SPEAK OUT

It's crunch time

I WISH to express my total agreement with Mrs. H.W. Slinkard on her letter to the editor about the vote on a tax increase for the Jackson School District. I suggest that the Jackson administrators realize that this is crunch time and that they learn to curb their lavish spending to meet with the public's approval. I'm a senior citizen, own some land and pay taxes to the Jackson School District, but the U.S. government sent me a notice saying I won't get a tax-rebate check because of my low income. So that means I cut my spending to fit my needs. I say let the Jackson administration learn to curb its spending to fit their needs. If they want more tax money now, they'll ask for more next year. It's time we put a stop to it.

A tough job

I READ in disbelief the article about the Chaffee trash haulers. I can't believe some of you council people begrudge these guys the pay they receive. Did you ever stop to think they're on the back of that truck in sleet, snow, rain and 100-degree-plus weather? I have one question for you complainers: Would you do their job? You should be thankful these guys do this job.

Neighborhood issue

I JUST saw in the paper where the online poll question was, " If a church were to propose a mega-development in an undeveloped area of your neighborhood, would you be in favor of it?" I think this is pretty tacky on the Southeast Missourian's part. Not everybody has Internet, and I don't think this concerns the whole city. It concerns the neighborhood where the church is proposed to be built. This is ridiculous. What gives the Southeast Missourian the right to let the whole city vote on what is good or not good for the neighborhood?

Who are the donors?

I APPRECIATED your article on Dale Nitzschke, but it was strange. He claims he raised all this money, but there wasn't a single person or business listed that he raised money from. Could you please give me one company? Or one person?

Thanks for the help

I WOULD like to thank Jimmy and Kevin of security for all their help with changing a tire while at Southeast Missouri Hospital. I was a patient and too ill to change the tire myself, and my wife was pregnant. Your help is appreciated.

Overtime issues

IN REGARD to the article about the Chaffee trash workers. Where are the time cards and clocks that everyone in this generation has to use? Coming and going to work without punching a time clock went out with the horse and buggy. Who doesn't have to work in all kinds of weather? This is a lot of wasted money. People, get your pencil. For $9 an hour all of these unaccounted for hours really add up to big bucks that could be used elsewhere. Seems like Councilman Ron Davis is the only one doing his job, watching and seeing where the people's tax money is going. He should be commended instead of criticized. People, go to the council meeting Aug. 6 and see where your money is being spent.

All taxed out

I CANNOT afford a tax increase for schools. The state is also wanting a tax for roads. Who is going to help me pay for my medicine, health insurance, utilities, food and all other bills? We are on a small income and struggling to make ends meet. Look at your tax bills and see what you are already giving to the schools. Please vote no on tax increases for the schools. I'm taxed out. How about you?

Parental involvement

I WOULD like to commend the National Urban League president Hugh Price for his comments in Monday's paper about the subject of education and the involvement of parents and where parents are failing their children. This is something that should be expressed much more often by not just black parents, but all parents. This is much more important than trying to get more kids' rights.

Must pay to play

THE PERSON who was complaining they didn't get a tax refund was because they did not pay any. They said senior citizens and Social Security people would not get any. Well, I am a senior and get Social Security, and we are not rich, but we are getting $600 back because we paid taxes.

Best post office

THE POSTMASTER and the delivery people and the employees at the Scott City Post Office are very friendly and very helpful and go out of their way to assist you. I think the Scott City post office is outstanding and one of the best in Missouri.

Unacceptable attire

I THINK it is about time that our government should put a limit on the clothes these women wear today. I think it is a disgrace to wear the things they do on the street. They wonder why these girls are getting pregnant. My gosh, can you blame a boy for not wanting sex with her? I think it is time we do something about the girls' clothes. They wear them to church on Sunday: shorts that are very short or some with their breasts almost hanging out. My mother would have blistered me to no end if I had worn something like that.

Appropriate attire

THIS IS in response to the article about the clerk at the Scott City post office and the attire worn at the window. I happen to be the female clerk, and I am dealing with the repercussions of this comment because Scott City is such a small town. I always dress neat and clean and wear dress clothes when I work the window. I have been doing this for nine years. I have never worn anything revealing or inappropriate while working mail or the window. If someone had a problem with my attire, he should have gone to my superior and complained instead of putting a comment in the newspaper, which has been very upsetting to me.

How about a college?

I UNDERSTAND the existing Central High School building will become a junior high school when the new high school is opened. Has anyone considered it would make a great junior college with two gymnasiums and the Olympic-size swimming pool? Has any thought been given to this?