ENVIRONMENT
Recycling industry appreciates support
Thanks to the Aluminum Association for pointing out the value of recycling as it relates to jobs, and the longevity of our record as the pioneers of green jobs in the U.S. (“Green jobs that don’t fleece taxpayers,” Opinion, June 15).
Georgia is known nationally for having the second-largest end use market infrastructure in the nation, and the largest in the Southeast. This means recycled glass, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, newspaper, magazines, organics, carpet and more are used in manufacturing new products here. A 2010 study by the Southeast Recycling Development Council found that Georgia has 31 manufacturers using recycled glass, plastic, aluminum and paper. They comprise billions in annual sales, and employ more than 7,000 Georgians.
Gloria Hardegree, executive director, Georgia Recycling Coalition
ETHICS
Now’s the time to practice transparency
It appears that the movement which began in former Gov. Sonny Perdue’s administration to dismantle Georgia’s State Ethics Commission has been adopted by Gov. Nathan Deal. It looks like elected officials will just have to carry out their duties using the honor system. Yeah, right. We all know how that will work, don’t we?
Each gubernatorial candidate has campaigned on more open and transparent government. Now would be a wonderful time to fulfill that promise. Political sunlight would cleanse the system and shake a few things out from under the rug.
Anthony Wilkins, Carrollton
ENTERTAINMENT
Take back summer event at Piedmont Park
Screen on the Green is a fantastic event that in the past seemed to draw an excellent crowd, and showcased great movies. The people who attended were genuinely interested in watching the movie, and supported the event. There were not issues of “thug-like” people walking in groups who were disinterested in the movie. To not have this annual event would be a tragedy, and the ones who enjoy attending would be penalized. I say we take back Screen on the Green.
Patricia Richey, Atlanta
FOOD SAFETY
Safety information on food trucks is needed
The Sunday story about food trucks was light and breezy (“Stalking the not-so-elusive food trucks,” Living, June 19). However, I saw nothing in the article about food safety issues. Restaurants must pass government safety inspections. Must these vehicles also pass food safety standards?
Joni Pelta, Atlanta
EMPLOYMENT
Don’t be so quick to judge the unemployed
Jim Askren suggested unemployed people be forced to work in the fields to replace illegal workers (Readers write, Opinion, June 19). I would tell him to not get too comfortable in his job. He could lose his job (as I, and 146 other retail store employees did three weeks ago). Some of us had been there for 30 years. I am drawing unemployment for the first time in my life, and I am in my 60s. Mr. Askren, it could happen to you.
Bob Bruce, Jonesboro
