Real reasons for running?

The City of Gastonia has had several distinguished mayors through the years. Names like R. Gregg Cherry, Harrelson Yancey, Roland Bradley, Dan Gunter, T. Jeffers, Harry Connor, Glendell Brooks, and Porter McAteer stand out. And who could forget Gastonia’s longest-serving mayor and mayor emeritus, Jick Garland? A downtown business center was even named for him. What a great job he did for the citizens of Gastonia.

For now and tomorrow

With Nov. 6 just a day away, my mind continues to focus on the Gaston County school bond issue that is before us. It is exciting that our county is growing; however, the issue of our children’s future education is extremely critical. We cannot afford to move forward with housing/community development and not address the present state of our schools. To think that we are educating students for the future in a school facility that has one or two outlets per classroom is frightening! The overcrowding and present need to build more schools is not going to disappear. We are foolish to think that this problem will take care of itself. It will not! New schools must be built and existing schools must be updated to address the needs of Gaston County. Our future as individuals and a community depend on seeing the school bonds passed on Nov. 6. Please think about what it may cost your children, grandchildren, friends and future leaders if these school bonds are not passed! We cannot afford to sit back and be quiet any longer.

More money to waste

Shock filled me to find the schools chief was to speak to church leaders on aiding education. An entity that in my opinion believes in “freedom from religion” is appealing to churches that believe in “freedom of religion.” With hat in hand, he seeks school bond support.

Critical to the future

As a member of the Highland School Improvement Team, I am urging you to vote for the Gaston County school bond package in the upcoming election. What could possibly be more important for our children than a good, solid education, which is the foundation for our children’s future success? I agree there are more issues that need to be dealt with in order to guarantee the success rate in the Gaston County Schools; however, we must first deal with the fact that we must have somewhere to put our children without subjecting them to an overcrowded and congested environment. How can we expect teachers to be a positive influence and our children to thrive in an atmosphere that is filled to capacity?

Students deserve better

I have a grandson who attends East Gaston High School. He was very excited to begin his freshman year last year. I was shocked to learn from him about how crowded the school is. One area next to the school building is nothing but trailers. Because there are so many students, he doesn’t have enough time to go through the cafeteria line and to eat his lunch. The halls are so crowded that he feels like he has to push his way through to make it to his next class on time. Also, there is no auditorium large enough to hold the entire student body for assembly programs.

None finer for Ward 5

John B. Howren Jr. was elected to represent Ward 5 on the Gastonia City Council in November 2005, a candidacy I did not support at that time. But he is a consummate professional and a man who takes the time to discover the real needs of his community and then to provide honest and concrete solutions. He has turned me around 180 degrees and I can think of no finer person to continue in that office. John Howren has my vote.

Do right by our kids

My child attends Page Elementary in Belmont. They have new facilities that they received from the last bond. We are blessed to have such a nice school.

Invest in our future

This time of year no matter where you drive you can’t help but see the signs out on vote for this or vote for that plastered everywhere you go. One sign that should stand out beyond all the others is the one that says, “Vote yes for school bonds.” As a parent of a future East Gaston High student and a current Hunter Huss High IB 10th-grader, this sign is very important to me. I know as a parent that East Gaston has way too many trailers and students and when my son gets there in two short years I would prefer him to be in a real classroom with a better teacher to student ratio. This cannot happen if we don’t vote for the School bond funds.

Rally around schools

On Nov. 6, when the registered voters in Gaston County go to the polls, they will have an opportunity to vote on a school bond referendum. In spite of our political affiliation, this is the time we must work together and do the right thing for the welfare of our children and community.

Ensure quality education

The writer is principal of J.B. Page Elementary School.

A candidate who cares

I have known Porter McAteer for many years as a neighbor. He is an individual who is honest, has good character and values his family, faith, community and fellowman.

Cheaper in the long run

At a Gaston County Schools Countywide Parent Advisory meeting in September, Superintendent Reeves McGlohon explained that if the bond referendum fails, we still have to build needed schools and it will be more expensive if we use a method with a higher interest rate than bonds. Believe it or not, $175 million started sounding like a bargain! I cannot think of a better way to spend my tax dollars than on education; however, being practical, I don’t want to pay more money over the long haul when I can pay less via the 2007 bond referendum for improvements we desperately need right now.

