Letters

True public servants

Public service is an honor. I personally know this because I retired after 40 years of public service. Apparently, there are those that don't feel this way because print and electronic media, almost daily, have pieces about public servants who apparently regard their position as only self-serving.

When I am evaluating a candidate for election or appointee for a public office, from the president of the United States to state and local officials, I try to read not only between the lines, but look deeply into what is said or printed. It is important to determine whether candidates have a personal agenda or whether they are true public servants and are not looking for financial gain or other motivation in what they propose.

Of course, public servants are not just elected, but are also appointed. Unfortunately, in our world today, more investigation into a person's past and how they are doing on the job becomes necessary. Trust is a major part of public service, and if we see a person not doing the best job possible, then that person needs to be relieved of their position. The public servant that double-talks their actions day after day cannot be trusted as a true public servant.

As voting Americans, we will soon have the duty, honor and responsibility to choose the candidates for public service who appear to be best-equipped to serve this great country at the federal, state or local levels. At crucial times in our history, men and women have come forward to serve at a time when their talents were sorely needed. We need those types of individuals now.

GEORGE WILKEN

Little Rock

Even in the comics

I've been reading about so much bad stuff happening in the world right now. Then, to top it off, my favorite comic-strip judge is sent to jail.

Hang in there, Judge Parker ... this too shall pass and all will be well again.

SALLY GOSS

Little Rock

How to save the trees

I just fished my abacus out of the trunk and calculated that through the years it has taken 1,369 trees to provide newsprint space for John Brummett's columns.

Personally, I'd rather have saved the trees.

JAMES H. BARRÉ

Little Rock

Soccer is not 'bleah'

I think Gene Baker must have done what Brenda Looper told letter-writers not to do: He wrote his letter to the editor when angry. I am neither a Little Rock resident nor a golfer, so I have no opinion on the closing of two golf courses. I do, however, have an opinion about soccer: It is not "bleah."

It is a game that requires athleticism, agility, hand-eye coordination and quick thinking. I have eight grandchildren, all of whom have played soccer. Three are still playing, one in college on a soccer scholarship. Because it is a fast-paced game, it is also fun to watch; more so than baseball, football or--dare I say it--golf.

RENEE HUNTER

Conway

Keep War Memorial

Being no fan of Hindman, I have no issue with it being closed, and think it will be interesting to see whatever development occurs there afterwards. On the other hand, the War Memorial course should be kept open because, without it, Little Rock has only one 18-hole public course.

Regarding the argument that it is losing money, let me ask two questions: First, does a portion of the fees collected at War Memorial go to the Clinton Presidential Park and, secondly, how much money is Little Rock losing each year on those empty trolley cars running downtown? I would much rather subsidize the golf course than the trolley cars.

LARRY PARKS

Little Rock

With no firm plans

I have read in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette numerous stories about the closing of the War Memorial and Hindman golf courses.

It has been stated that these courses do not pay for themselves. OK, I get this reasoning, but they are going to close both courses without a firm plan to better utilize these green spaces. That said, I have not read in any of the articles how the new ideas will generate revenue.

It seems that this decision was hastily made without much thought and planning for future use.

I have observed a few golf-course closings in the past (in other states when I lived), only to see the "hidden agenda" come to the fore (pun intended). We'll see!

It begs the question: Why not simply raise rates?

RICK RENNER

Little Rock

Keep the course open

Mayor Scott, as a resident of Little Rock since 1946, I ask that you please reconsider keeping War Memorial Golf Course open! I am not a golfer, but certainly remember enjoying watching my father, my uncle and then my nephew playing golf on this wonderful midtown oasis of green space. I drive down Markham Street numerous times a week and always see golfers enjoying themselves.

Why do we have to be such a throwaway society? How about conducting some town-hall meetings throughout Little Rock and listen to how the citizens of Little Rock feel about this matter?

I voted for you ... please don't make me regret it.

DOTTY McLEMORE

Little Rock

Editorial on 06/30/2019

Upcoming Events