|
Letters to the editor
As published Aug. 20, 2008
Thank you!
On behalf of the Mt. Airy Net we would like to thank Joe Degeorgi at Century Ford for his continual support by supplying us with a beautiful, brand-new convertible every year for the Firemen's Parade, and to Larry Schriber of Century Dodge who has been our driver for the last four years.
We are truly blessed in our community by the year round support of so many businesses like Century Ford,Dodge, and to all those organizations, charities, and youth groups that give to the Net as well.
We also want to thank the Mt. Airy Fire Department, not just for their brave, 24/7 on-call emergency service in order to keep us from harm's way, but for what they give to our town every summer, rain or shine, for a week in July. The Firemen's Annual Carnival and parade, along with a fireworks bonanza, are mainstays for this community.
At this time in history, when America's small towns are fast becoming "Gone with the Wind" type of things, where town celebrations and carnivals are even scarcer, we here in Mt Airy still have that. Mt. Airy Rocks!
Lyn Lynch, Tina Grogg, Pat Jones
Members of Mt. Airy Net Board of Directors
Thank you again for your carnival help
The Auxiliary to the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank everyone who assisted in any way with the Auxiliary Food Stand.
Even with the extreme heat during the first part of the week, it still proved to be a successful week. We had good attendance and patronage parade night and also Friday night.
But most of all we wish to thank the community for their support in purchasing our platters and other menu items. It truly made our week prosperous.
Our profits will be used to continue our support of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company which is our primary purpose.
We hope to see you next year!
Peggy Fleming
Carnival Chairman, Food Concession
Auxiliary to the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Co.
Mt. Airy Water and Sewer Commission
I was appointed to Mt. Airy’s first Water & Sewer Commission two years ago. Given the importance of our water supply from a public health perspective and as a determinant of land use patterns in this area, I felt the commission would be extremely worthwhile and I was eager to serve. It is with much regret that I have requested not to be reappointed to the commission when my term ends this month.
I came to this decision because, despite the efforts of knowledgeable, conscientious, and hardworking members, I feel that the commission has not been able to do its job. According to the Town Code the duties of the Water & Sewer Commission include:
1) Monitoring and reporting on water and sewer systems' demand and capacity and making recommendations for actions by town staff, the mayor, and town council to ensure that citizens have access to essential services without restriction to the greatest degree possible. Specifically, the commission shall study and make recommendations to the council on: enhancing the town’s water supply; strategies for commercial and residential conservation; plans for drought emergencies; and water allocations (MDE permits) required before future development can be approved.
2) Regularly reviewing and making recommendations on water and sewer usage rates and development fees.
3) Presenting a timely annual report on actual usage during the previous year ending Dec. 31 and projected usage and capacities for each of the ensuing five years and for ten years in the future.
Since 2006, many of the recommendations the commission made regarding water and sewer rates, conservation strategies, drought emergencies, and water allocations, have been met with suspicion or completely disregarded by the mayor and council.
What’s worse, attempts to coordinate efforts and open the lines of communication between town officials and other commissions have deteriorated into endless discussions about personal motivations and who has primary decision-making authority, rather than focusing on what each party can bring to the table to promote the public interest and the public’s understanding of how best to enhance and protect our water supply.
From my perspective, too much time has been wasted and too many opportunities for progress in the area of water supply management have been lost.
It is my hope that the mayor and town council will reexamine the duties of the Water and Sewer Commission that they established two years ago, and find a way to work with the commission so that my community can be better served.
Rita Misra
Mt. Airy
|
