Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: June 26, 2007

Hoping barriers clear for shelter

While I do not wish to make light of a serious situation, I could not help but notice Saturday's (June 9) prominent aptonym (aka perfect-fit last name). In a front-page article about the denial of a shelter for abused women, the zoning administrator making the announcement was Joe Honbarrier. Now that's a PFLN if I ever saw one.

For the record, I am a longtime supporter of New Directions shelter and, like Mr. Honbarrier, certainly hope this issue can be resolved.

Peyton Coyner

Afton

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Lead group only attracted to college towns

I would like to take a few minutes of your time to express my thoughts concerning the Lead Virginia group that was discussed in the editorial "Waynesboro needs a Lead" on June 20. I disagree that the residents of Waynesboro are responsible for the Lead team not visiting Waynesboro. I am sure everyone in Waynesboro can see that the Lead group visited only the college towns.

I don't know exactly who they were, what their intentions are, and how the members made the team. Was there someone in the city management who failed to inform the residents of Waynesboro this team was going to visit the area- Did they keep this to themselves, knowing this team wasn't going to visit Waynesboro- Did anyone in the city management have any previous contact with this group- I would like to know the answer to these questions! I have never heard of them before it was in the paper.

So based on what I have read in the Waynesboro paper, it seems to me like the residents of Waynesboro should be asking the City Council to consider having a college developed here in our city. When a college would be built and made into a successful venture, then all the other needs (River Walk, rebuilding the Wayne Theatre) would create a good return on the city investment instead of pouring hard-earned tax money down the drain.

Marshall F. Coin

Waynesboro

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Keep school named for Kate Collins

With people in the limelight like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, to mention a few, I am strongly against changing the name of Kate Collins Middle School. She was an educator, a lady and a Christian who devoted her life to the betterment of our children. Our youth of today need a role model like Kate Collins. Please keep it Kate Collins. Thank you for you attention.

William Hunt

Waynesboro

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Are tax dollars going where residents want-

I was amazed when I read that our wonderful city had lost $300,000, and it was miraculously found.

Then, instead of paying debt or investing it into an interest-bearing fund, our City Council members decided to give it away to the Wayne Theatre Alliance. Now, it really saddens my heart to learn that our council will not refund the small amount of $2,500 back to the Dooms Volunteer Fire Department. I know of no one who will say that the fire department doesn't deserve to get back their fees, because of all they do volunteering to help our wonderful city.

It seems like it will cost the residents more now that the volunteers won't be here to help during flood cleanup and other non-emergency activities. It's time to wake up, voters, and let's clean house as the next couple of elections happen to get councilmembers who will make decisions in our best interest, not just theirs.

Michael Shifflett

Waynesboro