I wish someone would please tell me what planet Wayne Ledbetter lives on.
His last letter to the editor about oil companies couldn’t possibly have come from Mother Earth.
I would never begrudge any company from doing well and making large profits — every business owner dreams of that kind of success. What Mr. Ledbetter left out was the fact that we, the taxpayers (sometimes referred to as the US government) subsidize American oil companies with billions of our tax dollars.
It doesn’t always come in the form of actual money given; it oftentimes is in the form of reduced or no-cost supplies, exemption from liability (i.e. from lawsuits for spills and destruction) or being placed in a tax bracket that most businesses can only dream about. If those gifts that ultimately come out of our pockets were not there, I would not have a problem with the huge profits.
Secondly, how many low- to middle-class taxpayers can afford to buy oil company stock? A large chunk of my family’s income has to be spent paying high gas prices while driving 50 or more miles (times two) round trip to work each day. My annual cost of living raise can’t touch gas price inflation.
Besides, only a small percentage of Americans can afford a decent retirement plan. Many struggle just to put food on the table or to pay medical bills.
Only the rich are getting richer off the oil companies.
Finally, when it comes to preserving the owls the trees and the wildlife, I would much rather that my children and grandchildren be able to look around and see trees and birds and wildlife than to see oil wells dotting the countryside, black goo filling our waterways and smog so thick that you can’t even see your neighbor.
Maybe that’s okay for Wayne’s planet, but not mine.
Bob Barber
Hiddenite
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Letter: Proposed asphalt plant caught an unjustified bad wrap
I have been an employee of Maymead, Inc. for six years and have been around asphalt all my life. Not once have I been concerned for my health as a paving superintendent. My wife and I stay in a camper behind the Maymead office during the paving season. The camper is within 250 feet of the plant, and we are not afraid of it.
I have read the letters to the editor about the proposed plant, and I am disgusted by the lies that are being spread about Maymead and asphalt. Asphalt is a safe product that is necessary for everyday life, and it provides a living for me and many other people in the area.
I am on the side of the road when it is paved. I am not afraid to breathe asphalt and neither is anyone else as they drive by hot mix. What is laid is exactly what comes out of the plant, and for us to handle this material we don’t even have to wear masks. No one on my crews has been diagnosed with cancer.
I have worked on Interstate 77 and understand the danger to workers and traveling public if we have any problems with our plant. If we can’t pave the road after it has been milled, it is a hazard to everyone. I want the citizens of Statesville to understand the only asphalt threat is the threat of not having enough.
Tom Dickens
Paving Superintendent, Maymead, Inc.
I have read the letters to the editor about the proposed plant, and I am disgusted by the lies that are being spread about Maymead and asphalt. Asphalt is a safe product that is necessary for everyday life, and it provides a living for me and many other people in the area.
I am on the side of the road when it is paved. I am not afraid to breathe asphalt and neither is anyone else as they drive by hot mix. What is laid is exactly what comes out of the plant, and for us to handle this material we don’t even have to wear masks. No one on my crews has been diagnosed with cancer.
I have worked on Interstate 77 and understand the danger to workers and traveling public if we have any problems with our plant. If we can’t pave the road after it has been milled, it is a hazard to everyone. I want the citizens of Statesville to understand the only asphalt threat is the threat of not having enough.
Tom Dickens
Paving Superintendent, Maymead, Inc.
Letter: Beyond the call of duty
I would like to acknowledge the Statesville Fire Department for responding to the sound of an exploding transformer in the parking lot of Xavier’s Barberstyling. The explosion knocked out all power Saturday afternoon. Capt. Jeff D. Leaptrott and firefighters Brad Oswalt and Andy Russell responded within three minutes.
The barbers and I were still cutting hair when the power went off. A customer said he had to go to work and couldn’t with his hair only halfway cut.
I told everyone there was nothing we could do without power. Then other customers waiting began to laugh out loud. For the patrons, this was no laughing matter.
The firefighters heard our conversation, and as we watched them assess the damage, one firefighter replied, "No problem!" They backed the fire truck up to the building and plugged our clippers into their generator so we could finish our clients unless they were called to a more serious call.
They even brought in lights so we could see what we we’re doing. Now that’s community service.
As I finished my last client, the City of Statesville utilities department had the problem fixed and power restored.
Xavier Zsarmani
Statesville
The barbers and I were still cutting hair when the power went off. A customer said he had to go to work and couldn’t with his hair only halfway cut.
I told everyone there was nothing we could do without power. Then other customers waiting began to laugh out loud. For the patrons, this was no laughing matter.
The firefighters heard our conversation, and as we watched them assess the damage, one firefighter replied, "No problem!" They backed the fire truck up to the building and plugged our clippers into their generator so we could finish our clients unless they were called to a more serious call.
They even brought in lights so we could see what we we’re doing. Now that’s community service.
As I finished my last client, the City of Statesville utilities department had the problem fixed and power restored.
Xavier Zsarmani
Statesville
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Editorial: The clock is ticking
The deadline for filing to run for a seat on the Iredell County Commission, Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education and for other important positions is drawing near.
Candidates have until noon Friday to submit the appropriate paperwork and pay the required fees at the Iredell County Board of Elections office.
We applaud those who have taken the initial steps toward securing a spot on the ballon, but we'd like to see a few more candidates in the local races step forward in the next few days.
Two of the five declared candidates for three seats on the county commission stand out above the others in terms of name recognition and organization. Incumbent Ken Robertson, a Republican, is the most experienced and most recognizable of the group, and Republican Brad Hward, who ran a close fourth in a six-candidate race for three spots in 2006, is probably the best organized.
Republican Scott Keadle, a former candidate for the U.S. House, will likely claim a seat on the board if no other GOP candidates emerge.
Commissioner Sara Haire Tice will not seek another term, and Commissioner Godfrey Williams, a Republican, is apparently still on the fence.
A couple of Democrats, Fred Coggins and Mark Vanek, have also filed to run, but they will face long odds in the general election.
We don't believe the people's best interests can be served without competitive elections. That's the main reason we'd like to see another candidate emerge in the race for the District 6 seat on the I-SS Board of Education. Incumbent Charles Kelly has no opposition to date. The other two I-SS seats on the ballot, districts 2 and 4, have at least two other candidates.
For all the attention that the race for the White House has been receiving and will continue to receive, the candidates who are elected to the local county commission and school board this year will have more impact on your life and the lives of Iredell County children than the next occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
If you're tired of the status quo or have new ideas that could improve the county government or the management of I-SS, this is your best chance to make your voice heard and make a difference. Time is running out.
Candidates have until noon Friday to submit the appropriate paperwork and pay the required fees at the Iredell County Board of Elections office.
We applaud those who have taken the initial steps toward securing a spot on the ballon, but we'd like to see a few more candidates in the local races step forward in the next few days.
Two of the five declared candidates for three seats on the county commission stand out above the others in terms of name recognition and organization. Incumbent Ken Robertson, a Republican, is the most experienced and most recognizable of the group, and Republican Brad Hward, who ran a close fourth in a six-candidate race for three spots in 2006, is probably the best organized.
Republican Scott Keadle, a former candidate for the U.S. House, will likely claim a seat on the board if no other GOP candidates emerge.
Commissioner Sara Haire Tice will not seek another term, and Commissioner Godfrey Williams, a Republican, is apparently still on the fence.
