Published: November 06, 2009 03:02 pm      

Letters to the editor, Nov. 8, 2009

We need recycling

Dear editor,

I would like to thank the city and the county for making me a true believer of the adage, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

I own property in the city and the county, so I pay taxes to each. My husband and I are avid recyclers. Last weekend, since the drop-off bins are gone from the city, my husband took the recycling to our county barn only to find the facility locked with a sign listing the hours as between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. So having wasted his time and the gas it took to get there, he had to leave with a month’s worth of recycling.

Paper can go to the schools, but if you work during the week, what are you to do with the plastic and glass on the weekends?

Obviously, real recycling is not wanted in Weatherford or Parker County. If you recycle plastic and glass in the county, you’re punished by having to choose between your job and recycling. If you recycle in the city, you have to pay $55 dollars for a plastic dumpster and a monthly fee.

Residents already pay excessive taxes and shouldn’t be charged more for doing the right thing. Other cities charge people for not recycling, realizing in the long run it saves money because they will need less landfill space.

It seems our elected officials only want immediate rewards instead of careful long-term planning. Residents should remember this come election time. Someday your city and county taxes will increase when Weatherford has to find new landfill space, and the county has to hire crews to pick up litter.

No good deed goes unpunished. So now a month’s worth of good deeds will be thrown out with the regular trash.

Linda Bannister,

Weatherford



Obey state laws

Dear editor,

While driving through our formerly beautiful tranquil countryside, it’s apparent many citizens are not familiar with state laws intended to keep Texas beautiful and safe.

Every roadside and intersection is profusely littered with advertising signs of all sorts: House and garage sales, restaurants, sports team auditions — to name only a few. The trash and litter on our formerly serene Texas countryside is pathetically abundant.

State of Texas laws expressly prohibit the placement of signs on state roadways. I urge all citizens, business owners and residents to educate and obey these laws. The State of Texas Transportation Code (Title 6. Roadways, Chapter 393, Section 002 – Outdoor Signs On Public Rights-Of-Way) clearly states “SIGN PLACEMENT PROHIBITED.” The full text of the law can be found at www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/tn.toc.htm.

Everyone placing a sign on public roadways should be advised they could be reported either to law enforcement authorities for enforcement of the above mentioned code, or could be reported for littering on a Texas roadway at www.dontmesswithtexas.org. Yes, placement of a sign on a Texas thoroughfare is littering.

To all those inconsiderate people who consider the roadways as their personal trashcan, shame on you! Disposal of your own trash and cigarette butts to your own trash can in your own home is greatly appreciated by everyone who considers Texas too great a state upon which to be dirtied and littered.

According to the driving laws of the State of Texas, it is illegal to drive on the shoulder of a roadway (www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/DLhandbook.pdf). This law is blatantly ignored by too many in our community. While no one enjoys the traffic woes of sitting our turn in line at a light or an intersection, no one’s life should be at risk because of an impatient driver who considers a roadway shoulder as a personal lane of traffic.

Sharmayne Bierschenk,

Weatherford



Voters aren’t stupid

Dear editor,

Did you ever notice that when voters defeat a proposed tax hike, politicians — and that’s what school district superintendents and college presidents are first — always say the voters were just to stupid and ill informed to make the right choice?

Joe Cole,

Weatherford



For our troops

Dear editor,

A recent photo in the Democrat showed a group of professional people who had collected candy to send to our troops overseas. This, of course, is a time-honored way of showing appreciation, love and support for our fighting men risking their personal safety and well being for our (to most of us) beloved country.

In previous conflicts, the practice of sending goodies to the troops was usually less of a group effort and more often a personal act of sending homemade cookies or candy that had the best chance of surviving the different temperatures it might have to endure on the way to the recipient.

Many individuals or families still do this, but, perhaps to a lesser degree because of more mothers and wives in the work force and the more hectic pace of our lives today.

During the Vietnam War, a fellow I know wanted to send something to a young soldier in that conflict. After some thought, he went to the office of C.D. Hartnett and Co. and ordered a large case of Cracker Jack. As many of you know, there is a small toy in each box. The fellow shipped the whole case to the soldier and it was delivered to him intact.

The soldier’s name was Gary Billman of Weatherford. Gary had worked for the sender and his father before he enlisted.

Gary was tickled to get such an unusual piece of mail. He kept one box of Cracker Jack and handed out the rest to the men in his company and then they all stood in a neat military-style group, each with an unofficial grin on his face, proudly holding their box of Cracker Jack.

The resulting priceless photo was sent to the fellow back home. Sadly, it has been lost over time.

Bill Fant,

Millsap



Every day should be Veterans Day

Dear editor,

As a proud Vietnam veteran who is preparing for Veterans Day, I find it tragic that so many of my fellow Americans view Nov. 11 as just another day off work.

I lost friends in Vietnam, and I made a promise to their families that they would never, ever be forgotten.

With wars on two fronts — and the VA workload topping one million claims — it’s time for all Americans to remember the true meaning of Veterans Day. I hope everyone in our area will remember what Veterans Day is all about.

Call one of our local VFW Posts to take part in our ceremonies. And as we near the holidays, please keep our deployed troops and their families in your prayers. Send a care package or donate to a program that supports our troops and veterans, such as VFW Operation Uplink, www.operationuplink.org.

Always remember those who have fought for your freedom!

Tommy Hawkins,

Weatherford



Parker Paws says thank you

Dear editor,

I want to thank all the supporters of Parker Paws who helped us win in the recent promotion of non-profits groups by the American State Bank.

The $5,000 prize will go far in our mission to help the lost and abandoned animals at the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter.

It is encouraging to have so many others in the community help us in our goal.

I thank the employees at American State Bank for this wonderful opportunity, not only for the prize, but to give non-profit groups the exposure that will increase their support, too.

I encourage everyone to support their favorite causes, there are so many outstanding groups who contribute to this community.

Barbara Pursley,

President, Parker Paws,

Weatherford



Well done

Dear editor,

Kudos to the Weatherford varsity football team. That was an incredible and unforgettable win over Richland Homecoming weekend.

The memorable event was certainly the highlight to our visitation from upstate New York.

As an alumnus of Weatherford High School, graduating in 1966, and a member of the 1965 champion football team, I would like to say that it was an honor to be present for the win over Richland. Nice job.

My wife and I traveled by train to Weatherford, and let me say, a trip well worth it.

Doug Rountree,

Shushan, N.Y.