Commission Chairman Jim Sides is exactly right about SB236, which was passed by the North Carolina Senate to place all school property ownership under the county commissioners. Andrew Brock did the right thing (Salisbury Post, 5/23/13).
I am a property owner in Davie County, which is also in Senator Brock’s district. We are facing the same kinds of problems as Rowan. There is a cadre of people in the northeastern end of Davie County who want a new high school built on their end of the county, but they want to saddle the property owners of this county with the indebtedness. They fear the commissioners will not bow to their wishes with the passage of SB236. They have organized a pressure group, and they are demanding that the commissioners call a bond referendum to build the school, at a cost of $53,750,000, on their end of the county. That figure is only an estimate. Some have said that it will cost even more.
The voters of Davie County have voted down two bond referendums that were put forth to build a new high school on the other end of the county. Then, they proposed a sales tax for the county, and it was voted down because so many of the voters felt that it was an “end run” by which they would build the building in spite of what the voters wanted. That, too, was voted down.
Now, they are demanding another referendum to build a high school on their end of the county. One county official has said it will increase the property tax burden by 22 cents per hundred. It will especially hurt elderly people who live on fixed incomes.
— Robert Tenery

Mocksville

Much has been said about prayer in the past months and whether it’s a good or bad idea. We all pray in some form or other; when you wish, you are really praying.
I personally think praying by the commissioners before meetings is grandstanding to avert attention from the business of the county. Instead of praying, the commissioners could address the homeless issue, the people who are hungry, the elderly and the lonely and implore everyone in attendance to help by volunteering to eradicate these issues. There are absolutely too many problems to be solved to worry about whether Jesus has his name spoken. If you are a believer in Jesus, had you not rather him see you doing good work for others than asking him to protect you?
Those who pray and never do anything are sure to not get their prayers answered. Somewhere in the Bible, it says you shall be judged by your works. People who talk a good game and don’t get off the chair and work usually fail.
This is just one old man’s opinion. This not meant to be a slam on believers but is intended to raise a few questions.
— Jerry King

Salisbury

As we observe Memorial Day week, I find myself having a burning desire to reach out to those who served in the military.
While many rituals and honorary ceremonies have gone on throughout this country to express appreciation to those who served and are still serving, I still feel the need to express my gratitude to those who have stood guard around the world to protect America.
You have sacrificed your time and privileges in order to stand guard over America, and I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who are in hospitals, nursing homes or living in the privacy of your own homes. Thank you to all who have given their lives, their personal opportunities and their freedom so that America could enjoy freedom.
I realize that many of you have come home and still cannot enjoy the well-being that we are privileged to enjoy. However, there is one thing for sure. We have a God that not only cares; he also said, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
For those who are still struggling with unemployment, housing, illness and trying to find peace of mind: Jesus said, cast all your care upon him for he cares for you.
Again, I say thank you for your brave service. You deserve double honor for all your effort. May God forever bless you and keep you in his loving care.
— Rev. Evelyn Miller

Woodleaf