The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and include name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Writers are limited to one published letter every 30 days. Send letters to P.O. Box 670, Athens AL 35613 or email to adam@athensnews-courier.com.

Rally around Roy Moore

Dear Editor:

As a result of a ridiculous complaint filed with the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission by a liberal hate group, the notorious Southern Poverty Law Center, a trial date was recently set for September to decide if Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore should be permanently removed from the bench because of actions he took in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s sharply divided (and irrational and unjustifiable) decision in favor of so-called “gay marriage.”

The world liberals are trying to create is so upside-down and backwards that they actually believe it’s okay to discriminate against and make criminals of decent moral business people who merely don’t want to bake a wedding cake for heterophobic homosexuals, or don’t want to make floral arrangements for heterophobic homosexuals, etc. (Thinking people have known for centuries that homosexual activity is immoral and a bad legal precedent.)

Unfortunately, this kind of discrimination isn’t new. On college campuses all across America liberal bigots have been discriminating against conservative speech and conservatives for years. The legal group FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education), which defends conservative teachers and students who have been discriminated against by ignorant liberal bigots on various college campuses, could provide you with a lengthy list of such cases.

Citizens of Alabama, please rally around Justice Moore. We need to start a major push-back against these discriminatory liberal bigots.

Sincerely,

Wayne Lela

Downers Grove, Illinois

Vote carefully on Tuesday

Dear Editor:

It will be a year ago on Aug. 26 that the people of Athens voted down the 12 mil property tax increase.

I would like to remind everyone that there was an unanimous vote by the Athens City Council in support of this tax. Not only that, but they individually supported and pushed for the tax. It is amazing to me that not even one of them came out in opposition to the tax.

I would also like to remind those voting in the City Council election on Tuesday to remember the fact that these incumbents are chomping at the bit, to try it again. After all, this tax increase came just a few short years after the percent sales tax increase which was ramrodded through by the council even with an overwhelming opposition by the majority of Athens citizens.

To add insult to injury, the sales tax increase came just a few short years after the alcohol tax came into effect. It appears that the City Council has a “spending problem.”

I would encourage everyone voting Tuesday to vote out the incumbents unless they have personally told you they are sorry for supporting the property tax, and their liberal spending on new buildings and economic development debacles like hot wings. Make sure and check with the men running, either by talking with them, or noting that their fliers plainly state “no new taxes” and “more responsible spending.” If you don’t, we will have a new tax soon.

Vote carefully for our future.

Sincerely,

Jack Hall

Athens

Smith may be a ‘bargain’

Dear Editor:

I am a retired Professor of Government at Athens State University. In recent years Charles Smith, currently a candidate for Athens City Council, was my student.

Charles completed his senior research project and an internship under my direction. Both activities involved local government issues.

Athens is fortunate to have a candidate like Charles on the ballot. He understands from experience how city government can impact the quality of people’s daily lives and the value of their property.

Charles will listen and deliberate before making a decision, but he also understands why “backbone” may be necessary, on occasion, to make a tough decision. And, I fully expect that Charles will pride himself on being frugal with your tax dollars.

I would also predict that Charles will be pragmatic and ethical in his dealings with others on the council and in the municipal administration. He realizes that reasonable people can disagree and that compromise may be necessary to make some progress for the city.

I want to urge all Athenians living in that district, especially those who are or have been associated with Athens State as an employee or student, to consider his candidacy. I believe you will find him genuinely interested in and knowledgeable of the issues facing Athens.

And finally, Charles may be a bargain. He is retired and has the time to become a full-time council member for the part-time pay.

Sincerely,

Jess Brown

Retired Professor, Athens State University

Keep the current council

Dear Editor:

The News Courier is to be commended for its new policy concerning candidate endorsements.

Our current city administrators, particularly the mayor and the city council, have been doing a very good job governing Athens. The current term has been the best, most accomplished, in decades. With a change in the national leadership occurring in early 2017, many policies, funding, and businesses, may be seriously affected. It is not a time to arbitrarily change our city councils current membership.

Former Police Chief Wayne Harper, current city council president, has over 20 years as the chief and manager of our local police department. This has involved management and fiscal experience at a senior level. His experience along with the other council members have given Athens some first class leadership reflected in Athens’ progress despite Huntsville and Madison’s rapid encroachment upon Athens city limits and potential major revenue depleting results.

In this time of future insecurity, relative to financial matters, it is not a time to dramatically change the city councils membership with new personnel, inexperienced in senior management and fiscal matters, with personnel that cannot show proof of such current or prior experience.

