MASS TRANSIT
MARTA improving,
but challenges remain
As a former MARTA employee, I was gratified to read about Keith T. Parker’s plans to put MARTA on “the right track” (“MARTA’s new momentum,” Opinion, Dec 10). Important challenges remain.
The “Ride with Respect” program requires sufficient sworn officers to enforce it systemwide, including coverage for all trains and station platforms. Local police must aid this effort — especially the Atlanta Police Department at the Five Points Station.
The racial imbalance among bus and train operators must be addressed. Diversity goes both ways.
If MARTA is to change its perception as only an urban organization, in addition to reaching out to Georgia’s Legislature, Parker must make a concerted effort to engage county commissions, city councils, mayors and other officials (and the public) in suburban areas. In time, this can make it possible for MARTA to become what it was intended to be: the center of an areawide system.
EDWARD A. WATKINS, LILBURN
GOVERNANCE
A state official again
makes us all look silly
It seems that our state’s leaders are intent in their mission to continue to make us look silly, while either ignoring or making fun of the needs of Georgia citizens (“State insurance chief’s comments under fire,” News, Dec. 5).
It is time for Georgians to expect respect from our leaders. Let’s get that buffoon out of the position of insurance commissioner.
VICKI DAVIS, PEACHTREE CITY
RECOVERY
Time for a fresh look
at economic policies
Thank you very much for publishing the well-researched pieces “Investors celebrate good news” (News, Dec. 7) and “Long-term jobless in limbo” (News, Dec. 7).
However, I believe it is time to re-think the role of employment numbers as an indication of the nation’s economic health. Advances in technology have made it possible for one man to do a job that required 11 men only two decades ago. Advances are already accelerating. The technical revolution will continue. There are, however, measures that will alleviate the resulting unemployment, and the economic hardship unemployment causes.
Our farmers can produce much more, and we pay them a subsidy for either not producing more, or to stabilize the price of farm products. These subsidies continue even though foreign produce is allowed into the country. We should also consider reducing the work hours for our workers, and making it possible for other qualified workers to find jobs.
We also have to make sure that we adequately fund education, to ensure a continuous supply of highly educated and properly trained graduates. It is a pity that our political leaders find millions to subsidize sports, but cannot find enough money for education.
PAVITTAR S. SAFIR, ROSWELL
