Moving is bad option
for Marsh-Ward house

As new residents we were struck by Salisbury’s strong sense of civic pride, from recycling to ample free parking to public services surpassing expectations. Key to this civic pride seems to be an appreciation for the history of this community and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to preserve it.

Therefore, it surprised us to learn the historic Marsh-Ward House, owned by St. John’s Lutheran Church, might fall to the wrecking ball. While not in a designated historic district, it is our understanding it is eligible for listing as a national historic property.

The church and the Historic Salisbury Foundation, representing the community, agree the house is in very poor condition but should be preserved. The foundation has offered to restore it and the church is offering it to anyone willing to pay to have it moved.    

Were the house in good condition, the obvious solution would be to move and restore. However, such houses were not meant to be moved and doing so would damage it further, most likely making restoration cost prohibitive. If this piece of Salisbury’s history is to be preserved, a different solution must be found.

As newcomers, we will wait to see if both parties can work together to find a solution or if need for additional parking will take precedence over preserving the rich history that is Salisbury.

— Eugene Goetz

Salisbury

Just the messenger

It is the Board of Education’s responsibility to send a budget resolution to the County Commissioners that reflects the school system’s needs. The presented budget does just that.

It is then up to the commissioners to determine what can be allocated.

When the 1 percent teacher pay raise was initially discussed, it was in the context of maintaining Rowan County’s mournful status at the bottom of the pay scale compared to our neighboring counties. The request for a 2 percent teacher increase was not made without serious debate, and in the end, the board agreed that it was needed in order for the county to become more competitive in recruiting teachers, not to blind side our commissioners. So do not belittle the messenger.

— Chuck Hughes

Salisbury

Linda Ketner is correct

Thank you, Linda Ketner, for your correct assessment of the race situation. I have been a part of this scene for many years, and as a white person I have experienced reverse discrimination because of my involvement in desegregation. I  have seen the serious racial divide caused by whites.

Your detractors cite false information re: shootings, all biased misinformation often touted  by racially biased Fox News.

Many whites cannot get over the fact that blacks/African Americans, are no longer slaves. All people were created equal, and should be treated as equal.

— Pat Bullard

China Grove