Readers Write 1/10

GOVERNMENT

A response to legislator’s library comment

In the interview with Rep. Jan Jones (“Budget cuts will ‘not be pretty,’ ” Metro, Jan. 3), the example she provided to justify the need for a separate Milton County was that Fulton County spends “double per capita on library services than the state average, yet has half the circulation of books and materials per capita.” This information is inaccurate and misleading.

The per capita circulation of books and materials in Georgia for 2008 was 4.69 items. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s was 4.42 items. Circulation represents only a portion of the services offered by today’s public libraries. Expenditures per capita for the Fulton library service totaled $33.76 for 2008; Georgia’s was $22.30. It is reasonable for the per capita costs to be higher given the level of services mentioned above as well as the cost of operation in our area of service.  

Our 34 libraries had 3.7 million visitors last year and over 3.2 million items were circulated. Over 7,000 programs were attended by more than 250,000 patrons. The library system’s Web site had 5 million hits, approximately 13,700 per day, and patrons used our computers for over 1.8 million sessions along with the new free wireless service, introduced in 2009.

The library system shows how Fulton is in fact a strong local government. In the November 2008 general election, Fulton voters overwhelmingly passed a bond referendum that will provide eight new libraries, three of which are in north Fulton. This huge show of public support illustrates that there is a deep need and appreciation for what our libraries provide.

It is also worth noting that state funding for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System accounts for only 3.72 percent of the annual budget — the lowest of any system in Georgia.

John H. Eaves, Chairman, Fulton County Board of Commissioners

CIVICS

Pedestrian’s act made the city a bit cleaner

I was astonished while stopped recently at a light at Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. A young man, who had just gotten off a MARTA bus, was crossing the intersection and came up the road toward my car. He bent down to pick up several fast food bags of trash sitting in the roadway, and then proceeded back to the intersection, where he completed his crossing and deposited the trash in a container, before continuing his walk up Roswell Road. I was prepared to thank him, but he did not come closer to my car. He was a nicely dressed young man carrying a black leather bag, who was probably on his way to work. I guess I was astonished because this man had not carelessly dropped the trash, but had gone out of his way to carefully pick it up. What a wonderful deed to witness.

Peter E. Booth, Sandy Springs

FAITH

A resolution that focuses on the Creator

There will always be systemic failures, just as airline security failed to detect the inept bomber from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas. Despite assurances, there will be future failures. We are imperfect humans who try.

While politicians try to win my vote by promising perfection, I have found it much more comforting to rely on God for protection. I believe the power that made the Earth protects all who trust the Creator, even though we do not fully comprehend and relate in various ways. So long as we accept our human limitations, we will be OK.

My resolution for 2010 is to more fully trust my God, and pray that my faith shall be sufficient to sustain hope when the system fails.

Cedric C. Gifford, Acworth

AIRLINE SAFETY

No problem with scanners for security

I still remember with vivid clarity where I was on Sept. 11, 2001, as terrorists killed thousands of Americans. So, I find it difficult to believe our lawmakers would even entertain the notion that the full-body scanners invade too much of our personal privacy (“Do new scanners see too much?” News, Jan. 3). If these scanners detect hidden devices or substances that could mean the destruction of life or limb, so let it be done. How quickly some forget how every flying passenger worldwide never complained of the extra time necessary to screen us as we passed through an airport ( for a while, at least). Has our nation become complacent yet again? I applaud the use of these scanners. It is a no-brainer. So, you shy passengers — get over yourselves. This is one way we fight these bad guys.

Mary Kay Youngdale, Woodstock

PUBLIC SAFETY

No texting while driving has this doctor’s support

Thanks for publishing “Driving while texting kills” (Opinion, Jan. 1).

Every week, I take care of patients who have been rear-ended (or worse) by texting or cell phone-distracted drivers.

Driving in Georgia, however, will not get any safer until our legislators pass stringent and strictly enforced laws making it illegal to multitask while driving.

Right now, the only way I can protect myself as a driver is to be absolutely vigilant of drivers around me, and to keep plenty of distance between my car and the one ahead of me.

So, bring on the law, please!

Dr. Salpi Adrouny, Johns Creek