The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and should include a name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Send letters by noon on Thursdays to P.O. Box 670, Athens, Ala., 35613, or e-mail to kelly@athensnews-courier.com.





We need transparency from city

Dear Editor:

It's a new year. Let's review the mayor's News Courier column about the use of taxpayer funds and the city's revenues declining 9 percent. How much of the city’s reserves are going to be needed to meet its obligations and additional allocations?

The mayor and City Council president won’t comment publicly whether they are going to waive Ronnie Marks’ verbal Robotic Institute commitment of $1,000,000 or if they are going to borrow the money to pay for it at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest.

The mayor refused to veto new historic district rules that infringe resident rights and brings them under federal government jurisdiction.

He explained they spent too much money on the new rules to veto it. He’s never disclosed how much was actually spent, for what, and to whom.

The old pump building has been renovated for $84,000 plus labor, but the city has never fully disclosed the labor cost, of using city employees to do the work, which has been estimated was in excess of $60,000.

City Council President Marks and Councilwomen Milly Caudle and Mignon Bowers voted to let the Chamber of Commerce lease the renovated pump building at below normal rental rates rather than get top dollar return on this substantial investment by the taxpayers. This transaction will only be a paper transaction as it will be covered by an increased allotment to the Chamber.

Ms. Caudle's ludicrous remarks, that to lease to businesses might lead to “unsavory prospects” and “favoritism” are beyond contempt and lack intellectual credibility. Small businesses generate jobs and tax revenue.

We still don't know all the real, proposed, unnecessary, multi-million dollar new city hall costs, for replacing a current under-utilized structure, which is taking precedence over refurbishing a critically needed library building. Why?

Now Mr. Marks and Ms. Caudle want to increase our property taxes by up to 37 percent. We already have higher property taxes then all surrounding North Alabama cities. Athens would become one of the highest taxed in Alabama, if Marks and Caudle have their way.

Our utility, water and sewage, and garbage collection bills, have dramatically increased in the last two years and will increase substantially in the future, per the mayor. We need complete financial transparency and credibility for the citizen taxpayers in the midst of a continuing deep recession with high unemployment, home foreclosures, and dramatically reduced revenues!



Sincerely,

Quentin D. Anderson Sr.

Athens





Bill infringes on our rights

Dear Editor:

Here’s a heads up to all business owners and/or potential business owners; Republican State Representative Mac McCutcheon has introduced bill HB221 that will require all business owners to show proof of legal citizenship before being allowed to buy a ‘privilege’ license in the state of Alabama.

The bill was introduced Jan. 12 and it could possibly move through the House quickly unless there is great opposition to it by the citizenry.

We keep hearing how the dirty Democrats are ruining our lives and we must concentrate on regaining a Republican majority in our state and federal governing bodies. But the Republicans are doing as much damage to our freedoms as the Democrats.

One would think in the ‘land of the free’ the right to work would be sacred and no elected official would dare attempt to make it even more difficult to work and support one’s family. Unfortunately, those lovely words from our national anthem have not applied to this country for some decades now. And with each passing day our legislative body is in session we become less and less free.

If you feel HB221 will infringe the individual’s right to work and support himself and his family, please call Representatives Mac McCutcheon at (334) 242-7705 or (256) 655-3764, Micky Hammon at (334) 242-7709 or (256) 350-0375, and Henry White at (334) 242-7712 or (256) 232-7982, and let them know you oppose this bill. Let your voice be heard.



Sincerely,

Bob Farrell

Athens





We need more heroes like Lee

Dear Editor:

Happy birthday, Robert E. Lee, 1807-1870. The third Monday in January, since 1902, has been a longstanding holiday in Alabama. A day set aside to honor the birthday of a Southern icon.

We need heroes today of Lee’s honor and caliber. His life was a foundation of his faith. His legacy will be measured for generations to come.



Sincerely,

Charles F. Kilpatrick

Athens