Letters

Cock-a-doodle-don’t! Roosters to your neutral corners — go!
In an apparent effort to avoid appearing reactive to the serious education, infrastructure and financial crisis facing Tennessee our legislators in Nashville instead chose to tackle the more serious problems of Rooster Sports and extended breast feeding by the state’s mothers.
After determining that the cockfighting promoters and casual observers are equally guilty, it was proposed that a $2,500 fine (first offense) would be preventative.

In the March 18 issue, you published census data for Roane and surrounding counties.
Roane seriously lagged behind with growth of just 4 percent compared to Loudon at 24 percent, Blount at 16 percent, Cumberland at 19 percent and Knox at 13 percent.
I am a newcomer to this area, having moved in 2010 from Dallas, Texas to this beautiful county that is blessed with the most wonderful natural resources, lake and mountain vistas that are feasts for the eyes.

On Feb. 28, flooding destroyed food and supplies at the Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse in North Knoxville. On its behalf, an ice cream social fundraiser was held, hosted by the Roane County Democratic Party and Market Street Fountain at Ladd Landing in Kingston.
Nearly $500 was raised. Many thanks to those who contributed or volunteered.  A small number of people can make a difference for people in need. 
The event was a success, in large part, due to a front page item in the March 2 edition of the Roane County News.
Kudos to all!

Over 50 years ago I interviewed with the school board for my first teaching position in a small town.
I was immediately told they did not allow any teachers their school to belong to a union.
Each teacher was to negotiate his or her own salary and that salary was to be kept in strict confidence.  
I was able to bargain them up to $1,800 a year!  
Later, I learned I was making more than the teacher who had been with them for 30 years, but who “didn't squabble over salary.”