Return Howren to office

I want to urge all my fellow citizens to return John Howren to the City Council. I have known John for many years and was happy to see him be willing to use his time and talents in public service. Of course, being on City Council is a thankless job, but he has shown continued enthusiasm and zest for what he is doing that is quite remarkable.

Problems won't go away

I have two children who attend Hunter Huss High School — one is a freshman and one a senior. Huss has excellent teachers and programs and a dedicated and committed staff and administration. I am pleased with the improvements in achievement under this administration and very proud of the accomplishments of the students.

School needs affect all

The writer is a senior at Ashbrook High School.

Questionable spending

In recent columns and letters by retired Gastonia HR director Dave Henderson, the public is being informed of some of the questionable and alarming spending habits of our elected officials. I applaud and thank Mr. Henderson for opening our eyes to this. Mayor Jennie Stultz’s rebuttal and attempt to justify her spending habits were lame at best.

For all Gaston children

I want to take the opportunity to ask the people of Cherryville to support the school bond referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Provide the tools to learn

If we don’t pass the skool bond referendum, then we will have r future generations reding and writing lik this.

Vote responsibly

As a student at the Highland School of Technology, I want to encourage the people of Gaston County to support the school bonds on the Nov. 6 election ballot.

Rooms, not trailers

My child attends Page Elementary School in Belmont, and I am thankful that Page opened a new classroom addition last year. This addition has greatly benefited the students and teachers.

Don't ignore children

When I was asked to serve on the Steering Committee for the school bond referendum, I felt that as a resident of Gastonia it was my responsibility to do so and I was happy to help.

For community benefit

I strongly encourage all community members who are eligible to vote during Gaston County school district’s bond election Nov. 6 to cast their ballots.

Numbers raise red flags

I am opposed to the school bonds and here are only a few reasons why. Credibility is a major concern.

Help and support schools

As a student at East Gaston High School, I encourage the citizens of Gaston County to vote “yes” on Nov. 6 for the school bond referendum.

Everyone will benefit

Cherryville is fortunate to have four great schools with great teachers and administrators. I also believe we have the best students in the county. I am thankful that my children have the opportunity to attend Cherryville schools.

Our duty to children

We hear it every day in our world, its been written about in songs, we tell them daily as a reminder of their great responsibility to come: “Our children are our future!”

Self-serving city council

Thank you, Gaston Gazette, for sponsoring the “Lunch with the Candidates” chat. As one who participated, the chat was fast paced and provided some insight into the views of the Gastonia mayoral candidates on specific issues.

Mend our swollen schools

The writer is a senior at Ashbrook High School.

A leader Gastonia needs

My friend John Howren is in his first term as councilman for the city of Gastonia. It has been a busy and productive 19 months of service to the citizens of Gastonia. From center city development to transportation and housing issues, you will always see John Howren deeply involved. This is the kind of councilman we will continue to need. Energy, intelligence, leadership, open to suggestion, dedicated — that’s John Howren.

Accountability for decisions

I watched a recent council meeting and couldn’t help being impressed by the gentleman’s remarks concerning the Spring Haven Subdivision. What impressed me the most was not his objections to the proposed project, but his willingness to stand up and hold his elected officials accountable for their actions. His issues are different than my own, but I know just how he feels to be disregarded and taken for granted.

Making the tough decisions

It’s easy to promise folks whatever they want to hear and dodge the tough decisions. Mayor Jennie Stultz has made the hard decisions and demonstrated true leadership during her time as mayor of Gastonia.

Honest, qualified, capable

I would like to encourage everyone to vote for Porter McAteer for mayor of Gastonia.

Officials who get things done

I would like to express my support for Howren, Watson and Burkette in the coming city council election. They take time to listen to taxpayers and, if warranted, do something to correct or make the situation better.

Vote for 'City Pride'

We are writing this article to ask you to join us in re-electing Mayor Jennie Stultz. Her dedication to our city puts a new meaning on the phrase “City Pride.”

Stop the 'admiration society'

In the Oct. 21 Gazette, Mayor Stultz mentions how she has become an ambassador for Gastonia, which means nothing for the man on the street. The mayor has had a glorious time making meaningless trips.

