GLASGOW — Dear Editor,

On March 8, the Smoking Ban Ordinance passed its first hearing, finally. I was so relieved to see this ordinance be approved for our town. This ordinance will help preserve the health of the employees working in businesses within the city, as well as protecting customers and visitors from the dangers and nuisance of second hand smoke.

Having a lung disorder, I will be very excited when this bill is passed in two weeks. There are many businesses I would love to be able to support, such as Little Rascals, and Pedigo’s. Not being able to go out to eat with friends or meet with family members simply because a business allows smoking isn’t just a nuisance; it’s an infringement upon my rights.

Growing up, there have been many parties that I couldn’t attend, many outings where I had to stay in the car to prevent prolonged coughing episodes and week long colds. I am frequently on antibiotics because I retain colds longer than the average person and they can be triggered by something as simple as 15 minutes in a restaurant that allows smoking. Little Taste Of Texas, a local restaurant went smoke-free a few years ago, and since then, my family and I have been able to eat there often before Wednesday evening church services.  Prohibiting smoking definitely hasn’t put a damper on their business.

I am not just another “blue shirt” sitting in the crowd because my parents believe in this cause. I am affected by this greatly, and thank the council members, as well as Mayor Pickett, from the bottom of my heart for their wonderful support on this urgent cause. There are many other people that are affected in the same ways that I am, who are forgotten and overlooked. We are citizens who deserve the right to frequent any business without compromising our health.

Stephanie Walton

Glasgow

Council must not want  smokers in city

Dear Editor,

Six city council members and the mayor are sending a message that is plain and clear to me. They do not want smokers in Glasgow nor do they want tobacco farmers in Glasgow. Also, they have little or no respect for the personal rights and freedoms of the business owners of Glasgow. However, they do welcome your tobacco money in Glasgow.

As for me, I can buy groceries, gasoline, farm products and supplies, tobacco products and just about everything else in other places. They also have hospitals in other places. Just maybe more smokers, tobacco farmers and anyone else who feels their rights and freedoms are being taken away will do the same.

Howard Taylor

Tobacco farmer

Glasgow

Jail puts undue tax burden    on citizens

Dear Editor,

I felt compelled to write my opinion once again as I read the headlines of Sunday’s edition of The Glasgow Daily Times.

Once again, the state is considering ways of cutting back on costs related to housing inmates. However, just a few pages over is the advertisement for the sale of bonds to build our new approximately $9 million jail. This doesn’t include all the extras and changes that are sure to follow, such as the money owed to the architect, money already paid for the land, etc. It is very apparent that none of our local officials discussed this situation with our state officials who ultimately control all funding.

I have yet to understand how Judge Greer and Jailer Mutter managed to convince enough of the magistrates that this was in the best interest of Barren County to move forward with this project. This jail has been shoved down the throats of the citizens of this county and should not have been allowed unless approved by a vote of the people.

We were told from the beginning that the funding was all worked out and would not cause a tax increase, as we can clearly see now this is not the case. I know things tend to get put on the back burner and forgotten about, but I am urging the voters to not let this happen this election.

Judge-(Executive Davie) Greer, Jailer (Matt) Mutter and the magistrates that support this should be reminded on election day that this was not the wish of the people.

Believe me, if you forget about it now, you will certainly be reminded of it when you receive your next tax bill. It is a pure injustice to put this additional burden on the people of this county.

Ralph Carney

Cave City

Times have changed, raise drop-out age

Dear Editor,

I have read with great interest the drop-out controversy. Last spring, (‘09) I wrote to Governor Beshear, Senators Williams and Givens and Representative Johnny Bell about raising the drop-out age.

For the past 20 years (1989-2009), I have taught drop-outs and illiterates. I am pleased to say most of them graduated. I taught English and creative writing.

Many of those students wrote over and over how quitting school was the worst thing they ever did in their lives. Among my students were ex-cons, drug addicts and alcoholics (court ordered).

Contained in House Bill 301 are my words, “students should remain in school until graduation or age 18.” (Some students’ birthdays fall wrong and they need the extra year to complete four years).

As far as finding the money to educate them, I should like to know if the school budget figures reflect the percentage of drop-outs. Also, I know from my students’ papers, some parents force their children to drop out and go to work. The words “graduation or 18” came from one of my 18-year-olds (who has since graduated).

If keeping students in school creates disruption, the student should be treated as anyone would be who disturbs the peace and punished accordingly.

I realize my viewpoint may not be popular (especially with those wanting to leave school), but after teaching 20 years, without pay, I feel justified in speaking my mind.

For over 100 years the drop-out age has been 16. Times have changed. There are very few jobs available for 16-year-olds and they are low-paying jobs. No longer are there apprenticeships teaching trades. Furthermore, it is a medical fact the juvenile brain is not fully developed until the early or middle 20s.

Why do we allow children to make life-altering decisions?

Norma Luke

Glasgow

‘Go Red’ fundraiser a success

Dear Editor,

The recent “Go Red For Women Fashion Show and Luncheon” was deemed a success by many and raised almost $1,500 to benefit the American Heart Association.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in America. The purpose of “Go Red For Women” was to bring the issue of heart health for women to the forefront in the community, during the month of February, American Heart Month.

Connie Pickett, Chair

Go Red For Women in Glasgow

VFW members do good work

Dear Editor,

Recently I became a member of our local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 5906. I attended my first monthly meeting this past Tuesday evening.

During the meeting, I was most impressed with various requests presented to the membership which ranged from community sponsorships, support groups, families in need, and veterans’ affairs. With each and every request the members evaluated the subject and without any hesitation, a second on the motion was heard and hands were raised in commitment and monetary support. I observed a deep sense of accomplishment and compassion by each member.

Barren County is very fortunate to have such caring members of this organization who are concerned and give of themselves to the community. At times, we have a habit of simply taking things for granted. I commend my fellow veterans for being involved in the well being of our community.

Joe Ganci

VFW Post 5906

Vietnam 1966-67

Glasgow