As a long-time resident of Surry County, I agree with the Mount Airy News editorial (“EDP Board and Surry County Commissioners must stop hiding behind closed doors”), reprinted in The Elkin Tribune on Feb. 4. It is in the best interest of both the EDP and the Commissioners for every citizen to be informed about which direction this county is heading when it comes to economic development. Surry County’s economic future is of major concern, not just to a few who might profit from one direction, but to every person.
The EDP and the commissioners should make it clear to the citizens of the county what kind of development they have in mind as they search for industries to invite into our home. There are clean, sustainable, job-producing industries out there; industries which will not have to rely on “incentive packages” from counties (especially after the stimulus monies become available). I believe that most people in the county—even those who are currently in the job market—would reject any “quick fix” approach to economic development if that approach means endangering our environment or the health of our citizens.
(As a quick aside: I do not believe that Commissioner Paul Johnson is holding up economic development by resisting Waste Industries’ offer to operate the landfill as he is holding out for a more environmentally responsible solution.)
I would remind our elected leaders that, as Gladstone said, “Nothing that is morally wrong can be politically right.” To conduct the public’s business without keeping the public well informed is morally wrong. “Good ol’ boy” arrangements and “closed door” deals must be eliminated. If you think that no one cares how you go about the business of government, you are wrong. Very, very wrong.
Sam Tesh
State Road
Editor’s note: The following letter was written after the writer had read an article on the Yadkin Valley that recently ran in the Washington Post.
Elkin is a wonderful place after traveling for 45 years all over the U.S. and the world. That’s why I came here to live.
Jerry Blackburn
Elkin
In 2009, you would think people looked at each other as brothers. Being Christ-like, it‘s the way it should be, so if you meet a fellow saint, you can count on them.
Sorry, that’s not the case.
My wife found a car at a good price and said to me this car is $2,000. I looked at it, then said to her, go get it. She replied, “They will let you have it for the same price they told me.”
I live in this town and know people still see something else other than brotherhood.
Anyway, I took her word and went to get the deal and it wasn’t there. It cost me $1,000 more to buy “the good deal.”
But that’s white and black, not “We love the same God.”
Cyphus France
Elkin
The article in Monday’s edition was a very informative article about the fire that destroyed the home of Neal Walker and his family.
Neal is a soft-spoken person who is always willing to help other people at any time.
When his house caught fire Saturday, he was helping one of his church family friends with many chores after she lost her husband last year. This is not an uncommon thing for Neal, because this is just his way of helping anyone in time of need. If a neighbor in Elkin or the surrounding community needs someone to plow their garden, etc., Neal will be there, graciously, to do the job and leave, waving good bye with a great, big smile.
Previously at my church, Wesley’s Chapel United Methodist, we needed cabinets installed in the kitchen and other carpentry and plumbing work around the premises. Neal would not agree for us to hire someone for those chores. He completed the jobs by himself, with a smile on his face.
He has taught his children how to use their minds and hands and be creative and to respect mankind.
On Sunday morning, the day following the fire, Neal was at his regular place in the church as our Lay Leader, carrying on about the duties of the church and the work of Jesus Christ. He said, “I cannot be sad, because God spared any lives from being lost.”
I called Neal Monday night and he said they are doing fine and how he is so blessed and thankful for the people who have helped him in this crisis. He also said that he feels he should be helping others that need help. I assured him that he has always helped others and now it is time for us to help him and his family.
I agree with Joe Walker, that Neal is a “One-of-a-Kind” person.
Thanks to all of the personnel from Elkin, CC Camp and State Road Fire Departments, and the Elkin Police Department and the American Red Cross. It is my understanding from Neal that other emergency calls came in about the same time of the Walker fire.
Thank you, dear God, for your caring people.
Paulette Kyle Gregory
Elkin
Singing the praises of Elkin
Editor’s note: The following letter was written after the writer had read an article on the Yadkin Valley that recently ran in the Washington Post.
Elkin is a wonderful place after traveling for 45 years all over the U.S. and the world. That’s why I came here to live.
Jerry Blackburn
Elkin
Christianity and brotherhood
My wife found a car at a good price and said to me this car is $2,000. I looked at it, then said to her, go get it. She replied, “They will let you have it for the same price they told me.”
I live in this town and know people still see something else other than brotherhood.
Anyway, I took her word and went to get the deal and it wasn’t there. It cost me $1,000 more to buy “the good deal.”
But that’s white and black, not “We love the same God.”
Cyphus France
Elkin
Neal Walker a wonderful man
The article in Monday’s edition was a very informative article about the fire that destroyed the home of Neal Walker and his family.
Neal is a soft-spoken person who is always willing to help other people at any time.
When his house caught fire Saturday, he was helping one of his church family friends with many chores after she lost her husband last year. This is not an uncommon thing for Neal, because this is just his way of helping anyone in time of need. If a neighbor in Elkin or the surrounding community needs someone to plow their garden, etc., Neal will be there, graciously, to do the job and leave, waving good bye with a great, big smile.
Previously at my church, Wesley’s Chapel United Methodist, we needed cabinets installed in the kitchen and other carpentry and plumbing work around the premises. Neal would not agree for us to hire someone for those chores. He completed the jobs by himself, with a smile on his face.
He has taught his children how to use their minds and hands and be creative and to respect mankind.
On Sunday morning, the day following the fire, Neal was at his regular place in the church as our Lay Leader, carrying on about the duties of the church and the work of Jesus Christ. He said, “I cannot be sad, because God spared any lives from being lost.”
I called Neal Monday night and he said they are doing fine and how he is so blessed and thankful for the people who have helped him in this crisis. He also said that he feels he should be helping others that need help. I assured him that he has always helped others and now it is time for us to help him and his family.
I agree with Joe Walker, that Neal is a “One-of-a-Kind” person.
Thanks to all of the personnel from Elkin, CC Camp and State Road Fire Departments, and the Elkin Police Department and the American Red Cross. It is my understanding from Neal that other emergency calls came in about the same time of the Walker fire.
Thank you, dear God, for your caring people.
Paulette Kyle Gregory
Elkin
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