Published: December 02, 2007 02:30 am            

LETTERS: Dec. 2, 2007

Reader: Licensed to drive recklessly?



Do the “In God We Trust” license plates that adorn so many vehicles these days come with special privileges that I am not aware of? For example, driving recklessly through heavily populated neighborhoods when children are playing or at the bus stop, ignoring stop signs, especially on Rainbow Drive where I reside, and throwing trash into our yards. Do you receive leniency from the law because you are promoting God? Do you think you should? I know the DMV practically begs us all to get one when renewing our plates, as they did me recently, but I chose not to. I haven’t had such a hard sales pitch since the last time I was recruited to sell Amway products. Aside from that, why is it that I notice the reckless driving and ignoring of stop signs most often right after church lets out on Sundays? I can understand if you are rushing to get to church and repent, but after? Perhaps I am unfairly pointing the finger at the “In God We Trust” folks, when in reality they are not the only law-breakers I’ve witnessed over the years. It just stands out to me more because I figure if you are going to promote religion and God — via the license plate — you should at least set a better example for those of us who choose not to. In other words, if you insist on talking it, please start walking it, or in this case, driving it.

— Alex Mason, New Albany



Reader: Your tax dollars at work



We recently relocated back to Clark County after a 16 year respite in another state. One of our most notable welcome home presents was to become victims of the incompetence of the Clark County Planning, Zoning and Building Commission. Our personal situation is far too complex to describe in detail, but as a broad brush view it involves the request to the commission to rezone and replat a previously platted, approved and recorded subdivision by one of the local developers.

Accompanied by my attorney, I have attended all meetings scheduled by this commission, a total of four, from July 2007 till Nov. 14, 2007. This commission consists of seven people — one is a Clark County Commissioner, Bud. The other six, Lou, Stan, Ollie, Larry, Curly and Moe are appointed by the three elected County Commissioners.

During the first meeting I attended one of the Adjoiners, one who owns property that adjoins the subdivision, a life long tax paying resident of the Stacy Road area spoke in opposition to the requested zoning change stating the current traffic situation on Stacy Road is overly congested, unsafe and approval of an additional 71 home sites would surely exacerbate this condition. The spokesman for the Commission, Bud responded by saying “We wish many of the roads in the county were better than they are — but the roads are someone else’s’ problem — our job is to approve new subdivisions.” Take a deep breath and think about that.

The other significant highlight of this ordeal has been that the September and November meetings were canceled 15 minutes after their scheduled start times — they were canceled due to the lack of interest by the Commissioners. In September , Larry, Curly and Moe had more important things to do than attend their meeting and last evening Bud, Stan and Lou were no shows. So not only am I, as a tax payer, paying their salaries, I am incurring unnecessary legal fees because of their irresponsible behavior.

Unless you are on the receiving end of the “rubber stamping” of any and all requests made by one of the local “good old boys” who masquerade as a developer, attending one of these meetings is a hoot. Be assured they are much more entertaining than anything you will find on the Comedy Central. But, the unfortunate reality is that we, the taxpayers pay for this circus.

— CK Detenber, Charlestown



Chinn: Park renovations are great idea



In an age of celebrity DUI’s, sports player’s steroid use, political scandals and an all around “who cares” attitude, I think that the development of Kyle Vissing Park is a great idea. The residents of Oak Park need to come out and show their support for the park. Renovations to the park will remind our youth that there is so much more to life than myspace and youtube. The progress thus far is amazing and instead of standing in the way we should ask Mr. Vissing what we can do to help. Maybe then the children of Oak Park will sign offline, turn the TV off, and step outside to let the sun get in their eyes for a change.

— Matthew Chinn, Branchville Correctional Facility

        

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