Letters to the Editor

830 reasons why Bob Etheridge must go
[Mar. 13, 2008] Yesterday, Dan Mansell condemned the continued irresponsible behavior of Congressman Bob Etheridge and his relentless support of the ethanol industry. Mansell said, “Etheridge’s policy of putting the ethanol industry and Washington lobbyists before the people of the North Carolina 2nd District must come to an end.” By Dan Masell Press Office

Farewell poem to Ramtex
[Feb. 26, 2008] It would be nice to see a story about the closing of the Ramtex weaving operation in Ramseur, NC, from the employees perspective. And, not stuck back in the folds of the paper, but out front for all to see. By Sheila Parrish

Moratorium will give us breathing room
[May 22, 2007] Actions speak louder than words. When our descendants look back on what occurred in this time, what we say tonight will be little remembered. But when you pass this residential development moratorium your actions will never be forgotten. By Jeffrey Starkweather

Inconsistencies in school salaries
[Apr. 9, 2007] The 29 March edition of the Chatham News and Record published a piece concerning "extra" supplements certain school employees receive. Dr. Ann Hart, Superintendent, is quoted as saying "we want to be transparent about it" referring to the additional supplement from local funds. That is an interesting comment since my discovery of that xtra local supplement last spring to date she has refused to post salaries when such information is in the public realm. One has to insist upon getting the "transparent" information as a matter of public record. By Gerald Totten

Northwood faces wide gaps in safety and security
[Apr. 3, 2007] Facility concerns of Northwood High School as reported is last week’s edition of the Chatham News and Record were fairly reported last week. What is somewhat ludicrous was the spin doctor’s comments attributed to the spokesperson for the school’s central office. By Gerald Totten
Also: Gerald Totten Blog

NC WARN continues to mislead the public
[Mar. 27, 2007] NC WARN, a local anti-nuclear organization continues to mislead the public on the level of safety at the Harris Nuclear Plant, particularly regarding our ability to protect the plant from fire. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the federal agency that oversees all aspects of plant operations, would not allow the plant to operate if there were issues that put public health and safety at risk. By Bob Duncan, VP Harris Nuclear Plant
Also: Squirming out of making Shearon Harris safe

Squirming out of making Shearon Harris safe
[Mar. 20, 2007] If you normally drive through the Pittsboro traffic circle on your way home from work, you may have seen my family and I and a few friends holding signs that say things like: "Shearon Harris - Nuclear Power Plant ranks worst in 6 safety categories" or "Fix it or Nix it" By Audrey Schwankl

In support of BBCRA
[Jan. 17, 2007] In August 2005, my husband and I adopted a dog that was in a foster home with Best Buddies Companion Rescue and Adoption. The dog is a delight and we feel very fortunate that she was rescued from a shelter by BBCRA, given extensive medical care, love and affection so that she was ready for a good home. By Nora Esthimer

You go and get your stolen dog back
[Jan. 14, 2007] Liza Terll explains that the anonymous board members of Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption have stolen her dog and I concur with her. It is about time that some of these well meaning but high-handed and mostly, misguided animal rescue people were given a good kick in the pants for breaking the law and also taking advantage of pet owners. By Caroline Youmans, Animal Rescue
Also: Chatham Animal Rescue & Education Inc.

Community teaches a heart lesson
[Dec. 28, 2006] A month ago the calls started coming in from families that needed help over the holidays. Help for food, heat, electric, a safe place to be, shoes for the baby, formula, coats, a bed, a toy for my baby and the one that broke my heart was a little boy who visited our offices with his mother. I asked him what he wanted his reply was, "a toothbrush", not a toy, not a movie, not candy, but the child wanted his own toothbrush. By Melody Troncale

An open letter to our commissioners - old and new
[Dec. 5, 2006] We, your constituents, turned out in full force Monday night to witness your first performance together on the public stage, and to let you know what's on our minds and hearts. We learned a fair amount about each of you individually, and how you will function as players on the same team. You, as well, learned a good deal about us from those few who spoke to you during the public input session. By Gary Simpson

Glory on the field... Disappointment in the stands
[Nov. 19, 2006] Friday night... A chill in the air... high school football... An exciting, historic playoff victory for the Northwood Chargers and most of you missed it. That's sad. While support for athletics may not be important to many of you, support of the school our children attend should be. Like it or not, athletes are often the most visible representatives of the school, and the community, from which they come. By H. A. Harrington

More unfounded slander?
[Oct. 17, 2006] The scurrilous ad in the October 12, 2006 edition of THE CHATHAM NEWS paid for by Mary Nettles, former Chairperson of the Democratic Party is reminiscent of the perverted, classless and downright stupid transparent attacks on the Chatham Coalition made by those pathetic frantic developers, the Gaines, during the May primary. By Del Turner

Thank you and goodbye from Ronny's Quik Shop
[Oct. 12, 2006] As many of you may have heard by now, Ronny is retiring and has sold the store. The end of November would have been 20 years that he has been there. We've seen a lot of our regular customers and their children "grow up" through the years, and have been blessed to have had such a loyal local customer base. By Ron King