What’s for Republicans not to like about mall HQ?

The writer is responding to a May 3 story, “Party foul? Proposed lease for local GOP sets Republican county commissioners at odds.”

I agree with Commissioner Craig Pierce. Rowan County Republicans should reconsider relocating their headquarters to the West End Plaza. It makes sense for several reasons.

Parking in downtown Salisbury is limited and traffic flow patterns can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the city. Would not a vast, marked and paved lot with lighting be more accessible? And not to mention, safer?

The West End Plaza location could prove pivotal in the party’s endeavors to reach out to constituents and supporters in neighboring, less celebrated districts and precincts. Voter turnout in these areas remains very low compared to others.

Rowan County Republicans are, after all, the reason the West End Plaza exists to begin with. Using it as a new flagship location during this election cycle would be an advantageous move. It could be instrumental in reminding prospective voters of the local GOP’s vision for commerce, jobs, growth and industry.

— Thomas Haney

Kannapolis

True employee appreciation

Employees today have grown accustomed to most employers who give lip service to employee appreciation. Gone are the days when companies gave Christmas bonuses or candy canes. Employee benefits continue shrinking and the amount an employee must pay for benefits goes up annually. Salary increases have been stagnant for years.

Large corporations are the driving factor behind this trend, though medium-sized businesses are moving in the same direction. The small business sector has much more flexibility, although pay and/or benefits may be less. It’s no surprise that small business employees are the most satisfied group and a local small business recently astounded me with its employee recognition.

The obituary page in Saturday’s edition of this paper contained something I rarely see — an employer’s salute to a deceased employee. Gateway Self Storage ran a wonderful advertisement memorializing Curtis Buck, general manager of the facility from 2012 to 2016.

How often do you see that? Would the local superstore run such an ad for a customer-favorite greeter after their passing? Never. Words cannot express the impression this act left upon me. I want to extend my condolences to Mr. Buck’s family and his “family” at Gateway Self Storage.

There must be an incredible waiting list for storage units if Gateway Self Storage treats their customers as they’ve treated Mr. Buck. What a wonderful world it would be if all companies appreciated their employees in this manner.

— Barry Robertson

Salisbury