Ga. can reduce its fossil fuel usage
Your article, “Some leaders cool to global warming” (News, Jan. 2), shows just how much our Georgia politicians are, well, politicians. The steady refrain from those who didn’t ignore you was “pass the buck, not my problem.” The question you could have asked is, “Do you support policies to dramatically reduce fossil fuel use because of the damages they cause, including the risk of disastrous climate change?”
Any true leader should be able to see we are at the point where we must get off fossil fuels and embrace efficiency and renewable energy. Studies show this can be done at zero or negative economic cost. This is especially true in Georgia, where energy efficiency and renewable energy such as wind and solar mean jobs in Georgia, while fossil fuels mean jobs elsewhere. Market-oriented policies such as “fee and dividend” can be pursued that do not violate conservative principles.
BRAD ROUSE, HIAWASSEE
Banks offer clients ‘total relationship’
“Top ways to save big bucks in 2015” (Business, Jan. 3) made good points but left out an important option. When noting how consumers can save on banking fees, the author mentioned only credit unions. Consumers should know most financial institutions — especially community banks — are looking for a “total relationship.” Your bank wants to hold your deposit accounts and help you with other products, but it also wants an opportunity to lend you money, whether through an SBA or other business loan or an automobile or home loan.
Rate shoppers who have a CD at one bank, a checking account at another, a mortgage at yet another – and maybe a savings account online – may not actually save money in the long run because they are not taking advantage of a total banking relationship in which a banker who actually knows them tailors a menu of services just for them. … If a banker can work with a client on that total relationship, they may be more apt to waive fees or higher interest here or there. You might benefit from no-cost checking, either as a courtesy because you have negotiated a total banking relationship with the institution, or because you use direct deposit.
There is no across-the-board answer on banking fees. It is worth it to consumers to look at the big picture and long term.
ROBERT C. BEALL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRIVATE BANK OF DECATUR
3 issues determine MARTA’s success
Interesting headline — “MARTA at crossroads as brighter future beckons” (News, Jan. 5) — while noting a more conservative leadership. MARTA is a three-legged table of management, employees and riders. Management must commit to fiscal responsibility, employees must perform professionally, and criminally minded riders must be held accountable. Otherwise, MARTA is doomed to continued failure.
CARY DIAL, PEACHTREE CITY
