LEGISLATURE
Wider parking spaces shouldn’t be restricted
Regarding “Wide load? Lawmakers get bigger spaces” (News, May 31), thanks for another informative, yet bothersome article.
The wider parking spaces are probably not such a bad idea. I drive an SUV myself, and am often in a very tight squeeze. But why in the world would they only be for our legislators and not for the rest of us for whom they work, who are paying for this new parking structure?
This seems to be another case of arrogance on the part of our public servants.
Governor Deal, would you please correct this abuse of the taxpayer, and preserve some remaining respect for our legislators? Thank you.
TERRY DEMPSEY, GRAYSON
GENDER RIGHTS
New gay policy shows
loyalty to Scout tenets
Leonard Pitts’ column, “Scouts’ decision on gays denies societal change” (Opinion, May 30), sadly misses an important point.
The Boy Scout laws serve as the tenets of Scouting established by its founder. One of these laws states, “A Scout is loyal.” A Boy Scout leader condones these laws and in so doing, is loyal to the organization.
Sexuality is a personal matter — one that any responsible adult doesn’t broadcast, much less promote in front of youth. As a Scout leader, he or she agrees to put personal matters aside.
Mr. Pitts may be correct when he asserts that Boy Scouts deny societal change. Scouts buck the societal trend where loyalty is an increasingly rare and endangered value.
JOE KYLE, SANDY SPRINGS
ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL
Cheshire Road remake
would cut into tax base
Efforts by the (Atlanta) City Council to run off businesses on Cheshire Bridge Road deemed unsuitable were a slap in the face to those of us who enjoy urban life (“Cheshire Bridge strip clubs to stay; vote fails,” Metro, June 4).
I agree that the street could look a little better, but closing businesses — any business — that contributes to the tax base is clearly a stupid move. Cheshire Bridge Road is a vibrant street with antique shops, furniture stores and many restaurants. Adult businesses are simply another part of this diverse street. As a resident of the neighborhood, I spend a considerable amount of time and money on the street. I like my neighborhood the way it is.
GREG JOHNSON, ATLANTA
NEW STADIUM
Church asked to trade
its history for money
Regarding “Churches in stadium’s path wait for offers” (News, June 1), the members of Friendship Baptist Church are being asked to make a decision about their future based upon the lowest common denominator: money. They are being asked to acquiesce to the demolition of a piece of their — and the city of Atlanta’s — history, for the city to erect another monument to money that will be obsolete in 20 years.
The trade-off is more than 100 years of black history for perhaps 20 years of private income.
JAMES C. COOMER, NORCROSS
