Letters to the Editor

Well-maintained sidewalks badly needed

In response to the recent article regarding the referendum issue to improve sidewalks ("Sidewalk improvement plan on ballot," Oct. 19), it should be noted that there are many residents who do not drive for whatever financial, medical, age or legal reason and who depend on well-maintained sidewalks. Whether it is the daily exercise walker, a biker, someone pushing a stroller, a student or parent taking a child to school, a person who uses a wheelchair or someone with visual difficulties, sidewalks offer a safe course of travel because these people do not need to be on any street.

It is not that unusual that the need for additional public transportation and good sidewalks are agenda items at a Waynesboro Disability Services Board meeting.

A good voter turnout and support for this issue can make a difference in many lives.

Charles F. Downs

Waynesboro Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator and chairman of the Waynesboro Disability Services Board

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Time for Waynesboro folks to wake up

To let you know where I am coming from, my husband with General Electric, and I with our children, moved to Waynesboro in 1955. Then we were sent to Arizona, then Massachusetts, back in 1969 to Waynesboro, then to Tennessee, New Jersey, South Carolina, Denmark and back to South Carolina. We retired in 1987 in Waynesboro.

I have lived in four different neighborhoods here. I have seen the things that needed to be done and how the people of the town always yelled, "No more taxes." I have written Mayor Tom Reynolds and told him that he and his young group are stuck with everyone else's jobs that should have been done already.

Waynesboro and the Valley are wonderful places to live and compared with all the states I have lived in, the taxes are lower.

The folks of Charlottesville are buying up homes here and driving over the mountain to work. They sell high over there and get a nice home here for less and have cheaper taxes.

Now the guys who sold their homes over there are coming over into my neighborhood and buying homes, fixing them up and sitting on them, waiting for prices to go up again, with the money they made selling homes over the mountain.

Too bad the Waynesboro folks don't wake up!

I hope they put bids out for stormwater fixes. The work will be done faster and for less money. Those companies will be spending their own money and have to get it done right the first time.

The Wayne Theatre project is a great idea too. Many people are giving to it and standing behind the group. The three-year water bill increase is still less than Staunton or Charlottesville. I don't believe the stormwater problem should be paid off by water bills. Pay it off like you buy a house!

Marian C. Wolke

Waynesboro

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New track behind high school a boon

Everyone, yes everyone,  should be made aware of the wonderful new running and walking track that was recently completed behind Waynesboro High School. I'm sure the football team can surely benefit greatly and take advantage of the new equipment.

To have a terrific facility like this and not being used to the fullest is a crime, considering the cost to build this outstanding field.

All, young and old, should take advantage and be encouraged, for the sake of good health and needed exercise and maybe to lose some weight.

We might help encourage some youngster to become a world-class athlete, able to compete in the Olympics. Wouldn't that be great!

John DeForge

Waynesboro

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Great service brightens customer's day

The batteries in my husband's power wheelchair went bad. The wheelchair was taken to a local business for batteries to be installed, and I was shamefully overcharged.  I had the wheelchair transported to M.I.T.S. of Virginia, 2075 W. Main St., Waynesboro, and what a pleasant difference in the service. They were so helpful, honest, pleasant and gave service with a smile. They made my day when I was under a stressful load.

I want to say thanks again, and may God richly bless each one.

Gracie Allen

Waynesboro