Wonder why people do not trust government officials? Approximately 12 years ago, the Salisbury City Council met with residents along Statesville Boulevard for their input into the traffic conditions and possible solutions to improve traffic safety and limit speed on Statesville Boulevard.
The meeting was held at Milford Hills United Methodist Church. The City Council plus two representatives from NCDOT were present. As the residents of the community made their recommendations, the City Council listened politely. The council closed the meeting by thanking all those in attendance. The mayor said they would take all that was said into consideration and “get back in touch.” Guess what! City leaders never “got back in touch” with the community.
To make matters worse, last fall some employees of the city held a meeting with the residents of Statesville Boulevard at Milford Hills United Methodist Church. NCDOT was going to resurface Statesville Boulevard but the city asked NCDOT to delay the resurfacing until spring so they could suggest a new traffic pattern. It was apparent the city employees were pushing a plan that included two bicycle lanes, one turning lane and one lane of traffic in each direction.
At times attendees were very vocal, with many opposing the proposal offered by the city. Concluding the meeting, city employees again thanked everyone and again said they would consider all ideas and give feed back. Guess what? Statesville Boulevard is today resurfaced — the traffic pattern was not changed, the speed problem remains the same, and safety is missing. It appears the city really does not care about people’s concerns, only what the city wants.
Now that the street is smoothly resurfaced, vehicular speed has increased well above the posted speed, and nothing seems to be planned to reduce excessive and dangerous speed.
— Wayne E. Dover

Salisbury

I read an article in the June 17 issue of the Christian Science Monitor about the resurgence of prayer in public schools. It describes a group of kids getting together in a chemistry classroom at 7:10 in the morning. It goes on to describe the conversation and prayer they had at the end. This is an example of how the prayer in public offices should be handled. A moderator (chaplain) gave a lesson about Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Then they had their prayer. The point is that it was not during public school hours and was in private. This is what Jesus taught his followers and is in the Gospels — not a public prayer in Jesus’ name after starting school or a meeting. The ACLU, the First Amendment and Jesus Christ himself object to praying like that.
— Julian A. Torrey

Salisbury

My wife and I are handicapped. We appreciate the people who pick up our garbage and recycling. Thank all of you very much.
— Cecil H. Phelps

Salisbury