No taxation without representation
Residents of the town of Landis, have you ever attended a board meeting? You need to come see how the people you elect effectively represent you. I have made several phone calls to an alderman who is now on the board, and the phone calls were never returned. This person whose name shall remain anonymous is one who is up for re-election next week.
I feel if an alderman is going to be on the board and not effectively keep in touch with the residents then I say, “No taxation without representation.” By the way, my city and county taxes were paid back in July.
Maybe this is the time he needs to be replaced. Landis needs people on the board who will listen to what the residents are trying to say.
On the subject of the quarter-cent sales tax, the way I look at it is, I would rather have the quarter-cent sales tax than a possible 2-cent property tax increase. The reasoning behind this is, people traveling through Rowan County have to stop for gas and other items (meals), and they would be helping to pay the additional quarter-cent sales tax. To me this would help bring more tax monies into the county.
I realize there are still a lot of people in this county out of work and who would not be able to afford either the sales tax increase or a property tax increase.
A lot of my neighbors I have talked to, did not realize we would be voting on the quarter-cent sales tax.
Do you know why we are being asked for the quarter-cent sales tax increase? The radio equipment our police, emergency, sheriff’s office, fire departments use has to be upgraded. If you ask questions, you can find out why these agencies need new radios.
In closing, remember to vote Tuesday.
ó Nadine Cherry
Landis
A neighborhood gal
We moved to Salisbury from a large city where we often wondered what had become of “neighborhood.” Now as part of our downtown Salisbury neighborhood, we are intensely concerned with our neighbors’ concerns.
We have a great City Council, and this year we have the opportunity to elect someone who has proven she is a “neighborhood gal” ó Maggie Blackwell. I have attended several meetings and forums where Maggie has proven that she does her homework on issues facing our city government. She doesn’t take other people’s word for anything ó she digs in and gets the facts- by researching and asking questions. And all the while she never forgets her priorities, even if she has to leave a meeting early to be at her granddaughter’s game.
Maggie is raising her granddaughter with commitment, love and wisdom. I think she’ll bring all that to the City Council as well. She’s got my vote. How about yours?
ó Whitney Peckman
Salisbury
Change Spencer
Next week, Spencer, we again have a chance to vote for change. We can no longer tolerate town boards that foolishly waste our taxes needlessly or on pet projects ó from fake brick crosswalks to replacing perfectly good crape myrtles on Main Street. The old fire station could have been purchased and used to expand a profitable local business.
Now monies are being spent on the library when the Library Committee was set to have it all done, had only the town supported them. Instead, personal egos stabbed them in the back.
When a sitting alderman says, “Let them go to Salisbury if they want to read a book,” it speaks volumes for where their loyalties really lie.
Many of our neighborhoods suffer unsafe traffic problems along with unsavory individuals threatening our safety, yet nothing is ever done.
We have lost Howard White to this election due to surgery, but he will be back next time. We wish him a speedy recover.
For this election, please vote Jon Palmer for mayor. His strong, forward-thinking stance will be an asset. For alderman, Reid Walters possesses the intelligence and willingness to stand by his convictions and not vote the status-quo. He will not waffle once on the board. Talk to this very approachable man and you’ll see.
There is also Mrs. Fowler. She too would be a tremendous asset to our town.
Besides their assets, they all live in neighborhoods that experience first-hand the negative downward spiral our town is on.
Like a song from “Quiet Riot,” “We’re not gonna take it any more.”
Let’s send a message loud and clear that these town leaders need do right by us all before we become North Salisbury!
ó Kent Krabee
Spencer
Ruined life
I’ve known Mary Byrd for over 40 years. She stayed with my family in the ’50s for about five years, and I will tell you, she is not a taker, she is a giver.
The charge made against her has ruined a 78-year-old woman’s life. Even if she is found innocent, where does she go to get her reputation back? Who will hire her? Did he not talk to her first?
You can’t make me or anyone else who really knows her believe she would do a thing like she is charged with (exploitation).
This is a shame, and because this thing is common nowadays, don’t be quick to judge her. She has no criminal record. She is not a drug-head or drunk. She is a care-giving human.
She would never hurt anyone, never.
ó Naomi Eagle
Greenville, S.C.
Happy Halloweenie
Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary would like to thank these members of our community for their help:
Carolina Lily for hosting a Halloweenie Dog Costume parade on Oct. 24 and for their generous donations.
Thanks also go to Carol Allen for taking photos of the canine princess, bees, cowboys, farmer, cow, skunk and fairies, and to Shannon Moore for donating pumpkin goodie bags to participants.
Also, our Faithful Friends volunteers who helped with the registration and parade and sign-up table, Melissa Graham, Alma Marshall and Linda Shapleigh.
Girl Scouts Chloe Burks and Mackenzie Menius of Troop 511 collected two carloads of pet food and kitty litter to earn their Bronze Service Awards.
North Rowan Elementary kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes collected dog and cat supplies and food as a service project.
The Salisbury Academy kindergartners collected cat food and litter for our foster homes.
Ross Howard’s family requested donations to Faithful Friends in lieu of gifts at his retirement party.
Many thanks to the Salisbury Post for the great pictures of the doggie contestants.
ó Linda Shapleigh
Salisbury
Shapleigh is a member of the Faithful Friends Board.
Speak up for schools
I would like to remind parents of the upcoming school board meeting on the proposed redistricting.
Please come and support your child’s school.
The first one will be Nov.2 at Knox Middle School, and the second one will take place at Southeast Middle. Both meetings will start at 6 p.m.
We have to voice our opinions on this matter. Keep the schools the way they are and save our teachers’ jobs!
ó Angela Shoaf
Miller Road