Support Mitzi Yates for District 3

On March 13, the Times editorial page boldly stated the root cause for the mess regarding redistricting for the Hamilton County Schools: "The blame for unplanned growth and inadequate urban services - from schools to sewers, to police and professional fire services, to roads, parks and garbage service - belongs to the County Commission." I completely agree.

Here's an adage that applies: "If you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail." Whether that failure turns up in school matters, in questionable development efforts such as the controversial Chattanooga Village in Hixson, or in inequities of essential services, it comes back to the Commission.

As long as this group of men persists in good-old-boy politics, we will continue to see problems.

I think the Commission is lacking in diversity of perspectives and would benefit by the addition of commissioners willing to engage in community-driven planning and to conduct their business in an open manner. That's why I am supporting the candidacy of Mitzi Yates for District 3.

LAWRENCE G. MILLER, Hixson

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Is it homicide or a woman's right?

This in response to Mr. Bennett's cartoon dated March 17.

I ran across this article and thought it to be interesting. "MILWAUKEE - A woman who faked a pregnancy and panicked as her supposed due date grew near attacked a pregnant mother with a baseball bat and cut her full-term fetus from her womb with an Exacto knife, killing the mother and baby, according to court documents filed Monday. Annette Morales-Rodriguez, 33, faces one count each of first-degree intentional homicide while armed and first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child."

This begs the question. When a fetus is killed and it is determined it was wanted, it's called "homicide." But when a fetus is killed and it is determined it is not wanted it is called "A woman's right to choose." Confusing, isn't it?

SCOTT HARRINGTON, Ooltewah

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Airport CEO has his facts wrong

I read with interest the article (March 11) written by Terry Hart, president and interim CEO of Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. He stated that Tac Air had benefited from city-built facilities and that the city built the facilities Tac Air now occupies. However, the facts indicate otherwise.

The building where Tac Air North is located was built by Exxon in 1967-68. The hangar behind TAC Air North was built by Ace Norris in 1952 and moved to its current location by Exxon. The building where Tac Air South is located was built by Hangar 1 in 1972.

The hangars co-located with the Tac Air South were built by Harry Porter and moved to their current location in 1962. Hangars 4, 5 and 6 were built by Krystal Aviation before they were bought out by Tac Air.

I think that Mr. Hart is trying to revise history and justify his actions by painting Tac Air as a co-conspirator with the city of Chattanooga's attempt to socialize the airport and other industries in the local area.

RICHARD GENTER