Letters to the editor – Monday (8-15-2011)

Published 12:00 am Sunday, August 14, 2011

In central office debate, what are our priorities?
Regarding discussions about a new central office for the Rowan-Salisbury School System:
Yes, we do need a better central office. A “new” building is not necessary.
What is more important: A “new” central office or needs at Knox, Woodleaf and Cleveland schools?
I suggest that an auditorium at the central office is an unnecessary expense. It would be well for the school board to get out into the communities it serves. However, if the school board in its wisdom demands an auditorium, build a new Knox, and move the central office to the current Knox. There is an existing auditorium at Knox.
If it is good enough for the students, it is good enough for the school board.
— John Leatherman
Salisbury
Opportunity to serve heroes
The American Legion Auxiliary is a remarkable organization, with nearly 1 million women across the country. We are the largest women’s patriotic service organization in the nation, devoted to America’s veterans, young people and communities. You may have seen us passing out our trademark crepe poppies, which are handmade by disabled veterans.
Are you a woman looking for ways to engage in meaningful community service? Last year alone, Auxiliary members dedicated more than 2.1 million volunteer hours to community service! Right now, we are looking for women of all ages who share our vision of “Service Not Self.” We are seeking new members at our Local Unit 342, Harold B. Jarrett.
You may join the American Legion Auxiliary if you are a mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter of a veteran of World War I or II, Korean War, Vietnam, Lebanon/Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Eligibility also applies to step and adopted relatives. Females who served in these conflicts may join in their own right. For more information, visit www.legion-aux.org.
Please attend one of our meetings at the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 342, located at 1024 Lincolnton Road, Salisbury. Meetings are the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m.; dinner is served in the dining room, meeting follows. Call me with any questions or for directions at 704-637-1722; please leave a message.
We can’t wait to meet you! Together, let’s serve our heroes who have so bravely served us.
For God and country:
— Julie Smith
Salisbury
Smith is president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 342.
Bonus a slap at taxpayers
It is refreshing to know that fiscal irresponsibility is just as rampant in local government as it is in Washington, D.C. The Salisbury City Council unanimously voting to give David Treme a $35,000 bonus in this economic environment is a great example of the disconnect between the politicians and the people they are supposed to represent. David Treme’s total compensation package was close to $150,000 a year; he was extremely well paid.
With so many people struggling to make ends meet, or struggling to find a job and hang on to their homes, the City Council’s largess is a slap in the face. People are taking pay cuts to stay employed; business owners are choosing to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll rather than pay themselves. Everyone else is cutting back and watching every penny they spend; why is it so unrealistic to expect the Salisbury City Council to do the same thing?
As a Salisbury taxpayer I would like my money back.
— Nathaniel Hammer
Salisbury
Another sad pet story
I hope the low-life coward who put out the little white dog beside the road two weeks ago can sleep at night.
I live close to the intersection of Rogers Road and Phaniel Church Road, where the dog was dumped out.
I fed and watered the dog every day for two weeks. I tried to get close enough to pet the dog and show him that I wouldn’t hurt him. I would have kept him, giving him a good home, but you see, he had been mistreated and didn’t trust me.
Then my “good neighbors” called the dog shelter or pound and out they came with a cage and caught the little white dog. I begged the dog catcher to give me the dog. I explained I had been giving him food and water for two weeks. I told him I had a fenced yard, and I would give the dog a good home. But he took the dog to be put down, rather than give him to me. Such a sad story, but all so true.
So all you cowards that put who put poor little animals out beside the road, just remember that those are God’s creatures. Someday you will be held accountable for your actions.
But sleep well tonight and don’t worry; the dog you left behind will be gone forever in a few days.
— Sandra Wise
Rockwell