Wed, May 14, 2008
Letters are published Wednesdays and Fridays
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Roundabout is delight to travel
How could any project recently undertaken by our county commission exceed the success of the new roundabout at the intersections of Demere and Frederica Roads?
It is a delight to travel — any time of day — and enjoy more efficient travel and less time in line than previously at this location. I am amazed at the nay sayers who even now bemoan the improvements. I can hardly wait for the complaints to shift to "what happens when the second lane is in use?"
But I do understand; it's about change. I guess it's no different from a church trying to grow in ministry or a presidential candidate promising that things will be better. Most folks want the end result, but don't want the change and effort required to achieve it. The roundabouts are not rocket science. If we can learn that "yield" doesn't mean you have to stop, if we can take an "after you" courteous attitude and if we can learn that a right hand signal means you're about to exit the circle, then most of us can do this.
For the few who can't, a cab ride is only $5. And while I'm at it, let me thank the current county commission also for the work on the Village Master Plan Revision. Now, if we can just get it together on moving the jail out of Brunswick!
Roland Daniel
St. Simons Island
Other nations can help fund U.N. renovations
Our concerns locally with county construction projects are indeed valid. Let's look at what's in play on the national scene. Those familiar with New York City are aware of the 59-year-old United Nations building built on 18 acres between 42nd Street and 48th Street on the shore of the East River.
Locked in negotiations since 2005 are 192 member countries, many of whom despise America, trying to find ways for the U.S. to fund the lion's share of a $1.9 billion refurbishment of the building. President Bush in 2005 offered a $1.2 billion 5.54 percent low-rate loan subject to congressional approval. Since this was not an outright gift, this was not acceptable.
Due to the passage of time and inflation, the magic number now is $1.9 billion without "a shovel in the ground." Also who among us thinks a project of this magnitude could possibly be built on budget and schedule, especially in New York? With such affluent member nations, not even including the G-8, as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, isn't it reasonable that these oil exporters should at least fund their share with the excess profits from the outrageous $120 per barrel for oil?
The U.N. committee wants the "host country" to pay the bill.
The U.S. is responsible for 22 percent of the grand total while the other 191 countries combined has a payable of 23.9 percent! China, in which we are deeply in debt, is only in for 2 percent. France is only going for .2 percent (why bother?)
David Melvin
St. Simons Island
Officials meeting behind closed doors must stop
Appalling doesn't even begin to describe the May 8 ruling by Judge Ronnie Rahn III in the lawsuit brought by Defend Downtown Brunswick against the Brunswick and Glynn County concerning the expansion of the jail in downtown Brunswick.
The basis of the lawsuit was that the county had violated the Georgia Open Meetings law by holding private discussions (plural) on the jail expansion.
Judge Rahn dismissed the case because the exact date of the private meeting (singular) could not be produced. Is it just me that sees the absurdity in this ruling? We are talking about multiple meetings and discussions here, not one specific day.
Commission minutes show that on Jan. 7, 2006, a plan offered by a paid consultant (Carter, Goble & Lee) was adopted to build the jail at the Public Works site on U.S. 341 (2.7 miles from the city).
Any discussions after this were just that. Suspected closed-door negotiations were rumored around September 2007. It was not until Feb. 7, 2008, the Glynn County Commission had the audacity to show an architectural drawing of the new jail planned for downtown and then vote on a resolution to approve what they had been secretly discussing for months.
Are elected officials and judges going to be allowed to continue to use slick tactics? Where is the rule of law in this case? Where is justice for the citizens of Glynn County?
Catherine Browning
Brunswick
Spirit of generosity alive in this community
Two recent events highlight the fact that we live in a wonderful community filled with generous neighbors.
First, once the initial shock of the aftermath of the tornado which raced through Sea Palms on Sunday afternoon went away, the caring spirit of many caused them to go to the aid of their neighbor. Police, fire, and other emergency personnel were on site immediately. In fact, I have heard that several policemen actually rushed to the area as the storm hit and stopped people from heading into its path.
Several church groups turned out with saws, rakes, water, and offered other assistance to those hardest hit. Others moved through the Enclave and rendered help to those just beginning to pick up the pieces. Strangers showed up with heavy equipment, and Georgia Power and others worked until late in the night.
Second, the pantry shelves at Sparrows Nest, a FaithWorks Ministry, are overflowing due to the hard work of the local mail carriers and generosity of the community. We were one of several agencies in Glynn County that benefited from those who took the opportunity on Saturday to reach out to strangers who are hungry and are having difficult times. The food will last for several weeks and will save us hundreds of dollars in food costs for our ministry.
Much can happen when people put their faith to work. Many have been blessed these past few days due to the thoughtfulness of others. I have seen that same spirit in many ways and many places, and it always brings a sense of peace and comfort in knowing that we live in such a wonderful place.
Wright A. Culpepper
Brunswick
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