Editor, Times-Union: To my constituents of district five and the City of Warsaw: I wish to thank you for the privilege of serving you over the past eight years.
My decision not to run for this upcoming election is based on my physical status, along with the urging and support of my family.
After my decision to run for my first term was made and before election, my wife Yolanda started compiling a scrap book on all my goals.
Recently, after reviewing this, I found that all but one of my short and long term goals had been met. The only one that I still desire to see fulfilled is that of a new sewer plant.
After eight years of service, it gives me great satisfaction to watch and see my family and grandchildren be a part of a growing and vibrant community.
It is exciting to see the growing lists of candidates file for positions. My only word of advice to anyone would be, please listen carefully and speak slowly.
Thank you all for your support, input and challenging times.
Porter Polston, City Councilman
Organ Donation
Editor, Times-Union: Organ and tissue donation in the United States is a matter of free choice. This option is not working. Even though transplant procedures have improved dramatically, thousands are still waiting for corneas, kidneys, livers and hearts. Other countries view transplantation in a different light. Singapore's physicians have the right to take organ and tissue from a body when in their professional judgment they can be transplanted. Those who object may register not to have their organs taken, but they are then the last in line to receive one should they ever need a transplant. Even though the plight of the thousands in our nation who are waiting for a cornea or organ is compelling, it is not sufficient to move people to make their eyes or organs available upon death. The first step is a conversation with one's next of kin of his desire to donate. Physicians are reluctant to remove organs without consent. Having that conversation with those who will likely be near when that critical time comes makes the gift of sight or life more likely to happen.
Berniece H. Dwyer, Milford
Too Many Republicans
Editor, Times-Union: In today's Times-Union, page 4A, gave me the ideal start for this letter. "Thought For Today" Abraham Lincoln once said in public "that no man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent." Today's verdict concerning our President Clinton's problems is great proof to Lincoln's statement. My question is about Warsaw, Indiana, being 99-9/10 Republican party. Personally, I am the part of the 1/10th. Why cannot the non-voters and the Democratic party get together and get every eligible person on an "active voter list?" Only about 30 percent are voting. I am willing to use my car gas, my time and do what is necessary to make it a 90 percent voter obligation. With just one party in control, we still do not have the largest headache in this community on top of their priorities - that is our sewage disposal problem. It needs cared for very soon. The cost goes up 1 million a year, without action being done. A third party is needed too.