Schools have top priority

Gaston County has a lot to be proud of, and I’m happy to have called it home for the past 15 years. You may have lived here much longer and can attest that it isn’t like it used to be. We aren’t a textile county anymore, so what are we? What makes us stand out and attract residents and industry? How about this — our schools? Everyone wants to live in a “good school district.” It increases property values and draws a healthy tax base. “Good schools” are found in a community whose residents prioritize the young people of their next generation and offer them the resources and opportunities to pursue their personal growth and to make the world a better place.

Support for education

I have read, not only with interest but also with concern, Feedback letters in The Gazette opposing the school bonds. While I too am concerned about the way our tax monies are spent, I would not take this frustration out on the children of Gaston County and by extension the future of Gaston County. Even if you are unhappy with the way our commissioners spend tax dollars, voting down the one thing that can most help this county (school bonds) is not the way to voice concern.

Bonds are the best way

The writer is chairman of the Gaston County Board of Education.

All the taxes we can stand

Once again the citizens of Gaston County will be asked to dig into their pockets for school bonds. The average citizen was just taxed about 20 percent in 2007 on their property tax. If the bonds pass, in seven years we will pay 14.9 percent more. This will be 34.9 percent increase, but remember it will be time for another re-value. You could be paying 10-20 percent more again.

Bonds are right for Gaston

On Election Day you will have the opportunity to vote for a $175 million bond package for Gaston County Schools. Residential growth has and will continue to increase our population, thus the need for more classroom space. Even more development is on the way. Gaston County and municipalities inside our county have approved hundreds of lots for new homes. Many of the schools in Gaston County are extremely overcrowded. Mobile classrooms are being used to try and accommodate the growing number of students. This presents a new set of problems including the safety of our children in an emergency “lockdown” situation.

Responsibility for schools

I recently read that the schools in Gaston County are severely overcrowded. I was amazed to see the high schools at 113 percent capacity. This tells me that we have a serious problem when it comes to having enough classroom space for our children.

Fewer crowded classrooms

My child is a student at Woodhill Elementary School in Gastonia. I am excited to know that the school bond referendum includes a new addition for Woodhill. This will help relieve the school’s overcrowding situation, and that is why I feel it is important to support the bond referendum.

Serving all of Gastonia

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Gastonia will be deciding the city council leadership for the next four years. We need someone that is a proven progressive leader in Ward 1 that you can trust. That person is present Councilman Jeff Horne.

The family candidate

I am proud to have Jeff Horne as our councilman serving Gastonia in Ward 1. Jeff is a man that is committed to the love of his family, church, friends and the City of Gastonia. He is a councilman that believes in open government and in fully discussing the issues before making an important decision or new city policy.

Serving with an open mind

I am pleased to have the opportunity to express my support for John Howren, a candidate for our city council. I have, over the past two years, had the pleasure of serving with John on our ABC Board. His deep desire to learn the details of our board operations is reflected in his positive and insightful suggestions at our meeting. I see this same approach in his desire to serve as our councilman. John approaches each issue with an open mind, in-depth research and a willing to do what is right, not what is popular, for our city.

Bond will stop the leak

I equate the current situation of schools in Gaston County to that of a leaky pipe that has been ignored for a very long time. At first, when the pipe began having slow leaks, those elected to represent the citizens of Gaston County chose to pretend that the leak wasn’t real and did nothing. This allowed them to run for re-election bragging about how much money they were saving on plumbing. Later, when the leak grew worse, the politicians who control spending decided to apply only a Band-Aid to the problem and the leak grew worse. Still they were again able to campaign and tell the citizens how much money they had saved on plumbing and how they were cutting taxes for everyone.

Big bond, big problems

I supported the $89 million school bond package; however, I cannot support the school bond this time.

For students and growth

I am writing in reference to the $175 million school bond referendum for Gaston County.

Isn't eight years enough?

On July 18, 2006, your Gastonia mayor and city council voted to change their terms of office from two years to four years.

