Archive By Section - Letters
Help our veterans, help our VA Service Office
In 2005 I was asked to write the history book for my American Legion Post 17 located in Camden. Among the many bits of facts I discovered and wrote into the document was the huge amount of compensation benefits our VA Service Officer and his assistant brought into my home county. At that time the annual amount was a mere $18,375,000 that year. Those benefits are tax exempt. That means every penny/dollar is turned around by the veteran who benefited from the award so they can spend the entire amount back into our local economy for goods ...
Barbara Peebles: a 'special angel'
On June 15, God called one of his "special angels" home. Barbara was a special needs person. To me she was just a special person. When Barbara was born, she wasn't given much chance to live, but because of God's grace, her parents' and family's love and the care of her doctors, she lived a good and long life.
Questions for taxpayers to ponder
Here are some questions about your money and government of and for the people:
Let's find a solution together
I always thought hospitality was freely given without even thinking about it by the one who gives. It seems odd to me that the word tax would even be combined with it. Sadly, taxes have become burdens that we pay out of a grudging obligation to governments who would have us believe they know what's best. We vote, hoping those we elect will help change things for the better and represent all fairly and judiciously.
Food for the Soul receives generous community support
On behalf of Food for the Soul, its executive committee and board of directors, thanks to all who participated in our "Pass the Plate" summer fundraising campaign. Churches, civic clubs, community organizations and businesses throughout Kershaw County "passed the plate" to support our soup kitchen ministry and emergency shelter for the homeless. The financial support and volunteer efforts of the people of Camden and Kershaw County have enabled us to meet growing needs as the poor economy and related joblessness continues unabated, and as we seek to alleviate hunger and homelessness in Kershaw County.
Just the facts
Recently much has been said about the DPZ plan with respect to the use of the Mather Academy property and recreation. When one reads the plan's recommendations several facts become very evident despite all of the rhetoric.
The bigger picture
Regarding recreation centers under fire, there's a larger picture we need to look at.
The old kitchen house
Among many in town, the old kitchen house of Bloomsbury, c 1849, was severely damaged during the April storms. A 105-inch circumference White Oak fell on the roof. The oak broke through the roof and destroyed the upper one-third of the cooking chimney. With the significant damage limited to the old kitchen house, the major impact was the deletion of open fire/family cooking. If not the storm, the summer heat would have temporarily halted open fire cooking until fall.
Hospitality and tourism
I have never before felt compelled to write a letter to our local newspaper or any other newspaper for that matter, but I do now. I own a business near Camden that draws hundreds of "out of town" people to stay in our motels and B&Bs, buy gas, eat out and shop. This supports my business and injects revenue into our community which obviously is a win/win, so I understand how important tourism can be to our town.
Tea Party would have us become third world country
I read with dismay Mr. Risvold's Aug. 16 letter to the editor and, as I also am a proud American, I feel I must reply to some parts of it.
Nuisance calls are scams in the making
Recently I have been receiving many calls wishing to sell me something or begging for contributions. For example, a state university has called me and my husband to ask to be included in wills and have a donation given. A salesman, ostensibly from a local cemetery, has called to have me buy a plot and/or have his group put flowers on my mother-in-law's grave. Is such a behavior not illegal if certainly reprehensible?
Amtrak station an embarrassment
I was in my hometown -- the fair city of Camden -- June 30-July 12. It is always nice to be home, where I spent the first 18 years of my life. I attended and graduated from Jackson Elementary, Jackson Junior High and Jackson High schools.
Put hospitality tax toward arena renovation
Not so fast, Mayor Graham and city council. Let's talk tourism. The National Steeplechase Museum is sponsoring a new antiques fair at Rhame Arena in October. The arena is downtown with lots of parking and extremely convenient to the interstate. Think about it -- if council had its way, the arena would have been torn down by now and taxpayers would be spending $6 to $8 million on a new YMCA on the Mather Academy property. Can we house an antiques fair at the YMCA? Can we hold the annual Firefest event at the YMCA?
It's all a matter of perspective...
We love Camden. After moving here in 1978, Camden has become "our hometown." When traveling here or abroad and asked where we are from, with a note of pride, Camden, South Carolina, is our answer. My office is in the city. Our home is in the county. Having said that, when we read about the antics of the mayor and his city manager sidekick each week in the paper, we breathe a deep sigh. From one perspective, we're not concerned. It's not our tax money they are wasting -- we live in the county. And, when we drive by ...
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