Letters to the Editor

No excuses for bad manners here
Media accounts of Waynesboro City Council meetings reveal many differences in council members' approaches to giving direction to the city's needs. To their credit, civility has been maintained in spite of spirited debate and heated exchanges. Correct parliamentary procedure and the applicable use of Robert's Rules have resulted in civil discourse and respect for the rule of law. The mayor is to be commended for his use of the gavel.
The fairly new practice of televising council meetings reveals quite a different attitude on the part of some visiting speakers. It has become necessary to impose a three-minute rule in order to expedite and complete city business in a reasonable time. It is now impossible to deny improper behavior because the television is an irrefutable witness. To watch and listen to a legitimate concern from a disgruntled citizen is a fair use of First Amendment rights, but recently we have been exposed to a new type of speaker, the "Lecturer."
Not only do these presenters profess to know more about most subjects being discussed than anyone present, they also believe that the ruder and louder they are, the more likely they are to make their point. Often times, it is so ridiculous that even if it could be a valid concern, it is missed because the rude presentation has destroyed the speaker's credibility. You really cannot make this stuff up; you have to see it to believe it. City Council meetings are not places to practice oratory skills, establish a platform for political office, perform for TV, or vent ideas to ease your frustrations. While it may make you feel better, council chambers are not Dr. Phil's office.
As a former middle school principal in this community, I suggest that this type of behavior rises to about sixth-grade level. Because the mayor cannot deal with it in the same way I would have treated it, I offer these words of advice. If the shoe fits….
Lewis Grizzard, the author and columnist for the Atlanta Constitution, said this: "Come South. Enjoy our weather, eat our food, drink our booze, and marry our women. There is one thing, however, that we don't want you to do. Don't tell us how you used to do it in New York City. We don't want to know how you did it in New York City and don't care how you did it in New York City. If you have a problem with that, Delta is ready when you are to fly the friendly skies." Lewis was cool.
In this part of the country, we have a high regard for good social graces and skills. Allowances can be made for error in judgment, but there is no excuse for bad manners.
Bon Voyage.
Jim Nichols
Waynesboro

Racetrack would cause more trouble, accidents
Tinkling Springs Road (Route 608) leading to the Augusta Expoland complex is a high traffic area consisting of ambulances, rescue squad services, coming and going vehicles, buses, motorcycles and tractor trailers which creates dangerous traffic problems. If the proposed Motorcross racetrack is approved, this will become worse and more dangerous.
Within this area are undeveloped commercial and residential properties, motel, churches, Augusta Medical Center, other medical offices, a hospice house, nursing home, funeral homes, various retirement communities, proposed residential development of 188 townhouses on Goose Creek Road plus the retirement community known as Village on Goose Creek as well as numerous other properties.
When Expoland has its tractor and monster truck pulls, people find it impossible to be out in their yards due to the loud roaring engine noises, roaring crowds and dust and air pollution. The wind carries dust and pollution approximately one mile across the interstate up the hollow to the area known as Village on Goose Creek.
With a Motorcross racetrack, such conditions will create additional noise pollution and environmental problems. The proposed Motorcross racetrack is somewhat steep and in descending downhill, the competition of the riders will result in higher speeds, which will cause accidents. So one can expect to have more minor and serious accidents.
Would it not be more appropriate and safer to find land elsewhere better suited for such activities- Who would want to develop land or purchase commercial or residential properties or even live near a Motorcross racetrack-
Our homeowners association and others living in this area expressed disapproval to having a Motorcross track at Expoland. The value of property will indeed decline if approved.
We ask the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny their requests.
William Russ Jordan
Fishersville

Local librarian was a community asset
Dorothy Reinbold was a courageous and inspirational woman for many others and me.
Her initial role was as a librarian who helped establish our local library, which is a superior one. She, herself, was filled with information, or she would find it on any subject! (Before the Internet.)
Beyond that, Dot was a quiet compassionate person who always found time doing things for others. That will not be forgotten.
In the summer, for many years a small room was set aside for students who needed tutoring and she made materials available at the library and encouraged them.
We are fortunate to have had such a dedicated person to help make our library the superior one it is.
Once again, appreciate her love for the children and the encouragement she gave the public. The library, for some of us, will be a memorial. Her courage was also a gift.
Betty Menaker
Waynesboro