PREPAREDNESS
Winter storm kudos to state, local officials
After all is said and done, from my perspective, where credit is due, credit is given. The processes and actions demonstrated to keep the highways and roads open were a great and successful effort. It is a good and honorable thing to both learn from the past and put in place plans to make it better and then to implement those plans. The leadership role Gov. Nathan Deal took, and the actions all his affiliated departments took and completed were very successful.
On a local level, the efforts of our own road maintenance crews — led by our Hall County commissioners, Public Works Director Ken Reardon, our Sheriff’s Department led by Sheriff Gerald Couch, and David Kimbrell and Scott Cagle of the Hall County Fire Department — all came together and we, the public, were kept safe, and the roadways were open.
In our company’s case, all our trucks were able to pick up and deliver our loads in Atlanta and outside the city. We also were able to take the proper routes, in the proper lanes, through and around Atlanta to get to all other destinations. For that, we are thankful.
JIM SYFAN, CEO, SYFAN LOGISTICS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
While you’re at it, allow guns in the Capitol, too
Being a Marine Corps combat veteran of the Vietnam War and after spending over 30 years in law enforcement, I know a lot about guns of all types. I have never accidentally discharged a weapon; I have never been required to use deadly force outside of Vietnam and, when traveling, I have never forgotten to safely stow my weapon as required by protocol when heading to the airport.
Now comes Georgia’s General Assembly with a slew of pro-gun bills, with each growing more ridiculous — (allowing guns in) churches, schools, restaurants, bars and airports. I suggest the state Capitol and the legislative office building be added. But that won’t happen. While placing the rest of us at risk, lawmakers cower in their safe working environment, protected by state troopers and metal detectors. The only conclusion I can draw is that they don’t really trust their gun-toting constituents.
RONALD D. JOHNSON, AUSTELL
Legislators: Don’t you meddle with my Uber
As an in-town dweller and frequent taxi user over the last 20 years, I have been thrilled with the arrival of Uber. Uber cars are squeaky clean, the drivers are actually knowledgeable about the city, and they show up on time. This little trifecta has been missing from Atlanta taxi service for quite some time. Until local cab companies clean up their cars and either hire better or train drivers on the metro geography, I will continue to be a loyal Uber customer. I hope Atlanta lawmakers have the common sense to refrain from banning this much-needed service and healthy competition.
REBECCA SHERRILL, ATLANTA