A couple of Democrats, Fred Coggins and Mark Vanek, have also filed to run, but they will face long odds in the general election.
We don't believe the people's best interests can be served without competitive elections. That's the main reason we'd like to see another candidate emerge in the race for the District 6 seat on the I-SS Board of Education. Incumbent Charles Kelly has no opposition to date. The other two I-SS seats on the ballot, districts 2 and 4, have at least two other candidates.
For all the attention that the race for the White House has been receiving and will continue to receive, the candidates who are elected to the local county commission and school board this year will have more impact on your life and the lives of Iredell County children than the next occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
If you're tired of the status quo or have new ideas that could improve the county government or the management of I-SS, this is your best chance to make your voice heard and make a difference. Time is running out.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Letter: Asphalt plant is part of a solution, not part of a problem
I have lived in Statesville all of my life. I have seen many changes come to this community. I have seen businesses come and go, and along with those businesses, I have seen jobs come and go.
On Monday night, I attended the City Council meeting in support of Maymead Material Inc.’s request to build an additional asphalt plant.
I was amazed to see the number of people, many of whom are personal friends, who were opposed to this company’s expansion.
My daughter has been an employee of Maymead since December 2006, when they first came to Statesville.
She has enjoyed working for a company that is ethical and actively involved in the community that we love.
I do not have any fears for her as she goes to work at the Buffalo Shoals plant office each day, nor do I question the integrity of the owners of Maymead. I am shocked by the way my fellow citizens have reacted to a much-needed addition to our community.
Our roads are in terrible shape, and there is much work to be done, but this is overlooked. Instead, the group of opponents is spreading fear and propaganda instead of searching for a solution to the need in our community. I would like for Maymead to be part of the solution.
Ann Brown
Statesville
On Monday night, I attended the City Council meeting in support of Maymead Material Inc.’s request to build an additional asphalt plant.
I was amazed to see the number of people, many of whom are personal friends, who were opposed to this company’s expansion.
My daughter has been an employee of Maymead since December 2006, when they first came to Statesville.
She has enjoyed working for a company that is ethical and actively involved in the community that we love.
I do not have any fears for her as she goes to work at the Buffalo Shoals plant office each day, nor do I question the integrity of the owners of Maymead. I am shocked by the way my fellow citizens have reacted to a much-needed addition to our community.
Our roads are in terrible shape, and there is much work to be done, but this is overlooked. Instead, the group of opponents is spreading fear and propaganda instead of searching for a solution to the need in our community. I would like for Maymead to be part of the solution.
Ann Brown
Statesville
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Letter: People who respect the law have nothing to worry about
I am an animal lover. As a matter of fact, we took in two stray dogs several years ago. They stay outside. When strangers come in the yard, they start barking, which must be considered some type of aggressive behavior because the mail carrier had enough sense not to want to get out of the car.
On Feb. 7, the R&L reported that the dog that was shot and killed by the sheriff’s deputy was barking but was not displaying aggressive behavior. I disagree and consider barking aggressive behavior.
If a law officer comes to my house and kills my dog or dogs, I would be upset. But if illegal activity is going on at my residence, what is the deputy to think? How does he know the dog would not have jumped on him, bit him or knocked him down, giving others in the house the opportunity to grab his gun and shoot and kill him?
I do not think the deputy overreacted but did what he thought was best and what he was trained to do. To all of you who are always knocking law enforcement, you need to watch the segment at the end of the show "America’s Most Wanted" and see all the officers who are killed in the line of duty.
To respond to Stephen Moore’s comment on Feb. 19 — "Who will protect us from the law?" — people who are not breaking the law do not need to be protected from it.
Cindy Milan
Harmony
On Feb. 7, the R&L reported that the dog that was shot and killed by the sheriff’s deputy was barking but was not displaying aggressive behavior. I disagree and consider barking aggressive behavior.
If a law officer comes to my house and kills my dog or dogs, I would be upset. But if illegal activity is going on at my residence, what is the deputy to think? How does he know the dog would not have jumped on him, bit him or knocked him down, giving others in the house the opportunity to grab his gun and shoot and kill him?
I do not think the deputy overreacted but did what he thought was best and what he was trained to do. To all of you who are always knocking law enforcement, you need to watch the segment at the end of the show "America’s Most Wanted" and see all the officers who are killed in the line of duty.
To respond to Stephen Moore’s comment on Feb. 19 — "Who will protect us from the law?" — people who are not breaking the law do not need to be protected from it.
Cindy Milan
Harmony
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Letter: City, county leaders should act now to prevent next Maymead
Opposition to Maymead Materials Inc.’s placing an asphalt plant on Northside Drive was demonstrated at Monday night’s city council’s meeting, where approximately 300 residents and concerned citizens crowded into two rooms to present planned speeches and petitions with over 1,000 signatures at the quasi-judicial hearing. Two extremely important issues came to light as a result of this recent battle:
It is of little surprise Maymead is now threatening to sue the City of Statesville, as it did in Allegheny County, to force the city to allow an asphalt plant on Northside Drive.
After the meeting Monday night, the attorney for Maymead stated that Maymead had subdivided the property and the motion should have been approved. If that is the case, why even have a vote?
City council members were placed in a position that assumed they would approve motions presented to them without question, rather than be allowed to vote their conscience. If the zoning law is written in that manner, something needs to be changed!
Councilmen Cecil Stallard, Flake Huggins and Ron Matthews had the courage to put the citizens’ best interests, health and well-being, as well as property values, over Maymead’s profit motive.
Mary Katherine Harbin, an area manager with Maymead daughter of Wiley Roark — the vice president of Maymead — was quoted in Wednesday’s newspaper as saying, "We’re obviously disappointed with what happened Monday, but we’ve dealt with this before, and we know what steps we have to take, and we are willing to take those steps in order to locate another plant in Iredell County on that site." The threats continue.
Just as Allegheny residents found their zoning laws weak and ineffective and were faced with lawsuits, the zoning and special-use permit laws in Statesville need to be re-evaluated. City and county leaders should replace outdated and ineffective zoning laws to prevent industries which are similar to toxic hazard waste facilities from being built within the city limits of Statesville. Effective land-use planning is crucial for the city of Statesville and Iredell County.
Jim and Linda Stamper
Statesville
- The reputation of the business requesting a special-use permit needs to be considered; and
- Effective land-use planning is critical.
Larry Marlin’s recent guest column in the R&L enumerated various complaints about Maymead: Maymead’s infractions, bid rigging, civil penalties pending and fines. Maymead’s initial request for the asphalt plant was denied by the Board of Adjustment (the distance from a residential property did not meeting the requirement). May-mead’s attempt to circumvent the spirit of the zoning law by subdividing the property was not approved Monday night.
It is of little surprise Maymead is now threatening to sue the City of Statesville, as it did in Allegheny County, to force the city to allow an asphalt plant on Northside Drive.
After the meeting Monday night, the attorney for Maymead stated that Maymead had subdivided the property and the motion should have been approved. If that is the case, why even have a vote?
City council members were placed in a position that assumed they would approve motions presented to them without question, rather than be allowed to vote their conscience. If the zoning law is written in that manner, something needs to be changed!
Councilmen Cecil Stallard, Flake Huggins and Ron Matthews had the courage to put the citizens’ best interests, health and well-being, as well as property values, over Maymead’s profit motive.
