Letters to the Editor
Charlotte native responds to Alcoa issue
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 — There has been a great deal of concern in the press about the issues inherent in a governmental response to economic issues, especially in the area of operation of companies, etc.
I would like to express my concerns about an issue occurring in North Carolina that is truly a slippery slope into socialism.
When I pick up my newspaper in the morning, I have begun to have moments of déjà vu about a very difficult experience I had in Venezuela.
I would like to share my concerns about commonalities between my experience and the current efforts of the North Carolina government to assume ownership of the Alcoa’s Yadkin projects.
I have spent over 20 years in South America working on hydroelectric dams.
I was working on the Guri Dam in the eastern region of Venezuela during the time Hugo Chavez was undertaking the acquisition of the country’s private industry.
It started very small just like the forced acquisition of Alcoa’s Yadkin projects and ended up with a country that is now state run and has evolved from a healthy democracy to an almost certain dictatorship.
The oil fields in Lake Maracaibo are no longer as profitable, well maintained or environmentally safe; the dams operate without proper repairs; and the world class highway system from Caracas to Port Adoz is no longer a gem for transportation.
I read the newspapers at that time and listened to the speeches.
Chavez was using terms such as “this would be best for the citizens,” these companies are “sending profits overseas,” and so forth.
These exact phrases have been used in statements made by representatives of the Governors office and local politicians.
Before the Governor and Stanly County Commissioners lead the citizens of North Carolina down this path, they need to explain the numbers and the real economic impact.
The four dams under question and currently owned by Alcoa on the Yadkin system produce approximately 234 megawatts, a small output and the cost of annual maintenance on these older facilities makes the profit less than $15 million a year.
North Carolina’s acquisition costs would be approximately $500 million with accumulating interest costs.
An additional $240 million would be required to upgrade the facilities, several of which are almost 100 years old now. I don’t see the short or long term benefits to this acquisition in these calculations.
Our children will not live to see the benefit.
I recommend an alternative solution to the issue. Fund a private/public partnership with Alcoa and modernize the Badin manufacturing plant.
The result would be increased jobs and higher revenues.
Then you would be promoting the best of what is good about a capitalistic democratic nation.
Richard L. Glenn
President of Glenn Underwater Services, Inc.
Charlotte
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All of us want to go on the water and have fun with our family and friends, but there are a few things we need to always keep in mind. -
We should be pro-business
The number one priority for politicians and just about anybody to talk about is jobs and the economy. I would like to express my observations on what I believe are pretty strong “anti-business and anti-industry” expressions and actions that are on the local level.
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Many make School Tools Ride successful
A very special thanks to all the Albemarle Police officers who provided traffic control, blocking intersections for our School Tools Ride on Aug. 14.
Officer Kevin Boone, who is a member of Gold Wing Road Riders Associa-tion’s local chapter NC T-2 and a police officer with APD, was instrumental in arranging and coordinating a very smooth, safe ride for our out-of-town visitors. -
Writer seeks donations for Red Bird Mission
Two years ago I had the privilege of visiting the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Ky., a remote region in Kentucky where poverty is a way of life, as is hard work if there is any work.
I saw small houses built way down the embankment off the road insulated with plastic or newspapers or anything to help block out the winter cold. I saw many barefooted children and it was not summer. -
A few tips for hunters
Hunting season is quickly approaching. I’m sure there are a lot of hunters anxious for this season to begin.
As many of you may know there are a few new privileges that are open to the public this season. One is that anyone may hunt with a crossbow. Another is that anyone may hunt on private property on Sunday with a bow and arrow or crossbow (during the designated season). -
Same-sex marriage issue debated
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Firefighters, volunteers show great bravery
As a resident of the Kirk Road community, I would like to give credit to the East Side Volunteer Fire Department and to Stanly County EMS for the bravery that was shown on Aug. 7.
Dusty Caviness initially helped save our neighbor Frank’s life by stopping the tractor that had fell on him. This allowed for the firemen to reach him and eventually free him. -
Showing respect in a tragic situation
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Though saddened, we say thank you
Over the next few weeks, the Albemarle Christian Bookstore and Hallmark will be closing its doors and will no longer be able to serve the needs of a community that we have loved for many years.
It has been an excruciating decision, but has become one that is unavoidable due to the economic condition facing our country, and more specifically, our county. -
Who was offended?
A recent event in Raleigh has me wondering just what our State Government officials are thinking. And what We the People are allowing to happen.
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Boat safe, boat sober
