Time for better facilities

Dear Editor:

The responsibility for the Athens City School system to include adequate facilities for our students belongs solely to the Athens city government.

After the defeat of the 12 millage property tax by the city residents, it is time for our city government to step up and take a leadership role in getting adequate facilities for our elementary and middle school students.

We need new facilities, plans that can be financed using 100 percent of the alcoholic beverage revenue and perhaps a 3-to-5-mil property tax increase that can be approved by the city government.

The school board should also do its part by reducing administrative cost, which are 6 percent compared to the Decatur School System at 2.4 percent. Other savings may be recognized by consolations and better management.

Citizen involvement in both the planning and execution phases of these programs will be the key for success.

Sincerely,

Jerry W. Hill

Athens

Seeking integrity in local GOP

Dear Editor:

When Kristi Valls made the announcement that she would run against Brian Jones as a Republican for the Limestone DA office, I was shocked. I thought it was in very poor taste and showed very little class to switch parties and immediately run for the same position.

In light of the following quote, I was wondering if the Republicans would stick to principles and do something to uphold integrity in the party. I found this News Courier article from Aug. 21, 2014, quoting the then-Chairman Ronnie Coffman. It kind of expresses my feelings:

Should Valls decide to run for district attorney in 2016, Coffman doubts the committee would vote to let her on the Republican ticket. “We never had it arise before,” Coffman said. “I don’t think the committee would allow Kristi to run for DA again (in 2016).” The reason for barring newly turned Republicans from running for the very same office is to prevent a Democrat or third-party candidate from switching simply to reclaim his or her office. “Brian ran four years ago, and it would not be fair to him,” Coffman said. “I think she would be turned down in two years,” Coffman said. “She probably could not get the (committee) votes to run for DA but she could run for another position in the next election cycle.”

In light of Coffman’s words, it really should come as no surprise that the Republican Party would not allow her to run for the DA spot. I was just wondering if they would follow through and would stick to principles and do something to uphold integrity in the party. I am proud that they did not back down as so many states and counties have, and are.

Sincerely,

Jack Hall

Athens