Mary Katherine Harbin, an area manager with Maymead daughter of Wiley Roark — the vice president of Maymead — was quoted in Wednesday’s newspaper as saying, "We’re obviously disappointed with what happened Monday, but we’ve dealt with this before, and we know what steps we have to take, and we are willing to take those steps in order to locate another plant in Iredell County on that site." The threats continue.
Just as Allegheny residents found their zoning laws weak and ineffective and were faced with lawsuits, the zoning and special-use permit laws in Statesville need to be re-evaluated. City and county leaders should replace outdated and ineffective zoning laws to prevent industries which are similar to toxic hazard waste facilities from being built within the city limits of Statesville. Effective land-use planning is crucial for the city of Statesville and Iredell County.
Jim and Linda Stamper
Statesville
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Letter of the day: Rotary clubs of Statesville are teaming up for local charities
From 5-8 p.m. March 1, Statesville’s three Rotary Clubs will host their annual oyster roast at the Iredell County Fairgrounds.
Rotarians sponsor this event to bring an enjoyable evening to those who participate, but, more importantly, we do this to help fund local charity organizations in our community that are in need.
All net proceeds from the oyster roast are donated to these charities, which serve the needs of a great number of people. Thank you in advance for supporting our oyster roast. Please come by March 1 and help us help others!
Thomas Alexander
President of Statesville Rotary Club
Rotarians sponsor this event to bring an enjoyable evening to those who participate, but, more importantly, we do this to help fund local charity organizations in our community that are in need.
All net proceeds from the oyster roast are donated to these charities, which serve the needs of a great number of people. Thank you in advance for supporting our oyster roast. Please come by March 1 and help us help others!
Thomas Alexander
President of Statesville Rotary Club
Friday, February 15, 2008
Editorial: Focus on local, too
The months leading up to any election can feel like a semester at school - there's a lot to learn by the time the big exam rolls around.
With most voters studying tight Democratic presidential primaries, it's easy to see how some local races may slip through the cracks.
Though North Carolina's primary probably won't hold much water nationally after the flood of early primaries passes, May 6 could decide who is on the ballot in local races. Already, two Republicans have filed for the district attorney position that will serve Iredell and Alexander counties.
Those running for county commission or a seat on the school board don't have the large-scale campaigning national races draw, but these races deserve just as much attention. The people who win these races will vote on zoning changes in your neighborhood, set your tax rate and determine how much teachers and sheriff's deputies earn.
Up for grabs this November are three Iredell County Board of Commissioners seats and three Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education positions.
District court judges are up for election, and Judge Kim Taylor's retirement has left an open bench in Superior Court.
Iredell residents have a responsibility as stewards of democracy to familiarize themselves with local races. Voting along party lines is easy; but if national races have taught us anything, it's that party lines can get blurry. Learning about candidates takes a bit more elbow grease but makes for more informed choices.
Just as important as an educated decision is actually having to make a decision. We'd hate to see an unopposed local race - especially since this page of the R&L has been filled with voters' letters expressing malcontent for some of the commissioners' decisions and criticism of I-SS policy.
If you are unhappy with the way your representatives are representing you right here in Iredell, it's your right to change it, either by voting or running.
Several candidates already have filed for local public office, and several more have announced their intentions to do so by the time filing ends Feb. 29.
We hope you've been doing your homework as a citizen of this county.
With most voters studying tight Democratic presidential primaries, it's easy to see how some local races may slip through the cracks.
Though North Carolina's primary probably won't hold much water nationally after the flood of early primaries passes, May 6 could decide who is on the ballot in local races. Already, two Republicans have filed for the district attorney position that will serve Iredell and Alexander counties.
Those running for county commission or a seat on the school board don't have the large-scale campaigning national races draw, but these races deserve just as much attention. The people who win these races will vote on zoning changes in your neighborhood, set your tax rate and determine how much teachers and sheriff's deputies earn.
Up for grabs this November are three Iredell County Board of Commissioners seats and three Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education positions.
District court judges are up for election, and Judge Kim Taylor's retirement has left an open bench in Superior Court.
Iredell residents have a responsibility as stewards of democracy to familiarize themselves with local races. Voting along party lines is easy; but if national races have taught us anything, it's that party lines can get blurry. Learning about candidates takes a bit more elbow grease but makes for more informed choices.
Just as important as an educated decision is actually having to make a decision. We'd hate to see an unopposed local race - especially since this page of the R&L has been filled with voters' letters expressing malcontent for some of the commissioners' decisions and criticism of I-SS policy.
If you are unhappy with the way your representatives are representing you right here in Iredell, it's your right to change it, either by voting or running.
Several candidates already have filed for local public office, and several more have announced their intentions to do so by the time filing ends Feb. 29.
We hope you've been doing your homework as a citizen of this county.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Letter of the Day: Why was land bought by city so under-valued by assessor?
With regard to the Statesville City Council’s decision to pay $77,000 for a 0.39-acre parcel of land that was assessed at $15,620, I think that an equally pertinent question is why that land was assessed that low if the market value was so much higher.
The county assessment forms we all received last year state, "Assessed value represents market value."
I challenge you to get an answer from the tax assessor’s office.
Audrey Bollero
Statesville
The county assessment forms we all received last year state, "Assessed value represents market value."
I challenge you to get an answer from the tax assessor’s office.
Audrey Bollero
Statesville
Why the council isn’t shaking in its shoes
Opponents of a proposed asphalt plant on Northview Drive have indicated in no uncertain terms on this page and elsewhere that there will be political ramifications for Statesville City Council members who vote to allow the plant to be built.
We doubt it. That’s because voter apathy and an unwillingness by qualified residents to challenge the sitting council on Election Day have conspired to give the incumbents an air of invincibility.
Not unlike politicians at the state and national level, the city council has been able to do what it pleases in recent years without being overly concerned with what a handful of pesky voters think.
Here are a couple of issues that could have — and perhaps should have — riled up the electorate in recent years, but didn’t:
- The council’s approval of a big fee increase for legal services for attorney Eddie Gaines;
- The council’s unwillingness to roll back property taxes in 2007 despite a dramatic increase in property values; and
- The council’s attempt to curb free-speech rights of the area’s homeless population.
By the time most of the council members who vote on Maymead’s application for a special-use permit stand for re-election, this contentious issue will be distant memories for most residents.
If the Maymead plant opponents want to add some bite to their bark, they need to look beyond their back yard and reach out to others who believe they are not being heard or represented by the current council. We can imagine more than a few firefighters and parents of skateboarders would join a coalition calling for change.
In reality, removing some members of this council shouldn’t be that difficult. In recent elections, incumbents Paula Steele and Michael Johnson were unopposed and held onto their seats with 69 and 82 votes, respectively. Incumbent Flake Huggins Jr. retained his seat by garnering only 125 votes and newcomer Bonita Eisele won her position with a paltry 63 votes.
Until the majority of residents exercise their right and responsibility to hold their elected officials responsible for their policies and priorities, the status quo and their supporters will continue to rule.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Letter of the Day: Actions of a few sworn officers create doubts about judgment
This is in response to the front-page story Feb. 7 about the dog shooting incident. I’m no stranger to the capriciousness and outright stupidity of some local sheriff deputies, either.
