We need moderation to move us forward
When some of us were growing up, we heard the word “moderation” from parents and others quite often.
Two questions today for some who read, view and listen to political news and opinion would be, “Whatever happened to moderation?” and “Where are the moderates?”
We know moderate viewpoints are still around and important — especially since those favoring this approach to controversy usually prove to be the decisive factors in the end.
The T-SPLOST debate has been characterized by a lack of moderation and moderate voices from those opposed to an affirmative vote.
There has been too much of “my way or no way” by some well-meaning groups and individuals with different agendas and few, if any, practical (or politically acceptable) alternatives.
More moderation and more moderate voices would help us move forward sooner rather than later during these last days before a decision is reached.
Calling names and charging “conspiracy” can only be seen as counter-productive to prospects for a brighter future — regardless of the final result.
DICK HODGES, MARIETTA
We built ourselves into the existing mess
After decades of irresponsible development, put a fork in Atlanta: It’s done.
Doing anything more than just maintaining the existing transportation infrastructure will be like putting lipstick on a pig.
I’ve already voted against T-SPLOST (via absentee ballot) because it will trigger yet another round of irresponsible development, and in as little as 10 years, we’ll be in a worse mess than we’re in now.
We “built” ourselves into this mess, and now we’re going to “build” ourselves out?
I don’t think so.
SCOTT WILBUR, MARIETTA
Gwinnett project sites idle and rusting away
I would be much more inclined to vote for the proposed tax if it were not for the multiple incomplete construction sites I see on a daily basis on roads in Gwinnett County.
These projects were started many months ago.
On a daily basis I see them idle, with thousands of dollars of construction equipment idle and rusting away.
Why not place all manpower and equipment on one project, finish it and move to the next project?
CLYDE R. FORTNER, STONE MOUNTAIN
‘Plan B’ suggestions to improve traffic
Here are some thoughts as to a T-SPLOST Plan B.
We could widen (or double-deck) the Downtown Connector.
Or we could build a traffic-signal coordination headquarters to enable signal controls for the entire city (to facilitate traffic flow).
Or we could build an additional Perimeter — and keep the land speculators and politicians out of the projects.
These three proposed projects would change Atlanta’s traffic destiny.
BRANDT ROSS, ATLANTA
