Opinion Letters
Email
Print
An opportunity
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: October 30, 2009
In the Nov. 3 election, the Northwest Ward has an opportunity to keep Wanda Merschel on the Winston-Salem City Council, working for our neighborhoods and the entire city. She has listened to our concerns, worked to solve neighborhood problems, been a steady thoughtful voice for the whole city, and even solicited our hopes and dreams for a better Winston-Salem in the future.
In opposition is someone who does not want to be a citizen of the city. Dedicated civic responsibility vs. angry sour grapes is no choice at all.
ANNE D. RIGBY
Winston-Salem
Merschel's opponent, Peter Sorensen, lives in a neighborhood that was annexed by the city and he is an opponent of forced annexation. -- The editor
Setting the record straight
In reading your Oct. 25 editorial "Stimulus envy," the Journal got one thing absolutely right: I opposed the federal stimulus package when it came to the Senate floor last fall. To set the record straight, I opposed it then, and I still oppose it now.
The federal stimulus package represents a missed opportunity to pass legislation that would have provided long-term growth and stability to the American economy rather than just propping it up with spending proposals and short-term job creation.
That said, whenever a local community asks me to attend an event honoring its hard work and dedication in securing a competitive grant, I will always do whatever I can to be there. I was honored to be invited to the October event by the Alexander County commissioners, and I applaud them for their hard work in securing this grant. However, do not confuse my pride in this community with support for the stimulus.
U.S. SEN. RICHARD BURR
Washington, D.C.
With great integrity
In my opinion, Dan Besse has represented the Southwest Ward with great integrity and careful attention to the welfare of the people he serves. I am especially impressed by his work for property owners and the environment.
Several years ago, one-third of my Ardmore property and the edge of my neighbor's lot were cleared of trees and topsoil in a flood plain by an overzealous bulldozer operator in the hire of other neighbors. I asked the Ardmore Neighborhood Association board for its support in my quest for an ordinance that would protect other property owners from our fate. Besse was the board member most interested in my appeal.
Since that meeting, I have seen Besse's concern for both property owners and the environment continue in his efforts to ensure the protection of both. He has been a leader in regional clean-air efforts, in the design and passage of tree-conservation ordinances, in the protection of our parks, and in the addition of more sidewalks, greenways and bike lanes to our city.
I truly hope we will see Dan Besse re-elected as the city council member for the Southwest Ward.
DIANNE GREENE
Winston-Salem
Asleep at the switch
I have read several letters on this page that praise Winston-Salem City Council member Dan Besse for his ability to focus on small issues like a tree ordinance, fuel-efficient vehicles, and making sure that garbage is picked up on time. When it comes to the three biggest issues to face the city in the last council term, Besse has been asleep at the switch.
First, Besse is the vice chair of the city's Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee. Its oversight of the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem was laughable, resulting in years of mismanagement and corruption by Ernie Pitt and Reid Lawrence. Second, as the only attorney on the city council during the initial stadium deal, Besse failed to make sure that the investors signed personal guarantees or pledged collateral to back up their end of the bargain. Finally, Besse is one of several city officials scrambling to save their political hides following Dell's announcement that it is closing its plant, saying that we will recoup all of our investment in the deal. This is unlikely, based on what Dell has now stated and the plain language of the agreement signed by the city and the company.
In sum, while he may enjoy taking care of day-to-day issues normally reserved for planning, sanitation, parks and various city departments, he has failed to deliver as a major decision-maker and leader for the city. Voters in the Southwest Ward should remember this when they go to the polls on Nov. 3.
JOAN A. FLEMING
Winston-Salem
Represents us well
One only needs to look at Dan Besse's record to know he represents his constituents and the city at large well.
He has been a protector of our environment, helping to craft a compromise among all stakeholders on the long overdue tree ordinance. He led the regional clean-air efforts that helped make our city and region healthier for all citizens. Dan has helped organize community watch groups and supported the hiring of additional policemen. In addition, his support of city efforts to reduce energy use has saved and will continue to save taxpayer dollars. He is responsive to his constituents and respectful of all stakeholders.
Dan is a proven leader who deserves our votes.
LAURA PHAIL
Winston-Salem
Our issues are important
As the block captain for my street's Neighborhood Watch Association in the Southwest Ward, I have had many opportunities to work with Winston-Salem City Council member Dan Besse.
In addition to helping us with our safety concerns, I have found Dan to be particularly knowledgeable about our neighborhood's needs and aware of important resources that help all the residents of Winston-Salem. His responsiveness to our concerns has always been a top priority and his participation at our meetings reminds us that our issues are important.
At a time when many of our citizens have been critical about the direction our city is headed, I fully support Dan Besse and believe that he has the best interests of Winston-Salem at heart. Even in the face of a serious economic downturn, Dan has continued to find resources to promote our safety and reduce crime in Winston-Salem. He supports policies that create clean air and water, and he can help us reach our goal of becoming a "greener" community, one in which we can all be proud to live.
Re-electing Dan Besse keeps us heading in the right direction.
BELINDA McLAMB BEARD
Winston-Salem
Email
Print