Two years ago, two deputies arrived at my home in response to an accidental burglar alarm. One of the officers noticed the small, potted Japanese maple tree in my carport (it had been a recent birthday gift from one of my daughters). What happened next sounds like the plot from an episode of the Dukes of Hazzard. My little tree was confiscated by the deputies and placed in the trunk of one of the squad-cars. I was accused of growing marijuana! I was told to "come clean." They searched my home (with my permission), and I spent the better part of an hour doing my best to convince them that I was innocent, and that the object of their zeal was a lowly maple tree. The ordeal finally ended when a third deputy was consulted, who told the first two that, indeed, the plant was a tree. They promptly left without an apology.
Makes you feel safe, knowing that we have such high-caliber personnel in the sheriff’s office, doesn’t it?
Keith High
Statesville
Two years ago, two deputies arrived at my home in response to an accidental burglar alarm. One of the officers noticed the small, potted Japanese maple tree in my carport (it had been a recent birthday gift from one of my daughters). What happened next sounds like the plot from an episode of the Dukes of Hazzard. My little tree was confiscated by the deputies and placed in the trunk of one of the squad-cars. I was accused of growing marijuana! I was told to "come clean." They searched my home (with my permission), and I spent the better part of an hour doing my best to convince them that I was innocent, and that the object of their zeal was a lowly maple tree. The ordeal finally ended when a third deputy was consulted, who told the first two that, indeed, the plant was a tree. They promptly left without an apology.
Makes you feel safe, knowing that we have such high-caliber personnel in the sheriff’s office, doesn’t it?
Keith High
Statesville
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Letter of the Day: Skateboarders are good people and deserve a place to ride
In response to some of the recent letters to the editor about the skateboarders, I have a few thoughts on the matter.
First, I would like to say I have a 14-year-old son. He is not an avid skateboarder but a lot of his friends are. All of the kids I know are good kids. They are respectable and well-mannered kids who come in a large variety — some have long hair, and some do not; some have the grunge look and some do not.
I think too many people judge these kids without knowing one thing about them. We all know it is not human right to place judgment, but a lot of people do it anyway.
In regards to a skate park: what is the big deal? We have a skating rink, a bowling alley, a soccer complex, even a fun station.
Skateboarding is a sport — it takes a lot of strength and agility to ride them and do all of those tricks. A lot of these kids are really talented.
A professional skateboarder earns a very high salary, probably just as much if not more than a lot of other pro sports.
What I am trying to say is that all skateboarders are not bad; all football players are not bad. I will use Michael Vick as an example — all sports have bad people; all races have good and bad people. It is not fair to discriminate against these kids and treat them as though their needs are unimportant or that they are unworthy.
They need a place to practice and ride those boards. They simply need a way to develop their skills besides using the streets downtown. Any facility has to be monitored and have a certain standard it is run by. Let’s give our kids their park and run it properly from the start.
If someone doesn’t go by the rules, then they don’t get to use the park.
Statesville might produce the next Tony Hawk! Anyone who doesn’t know or understand how big and important the skating sport is should check out the X Games. They are no different from the Olympics.
I am very proud to say I know a lot of these kids. I wish many other people had that privilege as well.
Beth Woods
Statesville
First, I would like to say I have a 14-year-old son. He is not an avid skateboarder but a lot of his friends are. All of the kids I know are good kids. They are respectable and well-mannered kids who come in a large variety — some have long hair, and some do not; some have the grunge look and some do not.
I think too many people judge these kids without knowing one thing about them. We all know it is not human right to place judgment, but a lot of people do it anyway.
In regards to a skate park: what is the big deal? We have a skating rink, a bowling alley, a soccer complex, even a fun station.
Skateboarding is a sport — it takes a lot of strength and agility to ride them and do all of those tricks. A lot of these kids are really talented.
A professional skateboarder earns a very high salary, probably just as much if not more than a lot of other pro sports.
What I am trying to say is that all skateboarders are not bad; all football players are not bad. I will use Michael Vick as an example — all sports have bad people; all races have good and bad people. It is not fair to discriminate against these kids and treat them as though their needs are unimportant or that they are unworthy.
They need a place to practice and ride those boards. They simply need a way to develop their skills besides using the streets downtown. Any facility has to be monitored and have a certain standard it is run by. Let’s give our kids their park and run it properly from the start.
If someone doesn’t go by the rules, then they don’t get to use the park.
Statesville might produce the next Tony Hawk! Anyone who doesn’t know or understand how big and important the skating sport is should check out the X Games. They are no different from the Olympics.
I am very proud to say I know a lot of these kids. I wish many other people had that privilege as well.
Beth Woods
Statesville
Monday, February 11, 2008
Editorial: Use your voice
Silence may be golden, but keeping quiet about sexual harassment isn’t.
Though it was hard for her to do, Terry Reed summoned the courage to report an incident at work involving sexual assault. Victims like her, who hold offenders accountable, are helping the fight against sexual harassment.
Any unwelcomed sexual advance — verbal or physical — is harassment, and society needs to have a no-tolerance policy for such criminal behavior.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made such acts illegal in the workplace. That means business owners and managers have a responsibility to protect their workers and can face major fines and civil judgments for failing to do so.
Unfortunately, despite the decades-old law and countless codes at work, sexual harassment still happens in the office, on the playgrounds, in our schools and in our homes.
With major social networking on the Internet, sexual harassment has spread through cyberspace as well, and it doesn’t discriminate based on age, sex or ethnicity.
There are a number of ways to combat lewd behavior, the most important is education. Educate your children, your friends and yourself about what it means to be sexually harassed.
Harassment includes unwelcome physical advances as well as comments of a sexual nature — direct or implied. The victim doesn’t have to be the subject of the harassment; anyone offended by the situation is considered a victim.
Because sexual harassment can isolate its victims or make them feel they are in the wrong for being offended, many cases go unreported.
The solution isn’t to tolerate the behavior; the solution is to eradicate it. Confront the offender, document the situation, tell a friend, tell your boss, tell the authorities.
Whatever you do, don’t keep quiet — speak out today to prevent it tomorrow.
Though it was hard for her to do, Terry Reed summoned the courage to report an incident at work involving sexual assault. Victims like her, who hold offenders accountable, are helping the fight against sexual harassment.
Any unwelcomed sexual advance — verbal or physical — is harassment, and society needs to have a no-tolerance policy for such criminal behavior.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made such acts illegal in the workplace. That means business owners and managers have a responsibility to protect their workers and can face major fines and civil judgments for failing to do so.
Unfortunately, despite the decades-old law and countless codes at work, sexual harassment still happens in the office, on the playgrounds, in our schools and in our homes.
With major social networking on the Internet, sexual harassment has spread through cyberspace as well, and it doesn’t discriminate based on age, sex or ethnicity.
There are a number of ways to combat lewd behavior, the most important is education. Educate your children, your friends and yourself about what it means to be sexually harassed.
Harassment includes unwelcome physical advances as well as comments of a sexual nature — direct or implied. The victim doesn’t have to be the subject of the harassment; anyone offended by the situation is considered a victim.
Because sexual harassment can isolate its victims or make them feel they are in the wrong for being offended, many cases go unreported.
The solution isn’t to tolerate the behavior; the solution is to eradicate it. Confront the offender, document the situation, tell a friend, tell your boss, tell the authorities.
Whatever you do, don’t keep quiet — speak out today to prevent it tomorrow.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Editorial: Distribute the wealth
Money doesn’t grow on trees.
