The readers' forum

Worthy of a third term

What makes Dan Besse worthy of a third term on the Winston-Salem City Council? At the top of the list in my opinion is that Dan has set the standard for what it means to be a serious, dedicated and full-time city council representative. Given his eight years of thoughtful service, there is no question about his competence and reliability. He is in his prime as a seasoned council member and is valued by the council.

I have been impressed with Dan after observing him working diligently, ironing out details on issues such as making our community clean and green, creating safer neighborhoods and striving to keep low taxes. And yes, he also works to make our community attractive to both new residents and new businesses. He is tenacious in compiling details in order to have full command before casting his vote. Dan thinks and plans for the long term, but always in the best interest of all citizens.

Dan Besse is equipped with intelligence, integrity, experience and wisdom to make sound judgments. He keeps his constituents informed regularly by e-mail and he is responsive to constituent phone calls. Truly, Dan cares deeply about Winston-Salem, and he has long ago earned the respect of this progressive community. We are fortunate to have such an indefatigable public servant as Dan Besse willing to serve. So please, Southwest Ward residents, by all means support Dan either in early voting or on Nov. 3.

ANNE G. WILSON

Winston-Salem

That day is here

I recently had the privilege of visiting with Ted Shipley at an engagement party given for my son and his fiancee. I have known Ted since he was a third-grader. A Krispy Kreme fan for sure, he was admired by his friends for his ability to eat three donuts from the time we left the Stratford Road store to his front-door step just minutes away.

Ted was the tallest of his friends and had the longest legs. Hence, he won the front-seat spot when I carpooled. He used to tell me his dreams. He would go off to college but hoped to return to Winston-Salem. He wanted to become a lawyer and raise his family here. He loved politics and believed that some day he would run for a political office.

Interestingly, that day is here. He has accomplished all of his childhood dreams. Ted has grown into an impressive adult who will work hard to serve the city he loves. What makes him a strong leader? He is bright, honest and a good listener. He handles responsibility well. Most important, he has a large network of friends who look to him for support and guidance. I wish him all the luck with his campaign for the Southwest Ward of the Winston-Salem City Council.

BETH BENNETT

Winston-Salem

A voice for the citizens

As a resident and a businessman in the Northeast Ward for over 25 years, I know how important constituent services are. I know that our current Winston-Salem City Council member, Vivian H. Burke, is a voice for the citizens of the Northeast Ward and for all of the citizens of Winston-Salem.

She has always been responsive to her constituents and she gets things done that benefit all of us. It is important for the progress of this city that she be re-elected as our representative on the city council.

I am asking that we be united in voting for Vivian Burke for our councilwoman.

JIM CONRAD

Winston-Salem

Might have been saved

The recent disaster of the Dell plant closing along with the fiasco at the baseball stadium made me remember the Oct. 9 letter "Represented us well," in which the writer derisively referred to Winston-Salem City Council member Dan Besse's challenger, Ted Shipley, as a "corporate trial lawyer."

While I am uncertain whether that charge is true, how nice it would have been in the last few years, when Besse was supporting two major business deals that ultimately blew up in all of our faces, to actually have had someone on the city council with some knowledge of corporations and the law. Having such a person might have saved us from the situation in which we now find ourselves.

Besse is a lawyer by trade and the only lawyer on the city council, but given his recent mistakes, he has apparently decided to focus his legal knowledge in areas that do not involve the economic livelihood of our city.

In these tough times, would it be such a bad idea to have someone on the city council like Ted Shipley, who actually understands the economic problems we are all facing? I think that question answers itself.

CHRISTINE KELLEY STORCH

Winston-Salem

Promotes safe neighborhoods

As a member of the Winston-Salem City Council representing the Southwest Ward, Dan Besse has supported policies that promote safe neighborhoods, lower taxes, economic growth, clean air and water as well as parks and greenways.

Dan Besse's efforts to protect our environment is demonstrated by the success he has had in designing and passing tree conservation and planting rules for new development projects. His frequent newsletters provide all his constituents with information vital to their everyday interests and concerns.

I live in the Southwest Ward and will vote for Dan Besse on Nov. 3.

STANTON TEFFT

Winston-Salem