Friday, January 1, 1904
Writing in reference to your editorial, "Publix's undeserved deal" (Oct. 19), I believe that your position on urban development is fanatically nearsighted.
At the bright, hot center of environmentally sustainable growth and progressive public policy is the push to get commercial spaces into downtown population centers. A downtown supermarket cuts transportation costs and improves accessibility for lower-income citizens. It also draws more business to an area where business belongs.
There are "big box" grocery stores in downtown Brooklyn. That is not an argument.
WILLIAM H. PAYNE IV
I live in Red Bank. I work downtown, taking Cherokee Boulevard to Market Street bridge route. I shop, eat, etc. on Cherokee-Frazier-North Market all the time.
When I first heard that Publix was coming to North Market Street, I thought "Great! Convenient location."
But I agree with the Times editorial (Oct. 19) on the location and the traffic problems it will impose. 18- wheeler trucks coming and going on narrow, busy streets will surely cause traffic jams. Trucks entering/exiting the North Market Street side of Publix may not have a problem but I don't see how a big truck can safely squeeze into the tiny, two-lane Woodland Avenue corner from Frazier. Cars can barely navigate it.
Cars are going into and coming out of Walgreens' Woodland Avenue entrance all the time. Cars also are coming out of the nearby post office onto Woodland. Publix should plan on deliveries before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
I know the beautiful, hugely populated Northshore wants/needs a grocery store, but this location may create even more traffic congestion.
Publix should have chosen Red Bank. We have plenty of empty storefronts and space.
CINDY TAYLOR
Red Bank
After reading "Bill to add wilderness areas mired in politics," (Oct. 15) I noticed some feedback about wilderness being a liberal, partisan issue.
Thankfully, wilderness is far from that.
Oct. 16 was the 26th anniversary of the Tennessee Wilderness Act of 1986, which Ronald Reagan signed into law creating the Unaka Mountain, Pond Mountain, Sampson Mountain, Big Laurel Branch and Little Frog Mountain Wilderness areas. The bill also added 3,000 acres to the Big Frog Wilderness, created in 1984 when Reagan signed the Tennessee Wilderness Act of '84 into law. Championed by Lamar Alexander, Tennessee's two Republican senators have a new bill that builds on Reagan's wilderness legacy by expanding four areas created during the Reagan era. I moved to Chattanooga for Tennessee's natural beauty. As a volunteer for Tennessee Wild and a mother of a 13-year old who has hiked these areas, I can tell you that their value as wilderness is good for the economy, for the animals that live there and for the watershed so important to our own existence.
I hope that you'll join me in hiking with Tennessee Wild and by calling or writing your representatives asking them to pass Senate Bill S.1090 this Congress.
CAARA FRITZ
I am disappointed that many of my liberal friends have been unfairly criticized and are being accused for being against voter ID, and being blamed for Obama being elected in 2008 because of voter ID.
I believe that they just didn't avail themselves of the facts, such as Obama's broken promises, his approval of same-sex marriages, his abortion stand, the staggering economy, his flawed ObamaCare, his dismal foreign policy, the Benghazi fiasco. But it is encouraging to see that many liberals are beginning to see the light because his failures have become so obvious and many seem to be wising up to the media bias that so often shows its ugly head in the Chattanooga Times editorials.
CAREY CROUCH
I do not see how "the Mormon issue" could affect the presidency very much, or why people should or would be afraid of a president who was of the Mormon faith. Religionists would have no reason to fear lack of advocacy for their moral agenda as Romney (and his party) already has made clear his pro-life and sanctity of marriage position.
As for advancing his church, no one, under the observance of the nation, could advance their own religion without the press getting wind of it and announcing it to the nation, or Congress not catching it and barring passage of whatever act/law. One Christian faith over another hardly should affect the candidacy for Republican voters as long as they stand firm on those issues, as few convicted Christians will stand for the legalization of child sacrifice, aka abortion, or a corruption of the Eden-ordained institution of marriage, whether it is constitutional or not.
ANTHONY BOTTICELLI
Cleveland, Tenn.
A letter to the editors (Oct. 19) says, "Obama only clear moral choice."
The writer bemoans our stewardship of the environment and regurgitates the predictable rant against the rich, of course using the Scriptures, for his case that President Obama must be the one clear choice. Protecting the environment is important, but also many rich people do a lot of wonderful good for this world.
