Letters to the Editor
County’s efforts send wrong message to potential businesses
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 — I’m concerned that the Stanly County commissioners are being short-sighted and misguided with their last-ditch attempts to deny Alcoa a new license for its dams on the Yadkin River.
To suggest that a government-run operation will be more beneficial to Stanly County than a private enterprise demonstrates that county officials don’t understand the negative impact such a move would have on businesses in our community.
As a private business owner who located in Stanly County because of Alcoa, I can tell you that Alcoa’s presence here supports many local businesses like mine.
By outsourcing services to local contractors, Alcoa can get work done more efficiently and with lower costs. I employ a number of people who work directly for Alcoa but are not technically Alcoa employees. These people live here, pay taxes here and support local establishments.
Will I stay if the property becomes government run? Probably not. The business opportunities will be much more limited with a government-run enterprise, so I’ll probably pack up and move to a place where my business — and private industry in general — is more valued.
The commissioners also should consider how their relentless attacks on Alcoa will impact Stanly County’s ability to attract new companies here in the future. If you were a private business owner thinking about moving your company to Stanly County, imagine how you would react.
No business owner wants to move to a place where this type of treatment of a long-time corporate citizen is not only tolerated, but encouraged, by our elected leaders. I’m afraid that Stanly County is shooting itself in the foot by earning a reputation for being unfriendly to private businesses.
I write this letter as a concerned employer in a county that needs to enhance its attractiveness to private employers for its economic well being. I don’t think citizens are going to be best served if the largest employer becomes the government.
Development of the private sector is crucial to sustainable economic growth which creates jobs and increases the tax base and ultimately benefits its citizens. We must have a market-friendly environment for economic growth, lest we cause an avalanche of problems that could take years to recover from.
On a related note, I can tell you that the claim made by the county’s public relations firm (MMI Associates) that Alcoa was delayed in making the necessary upgrades to its facilities is completely false. I’ve worked with Alcoa for more than 20 years on its hydro operations in North Carolina and it has been working to upgrade its facilities for more than 15 years.
Most people don’t realize what is involved in the process — inspections, engineering assessments, financing, selection of contractors — and how long it takes. The first round of physical upgrades began more than 12 years ago and much more work is planned for the future.
Richard L. Glenn
- Letters to the Editor
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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
In the Aug. 19 issue of The Stanly News & Press, columnist Stephanie Salter advocates allowing same-sex marriage based on the contention that not doing so violates the “equal protection clause” of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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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
I want to write to say thank you for the way the front page article was written about Jesse Kidd and the remarks that were made on the editorial page (Our View, Aug. 3). It showed the utmost respect and compassion for the family, as well as those who were there that night helping.
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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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Sheriff made the right move
The recent investigation into and arrest of Floyd Simpson is a credit to Sheriff Rick Burris’ integrity and his dedication to the people of Stanly County.
Sheriff Burris could have turned a deaf ear and allowed a dirty cop to float under the radar for a few months until after the election. Instead, he chose the more difficult path. -
Better decisions need to be made
Can years of athletic excellence and community service be negated by one wrong decision? I do not believe so.
While readers of the SNAP have been unable to see many of the accomplishments of Quntavius “Dooley” Sturdivant over his three seasons in Chapel Hill, they were all subject to the front page news of his unfortunate run-in with the Albemarle Police this past weekend. - More Letters to the Editor Headlines
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Many make School Tools Ride successful
