Editor, Times-Union: Politicians are elected to office to serve the people they represent, to seek out the needs of their constituents and to help meet those needs, to set examples, to be trustworthy and honest, to be fair to all entities that rely on them for funding. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Some politicians can rely on their track record to speak for them. But does the public know the facts? Some bend the rules to meet their needs, others have to rely on such tactics as mudslinging and last-minute mailings to discredit their opponents.
It is always best to go to the polls informed. How can we do this? In smaller races it is possible to call the person who is running, talk with people they have worked with while in office or someone who has had dealings with them. Know why they have chosen to seek the office. How have they served your community in other ways? Do people respect them? Do they work well with others? Or is this a position they seek to fill their own needs?
It is interesting to note that in the May 7 primary, there are four men in Washington Township who feel there is a need for change in our trustee office. Each of these men represents others who have encouraged them to run because they too feel a change is needed. Each of these men would bring different strengths to the office.
To the residents of Washington Township, please be aware that you have a choice. Two candidates are running as Republicans and two candidates and the incumbent are running on the Democratic ticket. Please remember that it is a privilege to vote and that change could be a good thing.
Dannie Smith Pierceton
Thanks To Heartline
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jo Faulkner, director of Heartline Pregnancy Center, and Mr. Mike Long for coming to the Tippecanoe Valley High School on Thursday, April 25. Mr. Long is a nationally renowned abstinence speaker and author of the book "Everyone is Not Doing It." He presented a convocation to the high school student body on saving their gift of sexuality for marriage. This message of abstinence was very well received throughout the entire student body and was very much appreciated by students and faculty alike. I feel honored that TVHS has opportunities to listen to such wonderful speakers, such as Mr. Long, that are promoting such vital messages to our nation's young people. Thank you so much for taking an active interest in our youth!
Gail Rathbun TVHS Senior Akron via e-mail
Angry At Andy Rooney
Editor, Times-Union: I'm so really angry - I'm not certain I can finish this!
Andy Rooney (world class jerk) column in the Times-Union April 25, was the worst slam against our military since Jane Fonda.
That clown (Rooney), who spent four years in the Army (as a rear-echelon puke) does not have the experience, authority or the right to demean the military. He, Rooney, has no right to slander leaders such as King, Nimitz, Patton, Bradley, LeMay, Puller, Powell and so many other flag officers/statesmen who gave their entire adult lives to the service of this country.
I could name sergeants major, master chief petty officers, etc., who also served with distinction.
No one is promoted in any branch of service because they are malleable. You qualify or you get out.
I do not expect someone of Rooney's ilk to understand "deprivation," combat exhaustion or just plain worn-out - since he probably sat on his fat rear end at a desk, like he does now, and whined and complained, like he does now. How dare he criticize all the men and women who served and are serving.
Donald E. Guard First Sgt. USMC (Ret.) Leesburg
Teens For Life
Editor, Times-Union: Lakeland Christian Academy has formed a new "Teens for Life" group. Teens for Life believes in standing up for those who can't speak up for themselves. On April 13th, the Teens for Life group held a carwash at the Winona Lake branch of Lake City Bank. The carwash was open to the public, and we had a wonderful turnout. Our group had around 15 volunteers helping us and they washed approximately 30 vehicles. We would like to thank the community for helping us share our message through the carwash.
Danielle Mowrey Pierceton
Strong Faith
Editor, Times-Union: This letter is to thank the many people who have helped my husband, Roger Burkholder, get through this very difficult time since finding out he has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I also want to thank those who provided support and prayers.
Rog still has chemotherapy and other treatments ahead, but with our strong faith in God, and the good people around us, we know this too shall pass.
