Dear Editor:

I few years back there was a big brouhaha in the county about an article/letter written by someone, not a Polk county resident, basically saying how backwards/ illiterate the people in Polk County are. First, let me say I am and have been a resident for many years and do not feel that way. 

That having been said, It seems that the people who accept positions in Polk County government, whether they be an employee, an Appointed Official, or an Elected Official do not realize that what they do or say reflects on all the citizens of the county. It matters not what district you are elected from or what political party, once you accept that position you now represent the whole county. Some of the comments/actions over the years gives plenty of ammunition to people outside the county to have the opinions they do. We tend to have this thing in the county of not only Democrat & Republican, but also Eastside & Westside. Instead of working together we cause conflicts, scared that one side is going to get more than the other. Most of these comments get written up in the Newspaper and people outside Polk County do read the Polk County News.

Cases in point: 

                   1. The Libraries, instead of building one library at a time, we had to have two or none. We would have had none except for the efforts of the FOL, Library Board and private interest. Recent agreement will have the West Polk Library move out of the Courthouse, but one of the comments made by a commissioner was “I don’t see why you are moving if you aren’t going to increase the hours.” Yet he was probably one who voted to not provide funds. 

                   2. A few years back I sent a letter volunteering for The Library Board after 2 months I happened to read in the newspaper that I had been appointed to the board. At my first meeting I mentioned that I thought that members appointed to boards should receive an appointment letter. Well, the next Commissioner’s Meeting the comment was made “if that person wanted to know if he was appointed then he should have attended the Commissioner's Meeting.”

                   3. During the Hwy 64 rock slide a commissioner made the comment “We should just push the rocks in the river, the rafters don’t pay taxes anyway.”

                   4. The recent problem with the School Board. If you agreed to the increase and it is in the minutes, then the Commissioners should come up with the money. To turn around and vote to repeal a decision after the fact isn’t very professional. If you aren’t smart enough to understand what you are voting on, then resign.

                   5. Let me say at this moment it appears I’m against the County Commission, but I’m not. I have written in support of the Commission in the past. Especially in their efforts to hold taxes down and specifically when they were ostracized for not over ruling the people after the Wheel Tax was voted down, which I voted for.

                   6. The Election Commission incidents do not reflect well on the citizens of Polk County. I am a registered Republican and I feel that Mr. Gaddis, if he has any self respect, respect for the position he holds, respect for the citizens of Polk County, and the party he represents, then he should resign. His actions do not reflect the values of the citizens I know in Polk County. If he doesn’t resign there should be an outcry from the Republican Party and the County government.

The comments are not quotes, but are to the best of my memory. They were either in the newspaper or on the TV news. People should pause and think before they speak. Let's all, Republican, Democrat, East-sider, & West-sider work together to improve Polk County for all her citizens.

Respectfully,

Lauren Ayers

Dear Editor,

May 19^th a benefit was held for the family of Christina Gargala. The community really came together and showed how much they care. Many different companies and individuals donated money, supplies, and their time. We never knew how much of an impact Christina had on everyone. She was an amazingly beautiful, talented young lady. Everyday is such a challenge without her being with us. We miss her more than is imaginable. Every cry and every tear will one day be turned into happiness when we see her bright smile again. Every donation is greatly appreciated. We cannot begin to thank everyone enough. Every donation helped pay for hospital bills and helicopter fees due to Christina’s tragaic car accident.

God Bless and Thank you,

Tom and Sheila Gargala, Amanda Gargala-Silvers

Dear Editor:

First, I want to thank the people of Polk County for casting 93% of their votes for me in the recent Republican Primary. Former Administrator of Elections Doris Wise has recently published a letter to the editor that contained inaccurate and false information.

Tennessee state law clearly requires local election commissioners to select the Administrator of Elections. County election commissioners are appointed by the Tennessee State Election Commission after they are chosen by the party during the reorganization meeting. I do not interfere with the operation of the county election office or any other county elected office.

It is my understanding that some election commissioners were concerned about Doris Wise’s partisan political activities. Those that are counting votes in a fair and impartial manner should not be involved in partisan politics.  However, Ms. Wise’s anger over no longer serving as Administrator of Election is puzzling since she resigned the position in writing effective March 31, 2011.  In that letter she attempts to require the appointment of a particular person as administrator or cause trouble in the operation of the election office.

I respect the ability of Polk County Election Commissioners to select an Administrator and trust them to make the proper decisions regarding operation of the office.  Ms. Wise comments are undermining to the election process in Polk. I hope she will learn to live with the decision she made to leave the election office and allow those responsible for administering elections to do their job.

Again, thank you for the honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative.

God bless,

Eric Watson

Dear Editor:

Thank you so much for your support of articles and news that promote animal welfare. There are many of us "CDL's" out here (Crazy Dog Ladies--or gents).

To that end, I would like to report that coyotes have stolen (and I presume eaten) two of my little dogs, Chico and Polly. Just before dawn on two consecutive days this past weekend, they raided our driveway and when all six dogs went out to bark, I could hear the screams of my little chihuahuas as they were being killed and carried off, taken from just outside the light of the porch.

I have now declared war on coyotes. They have always frightened me at night when I hear them get into a pack and go off hunting, but now I am after them, their kin and kits, without fear. I am enlisting my friends who will track and kill these varmits; I am inquiring about trapping from the TN Wildlife agency, if that results in euthanizing the ones they trap. As you can tell, I am MAD.

Normally I am live and let live, but coyotes have invaded my space in a terrible way. What if they get hungry enough to come up on the porch and attack my great-grandchildren? Unfortunately that could happen since they have become so entrenched in our suburban environment. I want to send them all back out west where they come from, or better yet, send them to whatever reward awaits them at death!

Sue Witt

Dear Editor:

This is in response to Doris Wise’s lies that were in the paper last week. Mr. Watson does not appoint the Polk County Election Commission, in fact, you Doris and the Polk County Republican party voted on the three Republican commissioners in 2011 in Copperhill at the reorganization meeting and submitted the names to the state party. You were one of the three that counted the votes. You need to quit telling untruths and grow up and get over it! You have always been known for creating problems and controversy has always surrounded you.

Jimmy Bates