Riverbend has lost what it once had and other letters to the editors

Riverbend has lost what it once had

When the Riverbend Festival lost sponsors like Conoco and Krystal, I knew it was headed for trouble.

Then we started losing entertainment. Cee Lo Geen, really? That was the best Riverbend could do? Lake Winnepesaukah gets better entertainment.

I wouldn't mind paying a little more for a pin for better entertainment, but I will refuse to buy a pin to pay for someone to man the locks so that the boaters can get back and forth. Tell me exactly how much money they spend at Riverbend.

After we started losing entertainment, then we started losing vendors. What happened to the days when we had to decide if we wanted Dippin' Dots or a Mayfield ice cream cone? Now what are our choices?

Over the last 30-plus years, I have had some good times with friends and family, and have even met some people who have become very good friends, but every year fewer of them come back. Riverbend, too, will be a thing of the past, and it's just as well if the only entertainment is someone who has no respect for the people who waited -- or respect for themselves.

CINDY GREEN


Huffman unwilling to discuss common core

On May 22, I sent my first correspondence to Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman regarding Common Core. I invited Huffman to debate Common Core with the opposition so both sides of the argument can be heard by the public. The response from Huffman stated, "We appreciate your interest in this issue, and believe that the state department has provided extensive factual information through many venues and will continue to do so in the future."

On May 23, I responded that if Huffman and his department had done such a stellar job at informing the public, how is it the public knows virtually nothing about Common Core? How is it every elected official I met with during the last legislative session knew nothing about Common Core? Who exactly did Huffman and his team talk with?

Certainly he did not talk to the public or to legislators. I would think Huffman would welcome the opportunity to enlighten the public, but that does not appear to be the case. After several follow-up attempts on my part ... crickets. This is what happens when you have appointed, unelected bureaucrats in positions of power.

KAREN BRACKEN, Ocoee, Tenn.


City has tried to help MLK Boulevard

Maybe two-way traffic would revive MLK Boulevard. Or did we already try that?

JOHN ROSE, Signal Mountain

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