Hard work, dedication do not pay off



After reading the April 16 edition of The Huntsville Item, I felt I really need to say something about this current race.

This assistant secretary who just resigned seems to be another of the casualties of Mr. Baine’s house cleaning. Mr. Baine is getting close to, if he is not already there, getting the main players in city government loyal to him personally, not loyal to the taxpayer.

City employees should have loyalty to the taxpayer first, then to their positions and last to themselves. City employees need to know that good and hard work pays off, which apparently does not pay.

This last resignation seems to tell that hard-working and loyalty to the city and position does not pay. If it did, then the assistant city secretary would have been promoted without being humiliated by having to give up her current job.

City employees, and voters of Huntsville, beware. Under the current City Council and city manager, hard work and dedication to self and the city do not pay off.

Sidewalks are needed all the way around the Josey Park area. People walk and run in the street, Sidewalks are also needed all the way from I-45 to downtown, along Montgomery Road, both sides, and other roads that are well driven.

I would hope it would not take a death or serious injury before the city acts. Huntsville’s infrastructure needs repair and upgrading and Highway 19 is the responsibility of th state.

Huntsville, like the state of Texas, can save a bundle on gas if they just do not let officers and employees use their official vehicles for personal business. Just look around and see where you see a police car, at gyms, stores and eateries.

They use your fuel and vehicles for off-duty job as well. This list could go on and on, but I will end it now.

If an officer wants an off-duty vehicle with lights and siren, they can purchase a vehicle and like a volunteer firefighter, have the equipment installed and use their own gas.

An election is coming up and the voters of the city need to decide if they need a change or do they want the city to be controlled by one person — Mr. Baine — and five council members.



James A. Black

Oakhurst



Another look at recyling program

I just received information that we in Elkins Lake will be participants in the city’s recycling pilot program. I admit that I am not an expert in solid waste collection and disposal, so I plan to keep an open mind about this. However, on the surface it appears to be less than a good deal for the taxpayer.

Recycling does not reduce the amount of waste produced by a household. It only determines where that waste goes — to a landfill or to recycling. The pilot program participants, however, will have their waste pickups reduced from eight per month (four weeks) to six. And after the pilot program is complete, we will be required to pay $3.50 per month for that privilege. Paying more for less service is hardly something that increases satisfaction.

Many of us who will be enrolled in the pilot program already recycle at Try 2 Recycle or the Huntsville Recycling Center. But now many of those households will opt for curbside pickup instead of making the weekly trip to the recycling center. That will actually increase the total volume of waste to be picked up while the collection frequency will be reduced.

I will agree that a curbside collection program will increase the number of households that recycle and that will be good for the environment. So that might be worth the $3.50 fee if only the regular collection schedule was not reduced. If we have to pay more, so be it. But don’t use recycling as a reason for reducing the collection schedule.

Vic Sower

Huntsville



Looking after kids

in Huntsville



The Huntsville Family YMCA needs your help to make a positive difference in the lives of Huntsville’s children. When you make a donation to the YMCA, you can influence a child’s life.

We serve over 900 families each year and care for over 300 kids each day.

All funds raised in Huntsville stay in Huntsville to provide scholarships for kids enrolled in preschool, in after school programs, in sports and in summer camps, as well as those who attend the Teen Center and Outreach Programs.

The YMCA provides over $34,000 in financial assistance to local families and offers a safe place for Huntsville’s kids to learn and grow.

We have raised $30,000 of our goal for 2009, which is $42,500. These scholarships for Huntsville families are, for many, the critical difference in providing excellent opportunities for their children.

Our most important investment is our kids. Your donation is that investment. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

To make a difference or for more information, call Sandra Clifton at (936) 295-8009.



Huntsville Family YMCA Board, staff and volunteers