An inspiration for those battling odds

I wish to send my condolences to the family of Hamilton Jordan. Georgia politics and those battling cancer have lost a truly good and decent man who led another decent man to Washington and helped encourage so many who have had to fight battles with overwhelming odds.

The loss of someone so young is always a terrible blow, but the loss of someone who made a difference is an even more devastating blow. May he rest in peace: He has certainly fought to make his life mean something that we all can aspire to duplicate.

LESLIE W. FOLEY

Atlanta

Committed to doing the right thing

What a sad day. Those of us who knew Ham Jordan personally or worked with him are remembering a person who was a loyal, brilliant campaigner, down to earth, and one who wanted "to do the right thing."

I was fortunate to have worked in President Carter's first campaign in his scheduling and advance office. While there, Ham asked me to find him an assistant, and she had to be African-American. I did —- her name is Edie Poe. Ham ended up taking her to the White House. How many African-Americans were working in the White House before 1975? May he always be remembered for all the good he did during his 63 years.

CAROL MULDAWER

Atlanta

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Keep school taxes exclusively for education

The Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation strongly supports the views expressed by Jim Wooten ("Vote 'no': TADs set foundation for corporate welfare," @issue, May 20). The state constitution clearly states that school tax "must be used for educational purposes only." This was confirmed in a unanimous decision of the state Supreme Court this year.

In spite of this, the state Legislature has authorized the following ballot referendum, which must be approved by the voters on Nov. 4: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize counties, municipalities and local boards of education to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes and programs?"

Jim Wooten says "Vote no" and the Taxpayers Foundation says "Vote no" to this resolution. School taxes must continue to be used for educational purposes only.

JOHN S. SHERMAN

Sherman is president of the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation.

Help Mountaintown stay on the wild side

The Mountaintown section of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located north of Ellijay, is one of Georgia's last remaining wild places. The area is popular for trout fishing, hiking, hunting and camping and contains several areas of old-growth tree stands. This area needs permanent protection from logging and other activities, like excessive off-road vehicle use.

Fortunately, U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal has introduced HR 4092, the Mountaintown Scenic Area Act of 2007, in Congress. This bill would give this area the protection it needs to remain one of Georgia's truly "wild" places. I urge you to contact Deal and tell him you support HR 4092.

We must also urge Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson to support this bill. President Bush is on record supporting new wilderness areas in Georgia, but our representatives must act to make it happen.

ZASHA A. MICKEY

Mickey is committee chair of the Sierra Club Wildlands Chapter.