Barack Obama is pro-choice. Think of all the millions of humans in this country whose lives have been snuffed out by abortion. This barbaric obscenity needs to stop. It's either choking guilt or cleverly dressed up evil that enables our culture not to refer to abortion as pro-death. Do you wonder why we can't call it what it really is? Can you not see the origin of this abomination? And the writer wanted to write about "unconscionable acts against God." If we are to worry about our carbon footprint, let us not forget about baby's footprint too.
JIM GOODIN
Decatur, Tenn.
Eight years ago, we drove up to Signal Mountain and discovered a town that we decided to call home. Signal Mountain looks and lives as well as it did eight years ago. This is not by accident. We've been fortunate to have, working for the citizens, a council that has initiative, that is well informed, and that works diligently to preserve and conserve our way of life.
Annette Allen and Bill Lusk are an integral part of this council. They have the will to thoroughly investigate the issues that come before them and the political courage to cast the difficult votes. They've invested time and expertise to protect the amenities we expect and the value of our homes. They've steered us through an economic shock, while laying the groundwork to protect us from future economic downturns. They deserve our votes.
Two years ago we supported Frank Preston in his run for council because of his reputation and service to the town. We are delighted that he has chosen to run for office again. His work ethic, his thoughtfulness, and his careful, informed attitude would make an amazing addition to the town council.
DAVID AND MELISSA CANTRELL
Signal Mountain
I voted early but didn't vote for Mitt Romney. Why? Romney said he "wasn't worried about the poor."
I was taught the poor mattered.
I didn't vote for Romney because he said, "Get a loan from your parents to go to college." Thank God and the Democratic Party I had the GI Bill.
I didn't vote for Romney because he would repeal "ObamaCare," the exact health program he passed in Massachusetts. A bill written for him by the Heritage Foundation. You can't get more conservative than that.
I didn't vote for Romney because he believes 47 percent of Americans are moochers. That means if you are not a Republican, you want a handout.
I didn't vote for Romney because he would destroy Social Security with his voucher program. He says old folks shouldn't worry. Well, if it so good let us have it.
I didn't vote for Romney because I pay a higher tax rate than he does. I am not afraid of revealing my tax returns; he is. And I truly don't understand how Republicans can vote for him since he has changed his position on so many issues they care about.
Who is this Mitt Romney?
WELDON R. MARKHAM
On Nov. 6, we will have a choice in whom we want to serve as our county commissioner in Walker County.
I urge everyone who voted for me to write in Ales Campbell for commissioner of Walker County. This is our chance to change the course that is leading Walker County to financial crisis. We must change course or face a bleak future for our children and loved ones. I implore voters to follow these simple steps:
At the race for commissioner, select write in. Type in Ales Campbell and press "Record Write-in." This will add Ales Campbell to the screen with a "X" beside her name. Make sure you see her name typed on the screen when reviewing your ballot.
If you have any problems or questions, ask one of the poll workers for help.
This is our chance for honest and responsive government and a better future for all of our citizens.
We can take back Walker County.
G. PAUL SHAW
LaFayette, Ga.
The Catoosa County Democratic Party is against a constitutional amendment to guarantee the state's authority to charter independent public schools.
It is known as Amendment No. 1 on your ballot.
We stand with the Georgia state education superintendent who believes the proposal threatens local control and state financial support for traditional public schools.
Schools days have been cut, students are denied a full year's education, over 4,000 teachers out of a job since 2008, cut in retirement benefits and pay, and enrollment is up.
Georgia has more than 100 charter schools in operation today.
We do not need to change the state Constitution.
I feel this is an attempt to destroy our public school system and tear down our nation.
Vote early! Vote no!
ERNIE PURSLEY
Catoosa County Democratic Party Chairman
Denny Manning is truly a public servant. He is honest, sincere and dedicated. For two terms, eight years, he has been faithful and voted for the things he feels is the best for East Ridge. Denny is a very respected person and has a great wife who strongly supports him.
Our city employees have a great respect for Denny. They know they can count on him.
He deserves another four years.
CURTIS D. ADAMS
The map accompanying Sunday's article on the mother of a cyberbullying victim shows a shocking white space: Tennessee. Our state is one of only a handful that have not passed a law addressing this growing problem. I am not a parent, but my heart goes out to the children and parents who are victims of vicious, anonymous attacks. The Internet has opened up a whole new world of cruelty.
Parents: Do you know what your child is saying to other kids online? If not, you need to find out. And please, ask your state representatives to pass a law making cyberbullying a crime. Bullying is not a "rite of passage." It's an acceptance of non-compassion that has lifelong consequences for both the victim -- and the bully.
JANIS HASHE