Only Nichols
Most of us are now aware that Tennessee presently faces the worst money problems of its 206-year history. Our essential health care, educational institutions and law enforcement agencies are showing serious symptoms of neglect and stagnation. Even our beautiful state parks have been abandoned in a quest for solvency. That's why the State of Tennessee needs strong and courageous leadership.
Every day we read that each of the candidates running for governor is for good government. Only one individual, Randy Nichols, is brave enough to explain how the state might pay for good government. Isn't it time for more than empty words and political posturing? I believe that Tennesseans want a candidate who isn't just for education, good health care, good roads, and more and better paying jobs, but one who backs his words with action and results.
Knox County District Attorney General Randy Nichols's unconventional campaign continues to emphasize clear objectives, clearly described means to ends, honest proposals, and studied solutions. His proposal for substantive tax reform, including a 3.5% flat income tax and repeal of sales taxes on things like groceries and non-prescription drugs, is the only meaningful proposal being offered in this campaign cycle. You have to admit that running a campaign with a platform that includes tax reform is both courageous and unconventional.
Many now feel that it is time to buck conventional wisdom with some solid Tennessee common sense. For once, let's elect a leader who not only stands on principle but acts on it as well.
William T. Snyder
UT Chancellor Emeritus
Knoxville
Ac—centuate...
Like you, I am very pleased to see Mayor Ashe's recent actions to preserve and restore downtown Knoxville.
Could it be that term limits illuminated the need for a positive legacy?
Garrison Williams
Knoxville
Piling On
Here's another letter for your "trash" pile. I'd like to say "thank you" to David Allen Wilson's [Feb. 14, Incoming] response. I, too, am a native Knoxvillian, born just across the river at Baptist Hospital, and I've lived downtown most of my adult life. I have often felt I am one of the few who'll admit that (being born here), and yes, I love it.
I've known people who have moved to New York for a couple of years and then suddenly come back to Knoxville with their affected accents in tow and proudly announced at dinner parties that they are from New York, being ashamed of their Knoxville roots. But after the nasty (and I do mean stinking) piece by Metro Pulse [Jan. 10] on White Trash, I can't really blame them anymore.
If any of my friends living in other cities saw that article I'd be tempted to be from any place else than a place where something that outdated and bigoted could be published as intelligent journalism.
Don't get me wrong, you have a select few consistently good writers on staff, but I am consistently amazed at what you consider to be news and even more shocked at your low standards for content. But, David, take heart, your letter was much more eloquently written than most things I've read in Metro Pulse and had a lot more heart. Which, by the way, some of you oh so "cool" folks at Metro Pulse could use. Not everything in our town is as nasty as your writing.
Kim Stephens
Knoxville
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