City, board should support Rolles family
I have read a couple of news stories that really puzzle me. If I understand correctly, the Rolles family tries to see that 70-80 kids have something for breakfast before school (and maybe dinner since some carry food for later) without costing taxpayers one cent.
Now it seems that for some reason, either kids playing in the street or trash on the bus, the city or school board has decided that these kids don't really need the food and friendly contact they get from this family.
I am sure that the city could spare one of our policemen for an hour or so to make sure the kids are not causing a problem.
As far as trash on the bus, if it results from a hungry child getting something to eat, I am sure that most of our city drivers would not mind a few minutes that it takes to pick up.
I hope that our wise city and county leaders can come up with a solution and allow the kids to continue to have a safe place to go and something to eat.
WILLIAM NEELEY
Support effort to ban state income tax
In response to the commentary titled "Yes Vote On Amendment 3 Ensures No State Income Tax -- Ever" (Oct. 7, TFP), I think Dr. Laffer and Mr. Brown did a good job bringing a very important issue to light. Tennessee not having an income tax is one of its biggest draws for not only businesses but also retirees.
Tennessee is number one on several lists for best place to live post-retirement. It has a low cost of living, low sales tax, and as the article stated, it has the wonderful feature of no income tax. The amendment proposed could only benefit us as a state. Promising to never have an income tax will only prove to bring more businesses and more people that will better the Tennessee economy.
I will be sure to vote yes for Amendment 3. I hope everyone will see how vital this issue is to Tennessee's economy.
CAITLYN MANTOOTH
Re-elect Floy Pierce for timeless values
I retired and came here at the invitation of my son and daughter-in-law. Here, I discovered Dayton Boulevard and Red Bank -- a place of timeless values. Kindness, honesty, sound business practice, cooperation, belonging. Red Bank is, indeed, a special place, and electing Floy Pierce will guarantee the preservation of timeless values, sound judgment in government decisions and a leader worthy of people's trust.
While Floy Pierce never speaks of her role in government or her elected position, I have learned why she is synonymous with the spirit of the people and the practice that is Red Bank. Since I live in the city limits of Chattanooga, I cannot vote in Red Bank elections, so I submit this letter, this plea, because my daily life unfolds on a diverse, unique Dayton Boulevard!
To maintain this treasure means electing capable leaders like Floy Pierce. So please vote for Floy.
DIANE JOINES
Amendment 3 will only raise taxes
Too bad the arguments for proposed Tennessee Constitution Amendment 3 made by Art Laffer and Travis H. Brown are flat wrong. Amendment 3 will neither help local businesses nor bring jobs. Our businesses are hurt because our business tax laws have loopholes that allow multi-state business to hide their profits from taxation by claiming fake expenses they supposedly owe to out-of-state sister corporations that exist only as post office boxes in Delaware. In Hamilton County, state and local governments lose revenue needed for schools and other vital services because our highest-in-the-U.S. sales tax rate and our food tax drive shoppers across the border. Many independent studies show businesses don't care about state income taxes. They choose locations based on a well-educated workforce, good schools for the children of management, transportation access, energy costs and other factors. Proposed Amendment 3 asks voters to approve what amounts to increased food, sales and business taxes. Amendment 3 says so: "... however, nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting any tax in effect on January 1, 2011, or adjustment of the rate of such tax." Never invite a politician to raise your taxes.
BRIAN PADDOCK
Check core values; vote Fleischmann
Dr. Mary Headrick has repeatedly asserted Congressman Fleischmann does not adequately represent the constituents of District 3, but I respectfully disagree. Chuck's consistent stand for the life of the unborn, prudent government spending, the incubation and protection of small businesses, and reliable, quality health care resonates with my core values and concerns, as I know it does for my neighbors and a vast majority of the district. While I don't doubt Dr. Headrick is well-meaning, I do not believe her agenda and care values line up with my own or those of many in District 3, and ultimately that is most important to me -- any credentials she has are outweighed by the absence of common values. I trust Congressman Fleischmann to best represent the beliefs and interests of my family and my community, and I encourage others to closely examine their core values against each candidate to decide for yourselves who best represents your voice, your beliefs and your needs. As for me, Chuck Fleischmann has my vote for Congress.
AMANDA RUSSELL
Where are chains and dungeons?
Well, glory be! The Oct. 10 paper carried a picture of Robert E. Lee's slaves. Here are women dressed in beautiful hoop skirts, women who were pivotal in preserving the archives of George Washington and the home of Robert E. Lee from warring Union soldiers! Where are the chains, dungeons and trees decorated with the remains of slaves? Where are the fancied shackled ones who escaped to join the underground railway? As the article stated, this will be something for historians to learn from. As for me, I would rather be a slave of Robert E. Lee than the Social Security system or the Department of Safety.
JUNE GRIFFIN, Dayton, Tenn.