Published: September 18, 2009 04:04 pm      

Letters to the Editor 9/20/09

On budget?

To the Editor: I am concerned about the handling of the proposed budget. I had assumed that with the appointing of a budget committee and the growing public concern over the budget, that the city was going to take the opportunity to examine all aspects of the budget and city operations, and make a concerted effort to “streamline” antiquated policies and procedures for well into the future. Instead, what has evolved is a band-aid approach to get us through (or have the “appearance” of getting us through) the coming year, and go on with “business as usual.”

I’m sorry folks, but with the current economic conditions, and the most recent loss of 90 more jobs, we can never go back to “business as usual,” unless we want to see Corsicana fade off the map. The City Council is going to have to stop listening to the whining of the city staff about cuts. They have no sympathy from the hundreds of people in Navarro County who are standing in the unemployment line or enduring reduced hours of work. It is time the City Council makes the hard, sound business decisions that all businesses in the real world have to make and bring the operation of the City of Corsicana into the 21st century.

Dennis Thornberg



To the Editor: The city powers have decided to balance the budget on the backs of the children and youth of our community. This is a common government tactic, cheat the disenfranchised. The cutting of the city swimming pools and Park Department children’s programs is despicable. Apparently the council and the mayor’s citizens’ committee have private pools or belong to the Country Club, and send their kids and grandkids to private camps for their summer activities.

The pools fill an important need during our scorching summers and they and the activities programs use up some of the abundant physical and mental energy not used by school activities and sports during summer months. The city should be prepared for an increase in youth crime next summer. This type of boredom, restlessness, and feeling of abandonment by authority figures are some of the factors that breed gangs, vandalism and drug use.

I want to mention here that the money the council poured down the toilet on the Third Avenue brick street fiasco and the urban rail car debacle would pay for these programs next summer and replace the funds cut from the Senior Center.

What I didn’t see in the cost-cutting measures approved is any sacrifice by those who created this budget crisis with poor planning and wasteful spending. How about the council and department heads giving up their car allowances (which are far out of line with actual costs) or taking a one year pay cut of 20 percent? Let’s give our leaders some incentive to do better, i.e. you get your money and car allowance back if you do better next year.

Grady Shaw



Grateful for project

To the Editor: We want to thank and compliment the City of Corsicana for their speed and professionalism shown by not only the engineering department, but also the workers who have recently completed the sidewalk and curb project on Sixth Avenue in the Arts District. This will not only enhance the appearance, but also the safety of all individuals during events that take place in the Arts District. We hope in the near future to complete the look and feel of a true Arts District with period lighting, which will also add to the safety of the night time programs. To all of those who contributed to this project, we want to extend a sincere thank you. As we continue to enhance our area for the use of the arts, we thank the city for this important beginning.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Navarro Council of the Arts

Palace Theatre

Warehouse Living Arts Center



Calling volunteers

To the Editor: How much does an hour of your time and a couple of gallons of gas mean to you? It means much more to those who are sitting at home waiting for their meals to be delivered. It possibly could be the only meal they eat that day!

Volunteers are desperately needed at Meals on Wheels. More and more people are needing the meals but getting it to them is becoming a problem. From experience, I can assure you, the rewards are much greater than an hour of your time and a couple of gallons of gas!!

Please — it can be an hour a day, a week, every other week or even a couple of times a month. You are needed. Call (903) 641-0166. I am glad I did!

Margy Cooper



Questions plea deal

To the Editor: After reading the Daily Sun’s Friday, Sept. 11, edition, I was appalled to see on the front page that the charges against Judge Murray were dropped. It is inconceivable to me how this happened.

The sheriff’s department had a cut and dried case against Murray. Does that mean that the officials of our community are above the law?

This is a travesty and shame on whoever made that decision.

Brent Sharpley



An animal idea

To the Editor: Recently, I wrote a letter to our editor about many mistreated situations. I left one out.

When I moved to Corsicana 23 years ago the first thing I did after settling in was to adopt a cat. The cat was free; I received a free bag of food; last but not least I was given a $10 coupon for a discount to spay her. You cannot successfully sell an adopted pet. These animals need loving homes.

A few years ago, I adopted a cat. It cost me $50 plus I had to sign an agreement to neuter the cat within three months. I received a nasty phone call one week before the due time. It’s time to reconsider the friendly way of giving pets a home.

It’s no wonder people aren’t adopting. No one can afford to.

Don’t let this be the cause of their death. Adopting animals should be free.

Kathi Davison