April 12, 2008 11:47 pm
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• Honor Judge McLane
Time and time again we read in the newspapers of the plight of honored and honorable men who have fallen from grace in the public arena; politicians, business leaders — even clergy. It is vital that we pay homage to those men and women in America who uphold the principles and virtues that have made this nation great, who remain stalwarts of integrity in our communities. It is just as important to recognize the contributions of such persons, while they are alive and are serving as examples of volunteerism, philanthropic compassion, and a true embodiment of justice and fair play.
I wish to pay homage to just such an individual — Judge H. Arthur “Mac” McLane. His many years of service to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Metropolitan area, the State of Georgia, and the nation, more than qualify him for this special honor. I am asking the citizens of the area to join me in requesting that the new Lowndes County Judicial Building be named in honor of one of the most outstanding jurists of our time-one of Valdosta’s own; the Honorable Judge H. Arthur McLane.
Lee Henderson
Valdosta
• Focus on their education
Dear Dr. Bill Cason and Valdosta Board of Education Members,
I have been very concerned about the local newspaper story of 400 students. I want you to understand as a taxpayer, and a person who is extremely concerned about our children’s education. I have taken the time to feel the pulse of our community and 98.5 percent of all the people I have talked to and have read their statements, says that our principal has and is doing an outstanding job. He has shown that he loves all of our youth. Trying to give the troublemakers an opportunity for an education. While trying to give 13-1,400 students a chance to learn in an environment where they can focus on their education.
I think it would be wonderful if the parents of all these students would be parents all the time for their children’s sake. As the man who is running for president says, “turn off the TV, turn on your parenting skills and help our youth become the citizens they so richly deserve to be, good ones.”
So, please congratulate Mr. Stanton and all the teachers who are trying so hard!
Roy E. Taylor Sr.
Valdosta
• Question of the week
I would like to respond to the online question from last week. about lowering the drinking age. It would be appropriate in some cases to have some input to these questions other than a yes or no answer.
My input to this question is I was 20 years old, my 21st birthday was still seven days away and I was discharged from the U.S. Army after serving "on the ground" in Vietnam for 12 months (fighting for my country and my life and those around me) and when at the airport in California on my trip home, I could not buy a drink of alcohol.
As you can see, this has always irritated me to no end. There should be exceptions to this law and the people that are affected should speak-up wherever they can or allowed to.
Jerry Haulk
Lakeland
Vietnam 1970
• A job well done
In the past nearly 50 years Valdosta has grown with a relentless pace that has put a great deal of pressure on the resources that we all expect our city to have ready for us.
Leon Weeks has worked for our city during most of the phenomenal growth that we have had. He dealt with the infrastructure needs, growth, and of course the problems, with great success. Success that is measured by the fact that we have had very little slowdown or major problems. Weeks dealt with all aspects of the citizen requests, as well as builders, contractors, and developers, and yes, politicians.
He should be congratulated and thanked by all for a job truly well done, and best wishes in his retirement.
Nearly 50 years of service alone is a lot, but service to our city as we have grown and grown, surely Weeks is a brick in the foundation of our great city.
Stuart Mullis
Valdosta
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