Editor, Times-Union: The ongoing discussion about sewers in Leesburg goes back several decades. Had our community decided to take the problem seriously when all the other little burgs in this county had their sewers systems put in, it could have been done at a minor fraction of today's cost. Some of the same people who have resisted the necessity of a sewer system then are still resisting it today.
Although they declare to be concerned about the monthly cost to residents, their concerns are shortsighted and not in the best interest of the community as a whole. This is made evident in a statement made by Jerry Kammerer to the effect that he does not care if the town of Leesburg grows. An interesting statement coming from a former town board member. I find Bob Cleveland's declaration that he will file an injunction to stop the sewer if necessary somewhat amusing, perhaps we could just let him pay the $25,000-a-day fine for noncompliance, I would continue to drink my bottled water and be completely OK with that.
Sorry, Bob, you live in Leesburg just like the rest of us.
The fact that not complying and paying that fine was even entertained is beyond ludicrous, and a testament to the difficulties of infusing common sense solutions to these problems.
Personally, I don't want to spend an extra $75 a month for a sewer, but perhaps the cost will be offset by reducing my monthly drinking water bill.
If we are to get our sewer online by 2008, we as a community had better stop dragging our feet, find the best solution and get on with it, because at $25,000 a day, it won't take very long to bankrupt the town. We can no longer ignore this problem and hope it will go away. We need to stop squabbling, pull together to help our beautiful little town, and get it done in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Ted Carter Leesburg, via e-mail Evacuation Editor, Times-Union: The indisputably true fact is that if the city and state officials responsible for the New Orleans catastrophe had enforced their mandatory evacuation orders, there would have been no one left behind. They had the resources and the time to complete their duty to these citizens. These elected officials (mayor and governor) should be held criminally responsible and put on trial for the loss of life in New Orleans, La. "If we must point fingers, let's point them at the people that did not complete their sworn duties and responsibilities."
Jonathan R. Mauk Warsaw, via e-mail 9/11 Ceremony Editor, Times-Union: My husband and I were there at the courthouse lawn Sunday morning on the anniversary of 9-11 for a memorial service honoring our firefighters and local law enforcement groups, and to our military men and women. To say we were shocked is putting it to mildly. We were appalled to see virtually no one at this service.
The speakers and the music both touched our hearts as we have a son in the military, getting ready to leave his family again for his second deployment to Iraq.
I just hope next year, Warsaw realizes its need to support our community and to show their appreciation to our military, dedicated firefighters, police officers and our emergency service personnel.