It certainly doesn’t grow on the ones that line the streets of Statesville, though some city officials would have you think otherwise.
Right now, the city council is apparently sitting pretty with their budget — so much so that City Manager Rob Hites asked council members to consider spending $150,000 (plus the cost of benefits) to hire an assistant city manager and a staff attorney.
The staff attorney position makes sense if you eliminate the annual fees and retainer paid to City Attorney Eddie Gaines, who has made hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years.
It might be difficult to convince the council and taxpayers that Hites needs an assistant or deputy manager.
After all, less than a month ago, the R&L reported the city decided it couldn’t eke out enough cash to give raises to some low-ranking employees — most notably, firefighters.
If there’s not enough money to boost the pay of firefighters, it’s tough to make the case for adding new administrative positions that require a new funding source, isn’t it?
We don’t doubt Hites is "over-burdened," as he told council members at their retreat last week.
However, according to the 2007 public payroll report, Hites receives an annual salary of $120,347.
We think the city’s firefighters — many of whom don’t even make $30,000 a year —would agree that figure probably makes his workload a bit more bearable.
If money did grow on trees, we think firefighters and other rank-and-file employees denied a raise this year should get dibs on the green.
It certainly doesn’t grow on the ones that line the streets of Statesville, though some city officials would have you think otherwise.
Right now, the city council is apparently sitting pretty with their budget — so much so that City Manager Rob Hites asked council members to consider spending $150,000 (plus the cost of benefits) to hire an assistant city manager and a staff attorney.
The staff attorney position makes sense if you eliminate the annual fees and retainer paid to City Attorney Eddie Gaines, who has made hundreds of thousands of dollars in recent years.
It might be difficult to convince the council and taxpayers that Hites needs an assistant or deputy manager.
After all, less than a month ago, the R&L reported the city decided it couldn’t eke out enough cash to give raises to some low-ranking employees — most notably, firefighters.
If there’s not enough money to boost the pay of firefighters, it’s tough to make the case for adding new administrative positions that require a new funding source, isn’t it?
We don’t doubt Hites is "over-burdened," as he told council members at their retreat last week.
However, according to the 2007 public payroll report, Hites receives an annual salary of $120,347.
We think the city’s firefighters — many of whom don’t even make $30,000 a year —would agree that figure probably makes his workload a bit more bearable.
If money did grow on trees, we think firefighters and other rank-and-file employees denied a raise this year should get dibs on the green.
Letter of the Day: For one day, we should turn our backs on our sinful ways
The City of Statesville would do well to declare a day of secular repentance. The declaration would state that on this one day the residents would have the free pleasure of setting things right.
On this day every person would tell the truth when asked to do so, married couples would stop cheating on their spouses, singles would cease from shacking up, drug pushers would sell lemonade, stolen merchandise would be returned to the rightful owner, no babies would be aborted, everyone would give needed forgiveness, and all would repent of not always repenting.
What a day.
Again, I say, what a day!
Jerry Allie
Statesville
On this day every person would tell the truth when asked to do so, married couples would stop cheating on their spouses, singles would cease from shacking up, drug pushers would sell lemonade, stolen merchandise would be returned to the rightful owner, no babies would be aborted, everyone would give needed forgiveness, and all would repent of not always repenting.
What a day.
Again, I say, what a day!
Jerry Allie
Statesville
Friday, February 8, 2008
Editorial: NCDOT has some explaining to do
State auditors on Thursday released a damning report that concluded the N.C. Department of Transportation essentially flushed $152.4 million in taxpayer money down the drain over a three-year span on unnecessary costs related to delayed road projects.
According to the Associated Press, the State Auditor’s Office studied nearly 400 highway projects and determined that NCDOT missed the start date by more than a year 40 percent of the time. Those delays cost tens of millions because of inflated costs.
As worrisome as the waste of taxpayer money is, the most troubling aspect of the audit is that, barring significant changes, there’s little reason to hope that real and meaningful improvement is on the horizon.
"DOT is a multibillion-dollar state agency that appears to operate on hunches and intuition rather than hard data analysis," State Auditor Leslie Merritt said in a statement.
In his response, Secretary Lyndo Tippett cited increased fuel and asphalt prices and funding issues as a partial explanation for the cost overruns. He has also created a special team to research and implement improvements.
There’s a better chance that the state’s important road projects would be completed on time and on budget if the secretary and other bureaucrats managed taxpayer money like it was their own.
According to the Associated Press, the State Auditor’s Office studied nearly 400 highway projects and determined that NCDOT missed the start date by more than a year 40 percent of the time. Those delays cost tens of millions because of inflated costs.
As worrisome as the waste of taxpayer money is, the most troubling aspect of the audit is that, barring significant changes, there’s little reason to hope that real and meaningful improvement is on the horizon.
"DOT is a multibillion-dollar state agency that appears to operate on hunches and intuition rather than hard data analysis," State Auditor Leslie Merritt said in a statement.
In his response, Secretary Lyndo Tippett cited increased fuel and asphalt prices and funding issues as a partial explanation for the cost overruns. He has also created a special team to research and implement improvements.
There’s a better chance that the state’s important road projects would be completed on time and on budget if the secretary and other bureaucrats managed taxpayer money like it was their own.
Letter of the Day: Questions remain for group that opposes biodiesel plant
A group of 23 people claims to represent the best interests of all. They call themselves Iredell Neighbors for Rural Life.
Let’s make one thing clear: This group does not represent the farmers of Iredell County, nor do they speak for all of the families on the Snow Creek Road.
They claim to love and care about their neighborhood, the farm community they have moved into and the environmental concerns they have cooked up.
These people have proudly sued Iredell County and McLain Farms. By the way, when the county is sued, that is you and me and all the rest of us.
Take the time, go to the Iredell County Web site, click on Commissioners, then click on Minutes.
Click on Aug. 7, 2007, and read the words spoken. All people speaking on the subject of biodiesel were sworn to the truth. Be sure you read the questions raised by commissioners Steve Johnson and Ken Robertson and the answers received.
The minutes do not reflect the fact that Randy Bridges passed out prepared packages for his group to recite from. When you read the minutes, you will see the voodoo chemistry and fictional mathematics. This group claims the commissioners did not listen to what they had to say. Thank goodness.
Mr. Bridges raised the issue that the McLains had not filed a 47E to inform the neighborhood of a proposed industrial site.
Has Mr. Bridges filed a 47E for his long-standing junk yard? He has operated a junk yard in his back yard for more than 18 years, selling used cars and parts. Does Mr. Bridges have a used car dealer’s license? Did he list all the cars on his property tax? Does he have a permit to operate a junk yard in a residential setting? Was the count of 18 clunkers correct?
Mr. Bridges likes to talk about fires at biodiesel plants.
Is his interest in fire because there was a fire at his other junk yard at Union Grove? Let’s see, did the county find 52 or 54 junkers there? Since Mr. Bridges’ son works for the Iredell County Planning Department and is a department head, did he not warn his father about junk cars?
Question: How did Mr. Bridges convince the tax office to give him farm-use status? Is raising junk cars a farm crop now?
Question: How did the Iredell Neighbors group get a booth at the Iredell County Agricultural Fair to raise money to stop a farm family from converting their own soybeans, canola or sunflower seed to fuel? The McLains only use 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Why would they want to cut costs?
Question: The Iredell Neighbors held several public meetings in Iredell County. What happened to the drawings for cash prizes promised at the meetings?
