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Letters to the editor: 03/23/00 |
Teachers deserve a supplementTo the Editor:To the Editor: It is laudable that Jackson County teachers are more concerned with the educational future of the county's children than they are with their own salaries. However, today's teachers deserve a supplement. For themselves. Now. Jackson is a wealthy county. The commissioners should start with a minimum of 5 percent, not a ridiculous 2 or 3 percent, and build from there, aiming for a competitive supplement in good time. They should not punish the teachers because they think the administration makes too much money or puts it in the wrong places. Come on, commissioners, a supplement, for teachers only, should be approved and put into place with all possible speed. Sincerely, Mary Jean Herzog Cullowhee 'Board fiasco' coverage praisedTo the Editor:Many kudos for your coverage of the School Board fiasco. And please, keep digging for that "secret agreement." There are many folks out there, including myself, who would like to know just what kind of a hammer the parents of our the once designated valedictorian, used to "convince" our board to cave in. Must have been some kind of hammer... Keep up the good work. Richard Smith Sylva Sylva's future appears brightTo the Editor:My wife and I have been coming to Sylva for more than 15 years for our vacation time. The peace and relaxation the mountains provide is most dear to us and much needed. It is a completely different world than our home here in Jacksonville, Fla. It is because of this that I write to you today. We had read some weeks ago of Jackson officials starting a greenway program, which would include quiet walkways. This is very welcomed news as we feel the town should promote a "village" atmosphere as much as possible. Along this same train of thought, we have often wondered why the beautiful creek that runs through town has never been developed. The Main Street stores back up to it, and it is ignored for its potential of providing a beautiful setting for shaded sidewalks and city park settings along its banks. Creekside cafes would prosper and offer a beauty not available in so many other parts of the country. Another point of interest, (more of concern), is the development we have seen these past few years. We ask the town board members to please consider carefully any further development within the town. We have found the increase in traffic and the change in atmosphere from village to boomtown most troubling and so sad. Living in a large city is something you should experience before voting approval on any further development in Sylva. Yes, it will provide additional revenue for the town but at a terrible price. You have a rare commodity. Please don't sell it and lose it forever. Sincerely, Dwight Kirkman Jacksonville, Fla. Effort to save Sugar Loaf needs your helpTo the Editor:The sportsmen and other outdoor enthusiasts in attendance at the March 16 county commissioners' meeting would like to sincerely thank the board for its support of our attempt to secure the Dark Ridge and Sugar Loaf property formerly owned by Champion International for the public's enjoyment. The 4,347-acre track of land has been used for such purposed as horseback riding, fishing, bike riding, hiking, camping and hunting by the people of Jackson County and Western North Carolina for almost 100 years. We desire the support of the people of this region in getting this land in ownership that will allow this property to remain in multiple-use management and accessible to the public. Anyone who wishes to help us in this effort is asked to contact us as soon as possible: Tom Chandler, (828) 456-6496; Ned Mills, 586-0288; Danny Hooper, (828) 452-1558; or Carl Stepp, 586-6955. Danny Hooper Sylva Honest act appreciatedTo the Editor:I came to Jackson County recently to visit my parents. While I was there, we went to Harold's Supermarket to pick up a few things. As my mom got out of the car to go inside, she dropped one of her pocketbooks. We were about finished getting groceries when the manager came over and gave Mom her pocketbook back. Mr. Earl Hooper had found it and turned it in. This act of honesty ment a lot to our family. I just wanted to say thanks to Mr. Hooper. Ray Tolbert Panama City, Fla. |
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