It’s wise to look closely at who has your animal
I enjoyed the pet-sitting article showing the plus side of in-home animal care (“The pluses of pet-sitters,” Living, May 22). I have my own pet-sitting business. It is great to have options besides taking your “babies” to a vet.
I would suggest being a bit leery of websites matching travelers with housesitters (only because they are indeed strangers). Having someone you do not know in your home is risky, so please do your homework — conduct a thorough investigation of the company and the individual.
I am thankful daily to provide this service to these sweet animals. It’s instant gratification when little tails are wagging furiously the minute you walk in the door.
Susan Hartsfield Tanner, Cumming
Revenue sources all work the same way
Without taking sides on the current debate over how to fund the new Falcons stadium, I do think there needs to be a clarification on the issue of the hotel/motel tax being discussed as a revenue source.
In “How a new stadium would benefit us all” (Opinion, May 6), Richard McKay made the point that the tax comes from out-of-town visitors (not local residents). This implies this is “free money” that couldn’t, or wouldn’t, be used for other purposes. Monies from sales taxes, property taxes, or even parking tickets are of equal value when providing services for the citizens of Atlanta.
Eric Sandberg, Atlanta
Downplay excellence? What a foolish idea!
The complete lack of logic expressed by several school administrators about class rankings is jaw-dropping (“Title for top of class dropped,” Metro, May 21.)
It may come as a shock to these people, but students will face defeats and disappointments, and need to learn to deal with them. Taking away incentives to excel doesn’t necessarily focus on learning for learning’s sake. Is it more important for students to work as colleagues and in groups, instead of trying to be at the top?
This whole philosophy of no pressure, no hurt feelings, and no rewards for doing well makes no sense.
Judith McCarthy, Atlanta
Chattahoochee’s peril is an embarrassment
Regarding “Chattahoochee makes ‘most endangered’ list” (Metro, May 15), the Clean Water Act needs to be broadened and secured to protect the Chattahoochee River.
It is a shame that the Chattahoochee has surpassed other rivers in the United States to be No. 3 on the American Rivers annual top 10 list. Georgia is gaining fame not as an environmental leader, but as a procrastinator to the nation’s call for a sustainably responsible society.
The Clean Water Act must include protection for streams and wetlands. Shame on Representatives Barrow and Bishop for thinking otherwise.
REBECCA LAM, ALPHARETTA
