'Safety should be top priority in city' and more letters to the editors

Friday, January 1, 1904

Safety should be top priority in city

As a college student in Chattanooga, I am not at all comforted by the fact that crime rates have increased in the past year. Seven percent might not sound like a very large amount, but when dangers like rape, robbery and homicide are more likely than last year, it is certainly something to be concerned about.

I have personally been affected by crime since coming to Chattanooga, and I believe that decreasing these rates should become a bigger priority. It is just unacceptable to question safety at every turn, no matter where you are. I am happy to hear that this issue has become a central point in bettering our city. I think that placing officers in unsafe neighborhoods is a great first step of the process. I love Chattanooga, and it's important to feel safe in a place that you call home.

LEITH TIGGES


Orange tree lottery doesn't fit schedule

Mayor Coppinger, please reconsider the date of the orange tree lottery. I, as a tax payer, would like a chance, but will be working Thursday morning. Thank you for your consideration.

JOHN GAMBLE, Red Bank


Constituents should be allowed to air views

Isn't it ironic that despite the First Amendment to the Constitution reading, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances," my U.S. Congressman, Tom Graves, of the 14th District of Georgia has restricted my access as one of his constituents to be able to express my disapproval of his actions and policies on his official Congressman Tom Graves Facebook page.

I can no longer comment or "like" anyone else's comments, and all of my previous comments are no longer visible. As far as I am able to ascertain, the constituents of any elected representative have the right to make their feelings known to their designated representative through every means provided.

LOIS NEWTON, Rising Fawn, Ga.


Grohn will bring new energy to City Council

Jack Benson, it's time to hang it up and welcome Larry Grohn to fill your shoes. You have given over 40 years to public service and served honorably. But like me, Jack, you are showing your age in a rapidly changing country. Chattanooga is a microcosm of most cities that are seeking solutions to black on black crime, and problems of accountability, transparency and cronyism to name a few.

Larry Grohn will be the final piece of the puzzle to complete our new City Council, and we are going to experience a new energy and integrity that will destroy the "good ole boy" network and the Littlefield dark ages of the last eight years. Please vote for Larry in the runoff election. It will only take a few minutes of your time. This is your only chance in the next four years to really change things in city government.

BILL WATKINS, Harrison