Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: April 4, 2008

Voters need more information
With the City Council elections coming up, it might be worthwhile to review the recent bond referendum and how it may pertain.

Three of five council members were in favor of the bonds, but they needed four in favor to pass it — a supermajority. To get around the stalemate, the majority decided to have a referendum and let the voters decide.

An informative pamphlet was written and approved by the council. It clearly supported all five issues. It did not include some information, which the minority, as well as some voters, would have liked to include, such as operating cost, interest cost, benefit versus cost and cost per household. If voters are to decide, we should be presented with balanced views. Possibly because The News Virginian supported three of the five, only those three passed.

I checked on the cost benefit of one of the bond issues, the ballpark lights. City Council members and city employees were extremely helpful in supplying information to do this. The benefit of the lighted ball fields depends on how many children will use them, and for how long.

It is projected that the amortized installation cost, plus the operating cost to use the lights is $30 per hour, per child. Isn't that high- Couldn't the money be better spent elsewhere, or not spent at all- I did not check on the other issues because they are more complicated. But concerning the fire station, response time was a major consideration. I noted that there was some disagreement about the value of decreasing the response time by controlling the traffic lights, always green for the emergency vehicles. A test could be made to determine this, replacing opinion with facts.

We should be sure that the benefit of a project justifies the cost and borrow only if it is really necessary. If we pay as we go, we would get twice as much for our tax dollars by saving on interest.

We should have council members that are fiscally prudent, and consider all the citizens, not just special interests. I suggest that Frank Lucente, Bruce Allen and Tim Williams meet those criteria.
Irvin Erler
Waynesboro

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A call to worship
On Feb. 21, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Whether I die tomorrow, or in 50 years, I need to know that I have followed God's instructions and am right with Him.

Thus the purpose of this letter: I am attempting to spread the good news to others of what they need to do to receive forgiveness of their sins and receive the Holy Spirit.

Second Acts 38 reads, "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' "

Then you become a part of Christ's church, not a building, but a group of chosen people who meet to teach others, fellowship, encourage each other and for the breaking of bread. It is only through following these instructions that we can be assured of meeting our loved ones someday in eternity. I want to have that assurance.

I would like to extend to every non-Christian an invitation to join me this Sunday at Central Point Christian Church, 1892 Goosecreek Road in Waynesboro, or the closest Christian church near you. Help spread the good news. Help me get to heaven.
Teena Hall
Crimora