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We are being lied to! Whoever coined the phrase, “there are no dumb questions, just dumb answers” must have been to a Lexington City Council meeting and gotten the same answers we, and the citizens of Lexington, are getting concerning annexation.
The mayor and other city employees have claimed publicly that the city “gave” the county sewer to West Davidson High School. Mr. Beck, the assistant city manager, had the audacity to make the same misleading claims to House Representatives, but fortunately, I was there to correct them.
This is the truth: The county installed the sewer line and paid $1,708,993.15 for it. Easements cost $118,534, and capacity charge in Lexington is $28,991.78. That is hardly “free” and done for “civic service” as Lexington politicians claim. Every county citizen who may request sewer service pays double sewer fees. We hope that in the future the County Commissioners will invest in new septic tanks rather than any mutually beneficial agreements that will give the city reasons to annex in the future. They should also tell the city to find somewhere else to put its garbage since the landfill is the county. The health department, social services, county courthouse, landfill, library and sheriffs department are ALL county entities. Lexington councilman Victor Kiger claimed, at the public meeting, that Hawaii and Texas were forcefully annexed against their will into the United States. These stated voted overwhelmingly to become states! And the Louisiana Purchase was a purchase, not an annexation! The city Council has no appreciation for the truth today or of history. We have offered to pay all cost for a vote with our own money, but the city refuses to compromise. Lexington needs to grow, but not for the personal benefit of the mayor, city managers and elite country club few, and before it can grow it needs to grow up.
This annexation will cripple Lexington with boycotts, loss of potential businesses and residents, enduring bitterness and terrible publicity. It will put you, the citizens of Lexington, millions in debt for decades. It will not help you. The only people it will help are the politicians themselves. Ask yourselves if you truly believe that a mayor and city manager, whom are both members of a tax-existent and tax supported lobbying group (League of Municipalities), will ever attempt to lower your taxes. They will not, because as members of an organization that receives all of its funding from taxes, they would be working against themselves if they did.
We once thought that the city council was simply corrupt, yet we assumed they were intelligent. What a double shock as we get to know them better. It brings to mind a line by Shakespeare, “For I sword thee fair, and thought thee bright, Who are black as hell, as dark as night.” One wonders if maybe the Bard had experience with the Lexington city council as well.
Keith Bost
Sapona
Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006
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There is an old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” To rephrase the adage “when the going gets tough, the heart gets going - growing and growing with concern, love and caring. This was made evident during the latter part of 2005 due to the economic conditions in the area. The needs were recognized by individuals, churches, civic organizations, social groups, wholesale distributors, businesses and school groups.
The thought of a Christmas with no “Merry” for families and children, perhaps no visit from Santa, was not something to be allowed to happen. With the pending holiday and hearts filled with compassion - it did not happen. The outpouring of love prevailed, and the results were amazing. The sight of policemen crossing the street pushing bicycles, cars unloading boxes of gifts, trucks delivering food, all reminded all of us that it was and always will be, more blessed to GIVE. Our “Adopt-A-Child” program at Christmas was also successful due to the many church groups, individuals and businesses helping to truly put the “Merry” into approximately 470 people with 300 of them being children.
Our sincere appreciation and love to this community for the support given during 2005 to CCM. The Times food challenge was very successful and certainly helped to fill the empty shelves in our pantry. Our thanks to all that responded by donating food and their time to pick up or deliver food. Thank you Times staff for challenging folks and publishing reminders.
We can’t sing enough praises for the many volunteers who unselfishly give of their time weekly by working at the ministry or picking up or delivering food when needed. They are “the roots” that enables us to reach out and touch lives and truly make a difference with care and concern by their faithfulness. The volunteers are responsible for the success of our soup kitchen, “Meals of Grace” feeding approximately 40 people two to three evenings each week. The clients and volunteer groups enjoy this endeavor that has proved to be a need and an enjoyment also. The clients are very appreciative of the meals and are eager to express their gratitude each evening.
Seeing children, school groups, Scouts troops, church organizations and individuals, it is enlightening to see the interaction; all in a caring spirit of love and concern.
I am grateful for the Board of Directors who also give of their time and support to this ministry. A BIG THANK YOU to a great community of faithful supporters who continue to show love and concern for all people in Thomasville.
Aurelia Sink
Cooperative Community Ministry
Executive Director
A tribute to Tom A. Finch Community YMCA
Very recently, I retired as Child Care Director at Tom A. Finch Community YMCA, a position I held there for nearly 17 years. The YMCA became my home away from home, not only because of job responsibilities, but also because of the people who work there and the programs that are offered there.
Those of you who are members and frequent the facility know what I am talking about. Those of you who are not familiar with this organization, its mission and its great contributions to this community, must stop by where you will be warmly greeted just as soon as you enter the doors. You will want to go back.
Upon my retirement, many wonderful things happened to me. A gorgeous reception was held in my honor. At this time, fellow staff members presented me with many remembrances and special tributes. I will never be the same after that afternoon. At the recent YMCA Annual Awards Dinner, I was recognized for my years of employment with the greatest honor of all, the naming of the YMCA Child Care Center after me.
There is no way to explain and describe the impact this has had on me and will continue to have for the rest of my life for I am only a person who receives the greatest joy from helping others.
The real story behind my YMCA career has yet to be told. Now, it is my turn. The difficulty in writing this is finding adequate words to express to you the degree of work ethic, the depth of character and the level of expertise that is possessed by the staff members at our YMCA. Those who care personally for you as you check in at the member service desk will call you by name and will welcome you with a smile, no matter the time of day you visit.
There is no need to worry for one moment about the level of safety and competence of the aquatics staff when you use the indoor pool. If you decide to use the state of the art wellness center, you will find experienced and knowledgeable staff who will make you feel welcome and who will help you with any of your wellness needs. The myriad of programs that is offered are convenient, well-staffed and fun. Try any of them - you will be glad you did.
The staff members who care for your children through Before School, After School, Summer Day Camp programs and the Drop-In Child Care program and with whom I have worked for the past 17 years, are dedicated to the care and happiness of children. They will put your children first as programs are planned to meet the needs of today’s families. This staff is well-trained, caring, energetic and fun. You can expect your children to ask to stay longer when you pick them up - a compliment to the staff and programs.
There is top-notch leadership in the business offices of the YMCA. The degree of integrity that is evidenced in this department compares to none other. All financial matters are skillfully handled.
When you enter our building, you will notice a level of cleanliness that we have been told is rare. The building and grounds staff takes pride in the appearance of the building, both inside and outside.
If you have made it through to this part, you may be wondering how one organization can possess all of these qualities. At the helm of the YMCA is an excellent Board of Directors, consisting of committed volunteers who give freely of their time and talents. Their praises cannot be sung enough.
But, I am sure they would tell you, along with YMCA staff and members, that the person who is responsible for the place the YMCA has in this community is Executive Director Stan Styers.
Under his leadership, the Tom A. Finch Community YMCA has been recognized statewide and on the national level for its member-satisfaction rating and for the many programs that are offered here.
Stan instills in those who work with him the desire to do and be the best that one can be, striving for excellence in every aspect of work and personal life. He is an outstanding teacher and a caring friend to everyone. He leads by example. His character is exemplified in the kindness he exhibits to all of those around him. He is an inspiration to each of his employees, to his many friends and to his family.
This is my story. It is my hope that you will visit the YMCA frequently, meet the staff and take part in the programs that truly build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. It has truly made a difference in my life.
Sara Faulkner
Thomasville