June 27, 2008 05:36 pm
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Reasons to have pride in the city
I had an interesting epiphany Wednesday. The city had dug a hole in the street above my house and filled it with gravel, rather than blacktop.
Perhaps the job’s not done and they still need access. In any event, last week the fountains of the heavens were opened. In the resulting deluge, gravel was washed down my street. My neighbor, who is much neater than I am, called to complain. The city promptly responded with a street sweeper.
I may be wrong, but I don’t think many cities in America would respond, promptly or otherwise, to a complaint of gravel in the road. Ashland did. What made this an epiphany is that while I mulled this over, I was traveling Oakview Road. I noticed, for the first time, the clean, well-swept gutters and the landscaped tennis courts, and I thought, “I’m proud of my town.”
I’m proud of the police, fire and utility workers that keep Ashland such an attractive town. Notwithstanding the buffoonery in Greenup over who owns a rock, I’m proud of our local leaders that wisely budget toward the same purpose.
Last year, I conducted a tour of the city for some out-of-town VISTA workers. Their comments were the same: They were surprised that in a time of economic down-turn, there could be a town kept so nice.
This is all the more remarkable because we locals so rarely notice it. Ashland has been well-kept so long, that I’m scarcely aware of it. It’s the way things are supposed to be. I think my adventure with the gravel has lead me to be a little more appreciative of my town.
Right nice place to live, Ashland.
J. Stewart Schneider, Interim pastor, Community Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte
Failed policies lead to embarrassment
I would like to clarify my statement that I am embarrassed to be from this area. There are really good people here, and if that came across the wrong way. I apologize.
However, I meant what I said. But my embarrassment is aimed at what I perceive to be failed policies, waste of time and money, and failure to take on issues that actually affect people. I think the fight over this rock that will be at the bottom of the river is a joke.
I am very proud of my heritage and where I come from, and I submitted my opinion not because I want to leave, but because I’d like to see things change and be able to stay here. Kentucky is a beautiful place, with beautiful, kind people. I think some things could be better.
I heard somewhere before that the most patriotic thing a person can do is to question their government. People can disagree with my opinion. I’m sure a lot of people will, but I will continue to state it and continue to question things. I definitely won’t leave because someone disagrees with me.
Frank A. McCoy , Flatwoods
It’s still dangerous even at low speeds
I wish to respond to the June 15 letter headlined, "Those in parade weren't in danger," with the following points:
(1) A person can be just as dead if run over at 5 mph as 105 mph.
(2) No, neither I nor have any of my family have ever ridden on the front bumper of any vehicles, nor will we ever.
(3) If this was such a safe position to be riding, then how many insurances compaines would insure a fire station company for their officers, EMTs, paramedics, visitors as well as children riding in that manner?
(4) It would not matter if you had all the medical personnel in the world around you — after the fact of an accident.
(5) I have been a nurse 28 years and have witnessed deaths because of people riding outside on vehicles. It only takes one time, one accident to totally destroy your family or your life.
(6) If fire truck bumpers were meant to be ridden on, they would have seats, baby seats and seat belts installed on them.
Charlotte Coffey, RN, MSN, Louisa
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