Question: Why are the Iredell Neighbors not willing to give a list of their officers? They claim to have a tax number. Why would they not give that?
The Planning Board, commissioners and a judge all ruled against the Iredell Neighbors. They have the right to be wrong. To top it off, you got what you wanted — no industrial operation; keep farmland in agriculture. I hope the McLains get up and running by the time I get the new federal tax rebate. We are expected to spend it on American products. Bio equals bypass big oil, reduction of foreign oil usage and homemade in Iredell County.
Sounds good to me.
Sam G. Hall
Snow Creek Road
Let’s make one thing clear: This group does not represent the farmers of Iredell County, nor do they speak for all of the families on the Snow Creek Road.
They claim to love and care about their neighborhood, the farm community they have moved into and the environmental concerns they have cooked up.
These people have proudly sued Iredell County and McLain Farms. By the way, when the county is sued, that is you and me and all the rest of us.
Take the time, go to the Iredell County Web site, click on Commissioners, then click on Minutes.
Click on Aug. 7, 2007, and read the words spoken. All people speaking on the subject of biodiesel were sworn to the truth. Be sure you read the questions raised by commissioners Steve Johnson and Ken Robertson and the answers received.
The minutes do not reflect the fact that Randy Bridges passed out prepared packages for his group to recite from. When you read the minutes, you will see the voodoo chemistry and fictional mathematics. This group claims the commissioners did not listen to what they had to say. Thank goodness.
Mr. Bridges raised the issue that the McLains had not filed a 47E to inform the neighborhood of a proposed industrial site.
Has Mr. Bridges filed a 47E for his long-standing junk yard? He has operated a junk yard in his back yard for more than 18 years, selling used cars and parts. Does Mr. Bridges have a used car dealer’s license? Did he list all the cars on his property tax? Does he have a permit to operate a junk yard in a residential setting? Was the count of 18 clunkers correct?
Mr. Bridges likes to talk about fires at biodiesel plants.
Is his interest in fire because there was a fire at his other junk yard at Union Grove? Let’s see, did the county find 52 or 54 junkers there? Since Mr. Bridges’ son works for the Iredell County Planning Department and is a department head, did he not warn his father about junk cars?
Question: How did Mr. Bridges convince the tax office to give him farm-use status? Is raising junk cars a farm crop now?
Question: How did the Iredell Neighbors group get a booth at the Iredell County Agricultural Fair to raise money to stop a farm family from converting their own soybeans, canola or sunflower seed to fuel? The McLains only use 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Why would they want to cut costs?
Question: The Iredell Neighbors held several public meetings in Iredell County. What happened to the drawings for cash prizes promised at the meetings?
Question: Why are the Iredell Neighbors not willing to give a list of their officers? They claim to have a tax number. Why would they not give that?
The Planning Board, commissioners and a judge all ruled against the Iredell Neighbors. They have the right to be wrong. To top it off, you got what you wanted — no industrial operation; keep farmland in agriculture. I hope the McLains get up and running by the time I get the new federal tax rebate. We are expected to spend it on American products. Bio equals bypass big oil, reduction of foreign oil usage and homemade in Iredell County.
Sounds good to me.
Sam G. Hall
Snow Creek Road
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Letter of the Day: If Republicans were wrong, why haven't Democrats been right?
In regard to Henry M. Gordon's letter in the Jan. 29 R&L, my take on history is not based on a "complete reliance on the Republican line."
I remember one set of ideas put forth by conservative Americans, which included Republicans and Democrats. Another set of ideas was put forth by liberal Democrats and some liberal Republicans.
The conservative ideas were that America should negotiate from a position of strength, therefore there was a need to rebuild our military.
The liberal ideas were that America was already too strong and should agree to eliminate many weapons and not build any more. This would cause the Soviet Union to do likewise.
History is clear on which set of ideas successfully brought down the Soviet Union.
It is true the missile defense shield did not work during President Reagan's time.
However, the Soviets thought it would work, and they made a furious effort to build up their military, which caused their economic collapse.
Mr. Gordon stated that "The missile shield failed in every publicized test and we have spent and are spending billions on something we are not sure will work."
Maybe Mr. Gordon should listen to CNN, because if he had, he would have known about the CNN headline of Jan. 27, 2007, which said, "Missile Defense Shield Aced as Dummy Target Hit." This test was conducted in the South Pacific.
Mr. Gordon further stated that "we started a war in Iraq based on faulty intelligence."
Where did that intel come from? Most, if not all of it, came from the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (search Thomas.Loc.gov).
President Bush relied heavily on this intel when making his case for the Iraq war. Bush lied?
The Democratic Congress has the constitutional duty to impeach him. Why have they not done so?
Paul A. Lowe
Hiddenite
I remember one set of ideas put forth by conservative Americans, which included Republicans and Democrats. Another set of ideas was put forth by liberal Democrats and some liberal Republicans.
The conservative ideas were that America should negotiate from a position of strength, therefore there was a need to rebuild our military.
The liberal ideas were that America was already too strong and should agree to eliminate many weapons and not build any more. This would cause the Soviet Union to do likewise.
History is clear on which set of ideas successfully brought down the Soviet Union.
It is true the missile defense shield did not work during President Reagan's time.
However, the Soviets thought it would work, and they made a furious effort to build up their military, which caused their economic collapse.
Mr. Gordon stated that "The missile shield failed in every publicized test and we have spent and are spending billions on something we are not sure will work."
Maybe Mr. Gordon should listen to CNN, because if he had, he would have known about the CNN headline of Jan. 27, 2007, which said, "Missile Defense Shield Aced as Dummy Target Hit." This test was conducted in the South Pacific.
Mr. Gordon further stated that "we started a war in Iraq based on faulty intelligence."
Where did that intel come from? Most, if not all of it, came from the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (search Thomas.Loc.gov).
President Bush relied heavily on this intel when making his case for the Iraq war. Bush lied?
The Democratic Congress has the constitutional duty to impeach him. Why have they not done so?
Paul A. Lowe
Hiddenite
Editorial: A costly mission
A trillion bucks is what we will have spent in Iraq and Afghanistan by the end of next year, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Divided by the approximate population of the United States, that is $3,333 per person. About half the people in America do not work due to being too young, too old, disabled or just choosing not to work.
That means the rest of us pay a lot.
The per capita amount multiplied by the approximate population of Iredell County is about $483 million. If a high school costs about $20 million, then $438 million would build 24 high schools.
That is a lot of money and would solve the school facilities problem.
Federal spending is paid back by devaluation of the dollar, higher taxes, less government services, less money in private investments and, of course, passing along debt to the next generation. A dollar spent there is a dollar not spent here.
A bigger question is: How many is 4,000? That is the number of soldiers who have been killed in the war. An average high school graduating class is about 250 students. That means we would lose all the graduates from an average high school for 16 years.
History will ask if the war was worth it. You may believe the Revolutionary War and World War II were worth it, but the Civil War and Vietnam were not.
Regardless of how history measures this war or where you stand on the issue, a real price is being paid in dollars and lives.
Divided by the approximate population of the United States, that is $3,333 per person. About half the people in America do not work due to being too young, too old, disabled or just choosing not to work.
That means the rest of us pay a lot.
The per capita amount multiplied by the approximate population of Iredell County is about $483 million. If a high school costs about $20 million, then $438 million would build 24 high schools.
