only represented clients together, but also tried cases against each other. In each scenario, Bryan has advocated for his clients and used common sense to best serve his clients. Soddy-Daisy's next judge will preside over unique cases, and Bryan has the skill and experience to listen to both sides and issue a judgment. Bryan's trial and courtroom experience will greatly benefit him as he considers testimony and applies the law as a judge.
I know that when Bryan sets out to achieve something, he is fully committed to performing the task and doing it well. The residents of Soddy-Daisy can expect Bryan to bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to serving the office and upholding the judicial oath if he is elected.
Bryan has the temperament necessary to serve as judge, to hear cases impartially and fairly apply the law.
I encourage residents of Soddy-Daisy to vote for Bryan Hoss as Soddy-Daisy judge on Aug. 2.
R. JONATHAN GUTHRIE
Welch best choice for school board
Dr. Jonathan Welch is the right choice for the Hamilton County Board of Education, District 2. Having grown up with Jonathan playing Little League baseball, we remain friends today. He's also my dentist, and we recently finished another baseball season, this time as coaches.
I am supporting Jonathan Welch due to his authenticity, character and desire to serve. What you see is what you get with Jonathan; who he is and what he stands for is consistent no matter who is watching. His character and integrity are impeccable.
Finally, he agreed to run for office because his heart is to serve, whether it's his family, patients and co-workers through his dental practice, church, or community, where he has served on the Founder's Fund and the Mountain Education Foundation's board of directors.
We are fortunate to have individuals such as Jonathan Welch willing to serve. Let's be a district that approaches this election with a humble, positive approach, seeking to encourage and support our leaders rather than throwing stones.
Without reservation and with enthusiasm, my wife, Laurel, and I ask you to vote for Jonathan Welch as the Hamilton County Board of Education District 2 representative on Aug. 2.
T. W. FRANCESCON JR., Signal Mountain
What makes a Christian?
Lately I talked with one of my tea party friends.
"I agree," I said, "with cutting the deficit." I said my plan was across-the-board cuts in defense, domestic, and social programs coupled with equal increases in taxes for the rich.
On the contrary, my friend called for an increase in defense spending, more tax cuts for the super rich and large cuts in food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid.
But this prompted me to ask my tea party friend if he were indeed a Christian?
"Of course I am!" He said, adding: "Why do you ask?"
MIKE C. BODINE
Look to Matthew for prayer advice
To the County Commission:
Please read Matthew 6:5-6, "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corner, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
SALLY SCHOLZE
Mayfield has the best vision
In just over seven weeks, voters in the 3rd Congressional District will elect who they believe can represent them in the United States Congress. I am consistent in how I vote. I vote for the person who I believe has a vision for what they want to do and how they want to accomplish that vision.
After taking a close look at all the candidates, I believe Scottie Mayfield has a better vision than our current congressman. I believe Chuck Fleischmann is conservative. I believe he is a good guy. But I just don't believe he has a clear vision, nor do I believe he has the ability to influence and get things accomplished -- which is the most important part of serving in Congress.
Scottie Mayfield has been a business leader and created jobs. Scottie is new to politics, but after meeting him and hearing what he wants to do, I knew immediately that he has the best vision to serve the people of the 3rd District. This is why I will support Scottie on Aug. 2. I hope you'll do the same.
LUKE BERGER, East Ridge
Time to help our vets more
Do you know how much it costs for a veteran to retire to a Tennessee State Veterans Home? My dad is 84 and had a stroke not long ago. He needs care that I can't give to him so I had him enrolled at one. I was shocked at the costs!
They charge $208 a day starting July 1, and the Veterans Administration pays $95.82 per day of that. That leaves the vet with $112.18 x 31 days equals $3,477.58 per month! This is for a semiprivate room, too! Add to that medicines. Other costs are added for hospital care and ambulance rides.
How many of our vets can afford that kind of care? It is absolutely stunning how much our government gives away in the billions of dollars each year to foreign countries alone. Why do we not demand that our vets be given more consideration first?
Our veterans served our country and put their lives on the line for all of us, and some paid the ultimate price. They do not expect a totally free ride, but the least we can do is make sure they have what they need when they need care. Let's help our vets more!
TOM HAWKS, Soddy-Daisy