State needs to get its act together, fix GDOT
Thankfully, the contractor employment referendum (also known as T-SPLOST) went down in flames.
There will be a lot of analysis about why it failed. The real reason is simple: We don’t want to have to pay more taxes on top of what we already pay, to get done what should have been done with what we do pay. State of Georgia, get your act together; fix the dysfunctional Department of Transportation, and fix our roads.
VERNON PEPPERS, ATLANTA
Don’t deny distrust of state government
If lobbyists and state and local leaders want to know why the T-SPLOST failed, they have no further to look than a mirror.
Do not blame opposition from such groups as the tea party or the Sierra Club — this does a disservice to our electorate. It is difficult to gain the trust of Georgians when they are told they must vote for transportation improvements, and the same government advocating improvements has one arm outstretched in a handshake, and the other extended in a fist.
VINCENT M. KELLY, LITHONIA
Following law, not apologies, is needed
Regarding “Apologies sought, but none are given” (Metro, July 27), there is no need for House Ethics Committee Chairman Joe Wilkinson to apologize for his “watchdog role” in exposing candidates who signed a $100 lobbyist gift cap pledge, yet were listed on the Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission website as violating ethics and campaign laws.
Wilkinson compiled the list without fear or favor; Democrats and Republicans were named, and it was correct when released.
It is not his fault that one candidate’s filing was under a misspelled name, or that others had cases where fines or filings had to be rectified. It is up to candidates to ensure they are complying with the law.
STATE REP. MARK HAMILTON, R-CUMMING
Obesity a greater problem than hunger
Regarding “End senior hunger in Georgia” (Opinion, July 28), I’m a “senior” (age 77), and observe folks on government assistance. The national discourse about hunger is a political exercise. The federal definition of hunger is an abomination.
Food is a major health issue. We have more reason in this country to lament eating excesses, than food affordability. This is particularly apparent among seniors. Much of our population is trending into weight issues by ages 40 to 50.
Spare me the argument concerning medication and meals. Much of the need for medication and expensive medical procedures is the result of too much food (examples are diabetes, cardiac issues and lower joint problems).
MARVIN EPP, CUMMING