That is a lot of money and would solve the school facilities problem.
Federal spending is paid back by devaluation of the dollar, higher taxes, less government services, less money in private investments and, of course, passing along debt to the next generation. A dollar spent there is a dollar not spent here.
A bigger question is: How many is 4,000? That is the number of soldiers who have been killed in the war. An average high school graduating class is about 250 students. That means we would lose all the graduates from an average high school for 16 years.
History will ask if the war was worth it. You may believe the Revolutionary War and World War II were worth it, but the Civil War and Vietnam were not.
Regardless of how history measures this war or where you stand on the issue, a real price is being paid in dollars and lives.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Editorial: Doing their part?
Sk8ers of Statesville member Toney Campbell told the R&L, "We ain’t going anywhere."
That’s probably a good thing, because as history has proven, nothing happens overnight — not a Birkdale-like shopping center in Iredell County, not a recreation facility in Statesville, not a skatepark for a niche population of the community.
And though we’re not surprised Statesville City Council passed on the chance to help provide a safe haven for some of the area’s youth, we are disappointed.
Councilwoman Paula Steele said the city’s budget can’t afford a $1 million facility.
Sk8ers weren’t necessarily asking for $1 million. They even said the $300,000 they asked for as start-up funds was generous. What they really need is the city’s initial support to get the wheels turning.
As Mayor Costi Kutteh said, "Someone has to get the ball rolling."
The Sk8ers have been rolling.
City council slammed on the brakes.
After Monday night’s vote against funding the park, the 50 or so advocates left the meeting visibly upset.
And why shouldn’t they be? The forthcoming recreation center on which the city spent millions will provide fun for many, but old habits die hard. For decades, young and old Statesville residents have traveled elsewhere for shopping and entertainment.
Now, the city is on the cusp of driving more up-and-comers — organized, focused up-and-comers, that is — to neighboring communities for recreation.
The Sk8ers are well on their way to making Statesville more youth-friendly.
We can’t wait for city council to catch up.
That’s probably a good thing, because as history has proven, nothing happens overnight — not a Birkdale-like shopping center in Iredell County, not a recreation facility in Statesville, not a skatepark for a niche population of the community.
And though we’re not surprised Statesville City Council passed on the chance to help provide a safe haven for some of the area’s youth, we are disappointed.
Councilwoman Paula Steele said the city’s budget can’t afford a $1 million facility.
Sk8ers weren’t necessarily asking for $1 million. They even said the $300,000 they asked for as start-up funds was generous. What they really need is the city’s initial support to get the wheels turning.
As Mayor Costi Kutteh said, "Someone has to get the ball rolling."
The Sk8ers have been rolling.
City council slammed on the brakes.
After Monday night’s vote against funding the park, the 50 or so advocates left the meeting visibly upset.
And why shouldn’t they be? The forthcoming recreation center on which the city spent millions will provide fun for many, but old habits die hard. For decades, young and old Statesville residents have traveled elsewhere for shopping and entertainment.
Now, the city is on the cusp of driving more up-and-comers — organized, focused up-and-comers, that is — to neighboring communities for recreation.
The Sk8ers are well on their way to making Statesville more youth-friendly.
We can’t wait for city council to catch up.
Letter of the Day: One man alone can’t ruin the U.S. economy
It was amusing and saddening to read the interview blaming President Bush for the sour economy. Sort of a play on the old "Let George do it" slogan, except this one read "Blame George for it."
And he had his part, pushing a now dubious war that is draining the coffers and ending the lives of some of our finest young men and women. But no one man could get us into our current condition. This takes a collective effort, with good ole’ greed being the standard we follow, greed from oil and gas conglomerates who decide to charge whatever the market will bear to amass billions in profits while spending only a miniscule part of them on developing alternative energy sources or protecting our planet; greed on the part of auto makers for pushing larger, fuel-guzzling vehicles while doing little to produce lower priced, fuel-efficient transportation; greed from the mortgage and building companies who decide to sell anything to anybody, without truly qualifying buyers and doing what is right and prudent; greed of companies who outsource or move to reduce cost but do nothing to improve quality or ensure the safety of products until caught; greed from pharmaceutical companies who pushed "Part D" through Congress for larger profits without a single thought to the elderly, the sick and disabled who need the medications, and from Congress who allowed it and other moves like it to pass in exchange for re-election promises, parties, gifts and jobs after serving; greed from commissioners who are more than willing to sacrifice quality of life for a broader tax base or larger airport.
And greed from us, the consumers, who must have our wants met now; who think bigger is better and more is best, no matter the cost to the future; who have forgotten "all that glitters is not gold" and that with ability and right comes great responsibility.
Yes, George played his part, but Pogo was right. "I have met the enemy and he is us."
Danny Stafford
Statesville
And he had his part, pushing a now dubious war that is draining the coffers and ending the lives of some of our finest young men and women. But no one man could get us into our current condition. This takes a collective effort, with good ole’ greed being the standard we follow, greed from oil and gas conglomerates who decide to charge whatever the market will bear to amass billions in profits while spending only a miniscule part of them on developing alternative energy sources or protecting our planet; greed on the part of auto makers for pushing larger, fuel-guzzling vehicles while doing little to produce lower priced, fuel-efficient transportation; greed from the mortgage and building companies who decide to sell anything to anybody, without truly qualifying buyers and doing what is right and prudent; greed of companies who outsource or move to reduce cost but do nothing to improve quality or ensure the safety of products until caught; greed from pharmaceutical companies who pushed "Part D" through Congress for larger profits without a single thought to the elderly, the sick and disabled who need the medications, and from Congress who allowed it and other moves like it to pass in exchange for re-election promises, parties, gifts and jobs after serving; greed from commissioners who are more than willing to sacrifice quality of life for a broader tax base or larger airport.
And greed from us, the consumers, who must have our wants met now; who think bigger is better and more is best, no matter the cost to the future; who have forgotten "all that glitters is not gold" and that with ability and right comes great responsibility.
Yes, George played his part, but Pogo was right. "I have met the enemy and he is us."
Danny Stafford
Statesville
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Letter of the Day: Judging rich Christians can be dangerous for the rest of us
Recently there was an article in the R&L that gave reports of the rich and lavish lifestyles of preachers and Bible teachers and evangelists. There are many different views on this subject, and everyone has a right to his or her own opinion.
As I hear the ridicule of lifestyles of others, I cannot help but think of my own lifestyle. I have a nice home filled with nice things. I am warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I have nice clothes and ride in a nice car. We own a nice truck. We have plenty of food.
I could go on, but as I think of my blessings, I can’t help but go to those who have no place to sleep or enough to eat. To them, I am rich and have a lavish lifestyle. In other countries, we see pictures of families sitting in the hot sun of the desert with dying children in their arms. To them, I am rich and have a lavish lifestyle. We see long lines of children waiting with a cup in hand to get all they will have to eat that day. To them, I am rich and live a lavish lifestyle.
There are wells dug for fresh water to drink, orphanages built, food being given every day, doctors being sent, homes being built in our country and other countries and lives being changed by some of the very people who are being judged harshly.
I do not know how God looks on others’ lifestyles and will not have to answer for them. I do know my own lifestyle and will answer for it.
Jesus said: "I was hungry and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you came, and I was in prison and you were there for me." When asked when he was hungry and not fed, naked and not clothed, sick and no one came and in prison and no one was there, his answer was that when we did these for someone else, we had done it unto him.