Keep the momentum going

Who do you want representing Gastonia? Mayor Jennie Stultz has been a champion of Gastonia’s gifts and challenges statewide and nationally. Under Jennie’s leadership Gastonia is earning a reputation as a city that can offer an excellent quality of life for its citizens. Jennie is respected as a leader in Charlotte, Raleigh and Washington, where she has advocated tirelessly for Gastonia’s needs.

No planning, no saving

In regard to the school bond vote, why? Did it happen that six new schools are needed at once? Something is wrong.

Stop the hypocrisy

In 1995, Councilman Walker Reid entered the race due to a declining infrastructure and lack of leadership. He has unquestionably made monumental, lasting contributions to the Highland community and our city. I’m sure the so-called “haters” would disagree; nevertheless, without his commitment and perseverance, the downward spiral in the Highland community was sure to continue. Our community still has its share of problems, but due to these enormous efforts, there is a new sense of anticipation in the atmosphere. One need only look at the Highland School of Technology, the swimming pool, the Mexican restaurant, Family Dollar, affordable housing; and how about the revitalization of the 321 corridor, not to mention the continuing efforts to bring a grocery store and other vital amenities to the area?

Effective for Belmont

Knowing the incumbents on the Belmont City Council and having met the challengers, I would encourage the voters to seriously consider supporting Richard Turner in the Nov. 6 election.

A mayor with character

I don’t know a lot about city politics. I do know about people and character. You get to know people well growing up with them. You know their character and how they treat other kids. You learn if they are honest or if they are selfish. You see if they are hard workers that get the job done and if they are team players. You learn what their values are. These are the things I learned about Jennie Stultz when we were kids. She was always that person of high character that your parents wanted you to be friends with.

An effective mayor

We are proud that Jennie Stultz is our mayor, and we look forward to her continuing in this office. We feel thankful that Jennie is our representative as she is an effective spokesperson who is pro-growth and pro-environment. We have witnessed first hand how Jennie combines great understanding, diplomacy, intellect and grace in matters locally, nationally and internationally.

Bonds will affect taxes

I find it difficult to believe anyone such as myself (retired, owns a modest home, just received a large increase in property taxes even after getting a very small reduction from the board of adjustment) can vote yes for school bonds.

Can taxpayers afford the school bond?

It seems that when the subject of funding the educational behemoth is on the table, the question of how much the taxpayers can afford never comes up. Of course, the term “afford” is highly subjective from the viewpoint of the payers and benefactors. In my opinion if the public education establishment and their lobbies have their way, “afford” to them means as long as taxpayers have two dimes to rub together one of those dimes, and maybe a few pennies of the other one, belongs to them. This may be a bit of an exaggeration, but maybe not. Most people are forced into making choices about how to survive with the resources they have, but we don’t seem to expect government to do the same.

We aren't electing 'lifers' to serve the public

The writer is special legislative action committee chairman for N.C. Senior Democrats.

In reading recent columns by Dave Henderson and Mayor Jennie Stultz, voters need to rethink the way they as taxpayers vote. I agree with The Gazette that candidates should “run with principles.” It’s time to quit making local elections into popularity contests.

We aren’t electing ‘lifers’ to serve the public

(The writer is special legislative action committee chairman for N.C. Senior Democrats.)

In reading recent columns by Dave Henderson and Mayor Jennie Stultz, voters need to rethink the way they as taxpayers vote. I agree with The Gazette that candidates should “run with principles.” It’s time to quit making local elections into popularity contests.

Expense spending fleeces taxpayers

David Henderson, Gastonia (The writer is a retired human resources director for the City of Gastonia.)

Recently, Mayor Stultz indicated that she was surprised that this writer, a lifelong acquaintance, would speak out about spending habits of the city’s elected officials. For the record, this author is not angry but concerned about unchecked spending decisions by elected officials and the negative impact their decisions have had on taxpayers.

The city could do more

James Haddon, Gastonia

I am a concerned senior citizen of Gastonia. In my opinion, we have a mayor that only works as mayor one day a week. What is a mayor’s salary for 52 days’ work in a year?

Whitewater pays dividends

Irl Dixon, Belmont (The writer is a Belmont City Council member running for re-election.)

I wanted to respond to the recent letter to the editor by Richard Turner, a candidate for Belmont City Council.