Your Opinions

By Staff
Cain submits board resignation
Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Mayor Dwight Tankersley.
Editor:
I want to thank the City of Hartselle for the opportunity given to me to serve the citizens of our great city as a member of the Hartselle City School Board. Hartselle City Schools has had a long-standing reputation in the State of Alabama for having an excellent school system. It has been a privilege to serve on the board and be affiliated with the administrators, teachers, support personnel, students and parents that help keep Hartselle as one of the elite school systems in the state.
Although I am excited about my newly election position, it saddens me that I will have to resign my position on the Hartselle City School Board. My resignation will be effective Jan. 1, 2007.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve. You and the other leaders of our community will always be in our prayers. With two daughters still attending Hartselle City Schools, I will still be actively involved in our schools as will assist with as much as my time allows.
Greg Cain
Morgan Co. Probate Judge-elect
Police Academy a good experience
Editor:
As part of the Hartselle Police Department’s first class of the Citizen’s Police Academy, I wanted to express my appreciation to you and the Hartselle Enquirer for sponsoring this Academy.
Sometimes residents feel that a small town police department is not quite up to par with the police skills of larger cities. Not having had first hand experience with the Hartselle Police Department, I must admit I was not sure of their capabilities.
The Academy proved to me that our Police Department has the talented and experienced officers to handle any situation that might arise in Hartselle.
The students in the Academy watched and learned how the officers handle everything from minor traffic stops to major crime investigations including robberies and murder. The officers answered all the students questions without hesitation about any enforcement situation. The officers spent a lot of time preparing for the classes they taught, and they did a good job.
I enjoyed the Academy and would heartily recommend it to anyone interested in understanding how the Police Department functions. I gained an important insight into the capabilities of the Hartselle Police Department and an appreciation for what Police Chief Ron Puckett ‘s leadership means to the City.
Thanks to Capt. Tom Sparks, Lt. Robert Finn, and all the officers and employees for their leadership in making the Academy a success.
Robert Jaques
Hartselle
Gulf Coast thanks local churches
Editor:
Now that a year has passed, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is seeing the fruits of the labor provided by the many generous people who have tirelessly assisted in our recovery and rebuilding efforts.
We’d like to that all of the members of Hartselle First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church who have given of their times, hearts and hands.
We would also like to thank the countless others from your area who also gave of themselves to aid in our recovery. Words can’t begin to express our appreciation.
As we continue to rebuild our coastal communities, we are inspired by the ongoing commitment of so many people around the country, such as Hartselle. Because of this kindness, Hartselle has a permanent place in our hearts. If members of your community would like to see how we’re progressing, please visit www.gulfcoast. org.
Stephen Richer, Exec. Dir.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau
Could seat belts have saved lives?
Cause of this tragic accident is as yet undetermined but one principal question continues to be asked, “Would seat belts have reduced the adverse effects?” Maybe yes but one thing stands out much more at issue – guard rails. The TSB ascertained the guard rails to be 32 inches high, stating this is the standard for interstate highways. This may be OK for small economy cars and maybe some vehicles a little larger but not large cars/pickups, certainly not large busses/trucks and especially not over-the-road semis.
All vehicles are subject to leaping the guard rails but vehicles with a vertical center of gravity above 32 inches has a propensity to roll over the guard rail – and many do. Guards rails on major bridges/overpasses are designed for aesthetics, not safety.
All median and shoulder guard rails should be higher.
To appreciate this, try driving over the I 65 Tennessee River bridge an look at the guard rails. Don’t look too long or you’ll go right over them into the river. Guard rails are not safely high enough. Probably politics like everything else in government.
James L. Nix
Hartselle
Is property tax the best way?
Editor:
I support a new high school for Hartselle, but as a senior citizen on a fixed income, I have a problem with the proposed property tax. I struggle to pay expenses every month. My humble home would cost $100 more a year if it passes.
I have worked all my life to own a home, so I guess this is what bothers me. Our city is full of individuals, including renters, extended families, and others, who will benefit from the new schools without “shouldering the cost.”
I agree with increasing the sales tax .01/$1 or one cent on every dollar. If it would cost every homeowner in Hartselle .35 per day for a property tax increase, how could a sales tax across the board not produce enough revenue? Instead of getting a free ride, the above mentioned would share in the burden. It would also be fair because you choose to pay sales tax. In essence, sales tax is a choice. If you have it, you can spend it, but if don’t, you can’t. It’s a tax of choice, like others not considered at this time.
But looking at this problem another way, I have a couple of questions concerning the subject of a new high school. If the present high school and Jr. High are “crappy” and dilapidated, as according to last week’s paper, but will continue to used as a junior high and elementary school , will money not have to be found for necessary upgrades?
Will teachers and support staff not have to be increased? What about bus drivers, bus routes, gas, maintenance, and personnel? Does the 30 million+ dollars cover just the construction or will it also cover these maintenance expenses? If not, where is this money going to come from? Another 10-12 mil increase in 3 years?
One more thing to think about. At present, a.m. and p.m. traffic on Bethel Road is horrendous. Let’s put 500 more teens and parents traveling this route everyday.
How much would it cost the city to provide adequate police protection for students, not to mention someone would have to pay for widening Main Street and Bethel to deal with the resulting influx of traffic.
Hear me now or believe me later…..time will tell.
Vickie Sharp
Hartselle