This is not a time to lay claim for friendship or family relationships to make an unnecessary change that could effect Athens total citizen’s future. Having a lot of friends and family does not automatically qualify a candidate for election. The important question is what can the candidate give as proof of major management and fiscal management experience to perform such an important job for Athens citizens?

This is not a time for replacing successful, highly qualified city council members with potentially inexperienced new membership. Remember, that due to Jimmy Gill’s tragic death, any new members could have a major effect upon all Athens citizens future, maybe not for the better. Be sure to vote to retain the current city leadership!

Sincerely,

Quentin D. Anderson, Sr.

Athens

Support for Sample

Dear Editor:

As chairman of the PAC that opposed last year’s proposed property tax increase, I got a good look at city government, the issues facing Athens and government spending in general.

For me it’s clear that we need fiscally responsible candidates at every level of government; men and women willing to cut wasteful spending instead of raising taxes or leaving debt for future generations, candidates who will stand with honesty and integrity. I believe we have one of those candidates running for City Council in Athens’ 5th district — Charles Sample.

I am proud to endorse Charles Sample for Athens City Council. It has been an honor to work with and get to know him. Mr. Sample is genuine, hardworking and has a heart to serve the people of our community. He is a dedicated Christian, a husband and a father who wants to make things better for the next generation.

I think Charles Sample’s background as an engineer for TVA will serve him well in the more technical aspects of running city government. I have been impressed with his ideas for road repairs and sidewalk construction, as well as his understanding of the city’s budget. He also has a history of service to his community as a reserve police officer and is committed to keeping our families safe.

One of Charles Sample’s main campaign planks is returning the focus of government to the people. Many politicians get caught up in political projects, growing the size of government or building their own legacy, and forget that government’s first priority should be representing the people. It’s so refreshing to hear a candidate talking about putting the people first. Mr. Sample is not a politician; he’s just a normal, everyday kind of guy who wants to make a difference for the people of his community. Sadly, that has become rare in today’s political landscape.

This election cycle is your chance to have a voice in the future of our community. The leaders we elect will make decisions that affect our everyday lives for the next four years and beyond — everything from the roads we drive on to whether we raise taxes. This Tuesday you have a chance to elect a genuine, hardworking, fiscally responsible citizen as your city councilman. Looking at the issues we face, I have no doubt Charles Sample is the right man for the job.

Sincerely,

John Wahl

Athens

Vote for Wales

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to thank Harold Wales for his service to the citizens of Athens for the past 12 years and to ask the District 2 voters to go to the polls on Aug. 23 and elect him for another four years.

Harold has listened to input from not only his district, but the entire city on both large and small issues. No issue has been too small for his attention.The working relationship he has with his fellow councilmen and the mayor is very commendable, which makes accomplishments for the entire city happen in a timely manner.

While surrounding cities continue to struggle with budget issues, Athens has operated within budget each year with a more than $1 million surplus each year. Over the last four years, Athens has accumulated an approximate 20 percent reserve fund, which is very significant in obtaining high bond ratings needed to obtain funds for capital growth.

Harold and this city administration has helped to bring new industries to the area, which brings new job opportunities.

The most important thing about Harold to me and my family is that Harold is a Christian and he lives a Christian life. Let’s keep Harold in office another four years by making sure to go vote for him on Aug. 23.

Sincerely

Wade Batts and Family

Athens

Thank you for support

Dear Editor:

I want to say thank you to the people of Athens and specifically those in District 2. Thank you for your kind words of support, for letting me knock on your door and chat for a minute and for continuing to make me proud to be from Athens.

It has been wonderful seeing so many classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, etc., from years gone by. Something I have always loved about Athens is that no matter how much progress we make or growth we experience, we still have that small-town atmosphere.

One thing I can promise you is that as your city councilman, I will always be honest with you. I believe honesty and the ability to listen are important qualities for a councilman to possess, especially in light of the fact that the city council is charged with appropriating your money.

The revenue that fills the general fund does not originate with the council; it comes from the people of Athens. When we talk about taxes, city programs or giving incentives to businesses, we are talking about spending your hard earned money. As your city councilman, I must be a good steward of your money and seek to use that money wisely and not in a wasteful manner.

I had a friend tell me the other day, “I am tired of the city wasting my tax dollars.” The American people are taxed too much. Fiscal responsibility should be at the core of government at every level.

The main reason I decided to run for City Council is because of my girls, Aubrey and Payton. I want them to grow up and raise their families in Athens just like I have done, and that is why I am dedicated to creating a brighter future for my family, for the people of District 2 and for all the people of Athens.

I am a faithful Christian, a principled conservative and a proud citizen of Athens. Again, thank you for being so kind to me during this election. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Sincerely,

John Michael Huggins

Athens