I believe God is much more interested in how we take care of the needs of others than what kind of house we live in or what kind of car we drive. The only offering that impressed Jesus was the widow who gave all she had.
If we are going to be judged on rich and lavish lifestyles, I surely would have to plead for mercy, for, in the eyes of many, I live a rich and lavish lifestyle.
I pray I will not judge lest I be judged. God is a God of mercy, which brings assurance that we are forgiven. His amazing grace has brought us safe this far, and his grace will get us safely to our heavenly home where we will all live a rich and lavish life style.
God bless you.
Glenda Boan
Statesville
As I hear the ridicule of lifestyles of others, I cannot help but think of my own lifestyle. I have a nice home filled with nice things. I am warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I have nice clothes and ride in a nice car. We own a nice truck. We have plenty of food.
I could go on, but as I think of my blessings, I can’t help but go to those who have no place to sleep or enough to eat. To them, I am rich and have a lavish lifestyle. In other countries, we see pictures of families sitting in the hot sun of the desert with dying children in their arms. To them, I am rich and have a lavish lifestyle. We see long lines of children waiting with a cup in hand to get all they will have to eat that day. To them, I am rich and live a lavish lifestyle.
There are wells dug for fresh water to drink, orphanages built, food being given every day, doctors being sent, homes being built in our country and other countries and lives being changed by some of the very people who are being judged harshly.
I do not know how God looks on others’ lifestyles and will not have to answer for them. I do know my own lifestyle and will answer for it.
Jesus said: "I was hungry and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you came, and I was in prison and you were there for me." When asked when he was hungry and not fed, naked and not clothed, sick and no one came and in prison and no one was there, his answer was that when we did these for someone else, we had done it unto him.
I believe God is much more interested in how we take care of the needs of others than what kind of house we live in or what kind of car we drive. The only offering that impressed Jesus was the widow who gave all she had.
If we are going to be judged on rich and lavish lifestyles, I surely would have to plead for mercy, for, in the eyes of many, I live a rich and lavish lifestyle.
I pray I will not judge lest I be judged. God is a God of mercy, which brings assurance that we are forgiven. His amazing grace has brought us safe this far, and his grace will get us safely to our heavenly home where we will all live a rich and lavish life style.
God bless you.
Glenda Boan
Statesville
Friday, February 1, 2008
Editorial: Where credit is due
You can quibble with the fact that Iredell County commissioners didn’t ask for voter approval before authorizing $110 million in new debt for school construction and a future landfill expansion. (The Certificates of Participation sale planned for this spring will push the county’s debt load to more than $350 million.)
But it’s hard not to be impressed with the way County Manager Joel Mashburn and Finance Director Susan Blumenstein have managed the financial affairs of the county.
Guided by the commission’s otherwise fiscal conservatism, the duo’s efforts paid off handsomely this week when they learned the county’s bond rating had been upgraded to "AA" by Standard & Poor’s.
That will result in a slightly lower interest rate, which could save the taxpayers as much as $500,000 in interest payments, when the county begins making payments on the COPs. While that’s a paltry sum when you’re talking about $110 million, it’s not exactly chump change.
Almost as impressive as this accomplishment is that the county’s contingent realize that every penny they spend while doing the public’s business is, in fact, the public’s penny.
Mashburn, Blumenstein, Commission Chairman Marvin Norman and County Attorney Bill Pope demonstrated that last week during their trip to New York to meet with representatives of Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
Their one-day trip cost taxpayers a whopping $744, or slightly less than two John Edwards’ haircuts.
It’s difficult to imagine four people — public officials, no less — traveling to New York City on important government business and spending only $744 — including airfare.
Aside from airfare ($576 for all four tickets) and ground transportation ($140), Iredell officials spent only $28 during their one-day trip, or $7 each for lunch.
Taxpayers should rest a little easier knowing that the county treasury is in the hands of such good stewards of the public’s money.
But it’s hard not to be impressed with the way County Manager Joel Mashburn and Finance Director Susan Blumenstein have managed the financial affairs of the county.
Guided by the commission’s otherwise fiscal conservatism, the duo’s efforts paid off handsomely this week when they learned the county’s bond rating had been upgraded to "AA" by Standard & Poor’s.
That will result in a slightly lower interest rate, which could save the taxpayers as much as $500,000 in interest payments, when the county begins making payments on the COPs. While that’s a paltry sum when you’re talking about $110 million, it’s not exactly chump change.
Almost as impressive as this accomplishment is that the county’s contingent realize that every penny they spend while doing the public’s business is, in fact, the public’s penny.
Mashburn, Blumenstein, Commission Chairman Marvin Norman and County Attorney Bill Pope demonstrated that last week during their trip to New York to meet with representatives of Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
Their one-day trip cost taxpayers a whopping $744, or slightly less than two John Edwards’ haircuts.
It’s difficult to imagine four people — public officials, no less — traveling to New York City on important government business and spending only $744 — including airfare.
Aside from airfare ($576 for all four tickets) and ground transportation ($140), Iredell officials spent only $28 during their one-day trip, or $7 each for lunch.
Taxpayers should rest a little easier knowing that the county treasury is in the hands of such good stewards of the public’s money.
Letter of the Day: County misleads residents about its recycling efforts
I am a resident of Iredell County. I have garbage pick-up at my residence, but I take my recyclables to the central transfer station on Highway 115. A couple of weeks ago I saw the attendant emptying the plastic bag container into the household trash bin. I questioned the attendant about him dumping the can.
I was informed that Iredell County does not recycle plastic bags. I was shocked to learn about this. The trash can that he emptied is kept in the area with all of the other recycling bins. The can is blue and has the recycle logo on it. "Iredell County Recycles" is also on the can. "Plastic bags" is written on the lid with a white paint pen. I told the attendant that the can was misleading. I have been using the transfer station for months and assumed by the can and its location that Iredell County recycled these bags.
I took my plastic bags with me to Food Lion to recycle them. I returned to the transfer station again just a couple of days ago. I was emptying my cans and paper into the bins. Another gentleman was emptying his bags placing them into the same container I spoke about previously. I asked the man if he knew that the bags were not going to be recycled. He was under the impression that I was originally, that the bags were going to be recycled.
I hope that this letter is published so others can be informed of this situation. Maybe someone from the county will see this and take action in either removing the can or initiating a plastic bag recycling program for the county.
Cody McLain
Statesville
I was informed that Iredell County does not recycle plastic bags. I was shocked to learn about this. The trash can that he emptied is kept in the area with all of the other recycling bins. The can is blue and has the recycle logo on it. "Iredell County Recycles" is also on the can. "Plastic bags" is written on the lid with a white paint pen. I told the attendant that the can was misleading. I have been using the transfer station for months and assumed by the can and its location that Iredell County recycled these bags.
I took my plastic bags with me to Food Lion to recycle them. I returned to the transfer station again just a couple of days ago. I was emptying my cans and paper into the bins. Another gentleman was emptying his bags placing them into the same container I spoke about previously. I asked the man if he knew that the bags were not going to be recycled. He was under the impression that I was originally, that the bags were going to be recycled.
I hope that this letter is published so others can be informed of this situation. Maybe someone from the county will see this and take action in either removing the can or initiating a plastic bag recycling program for the county.
Cody McLain
Statesville
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