‘What in the world were you thinking’

I am appalled, disgruntled and very disappointed in the decision that you, Mayor Goodnight, have made with the laying off of 12 additional firefighters. What in the world were you thinking? You are jeopardizing the safety of this community and that of our firefighters.

These people put their lives on the line every day they report for duty to rescue those involved in fires and/or disasters. They aren’t asking for a raise in pay or additional benefits. Some have even stated that many would be willing to take “rolling layoffs” to retain the 12 firefighters that you just put on layoff.

What is it going to take for you to open your eyes to see that this is wrong? The death of a child that couldn’t get out of a burning house? The death of a senior citizen that lives in an apartment building on the top floor and can’t get out because there weren’t enough firefighters to help, let alone the safety of the firefighters themselves? There has to be enough force to protect each other in a fire.

Here’s a thought: Why don’t you job shadow the firefighters for a week or two, and let’s see if you can handle it? You go into the burning building with a “reduced” department and see how it feels.

Why not get rid of some of the little extra things you’re doing, like the hanging baskets of flowers along Sycamore Street, the “bandstand” that’s being built in Foster Park (that sure was a necessity), or the stone markers that were placed in the downtown area? Here we are in a recession, and you’re spending money on unnecessary items instead of helping to retain the firefighters. You have completely disrupted the lives of these families when it was totally uncalled for.

I was very hopeful when you ran for office, and I even voted for you. But I can tell you now that I have serious regrets about my decision. I won’t do it again.

I understand that when a new administration comes in, there has to be some changes, but these are the wrong changes. This community is in trouble. People, please take notice of what’s going on. Will it be your family that suffers a human loss because of the decisions that our mayor has made?

I am praying for you, Mayor Goodnight, along with the families that have been affected by your decision and the firefighters that are left.

Michelle Degraffenreid

Kokomo

‘Never seen city in such a mess’

I can no longer sit by without voicing my opinion. Because of Mayor Goodnight, I sold my home in the city limits of Kokomo. I had lived in the city since 1966. I’ve never seen the city in such a mess. I feel sorry for the citizens of the now lost town that would rather have a monument erected than safety for its citizens, home and property. I’ve never seen a monument make a rescue or save a life.

I’ve always taught my children and grandchildren to respect those in charge, but that has now changed. I saw you almost take down a factory and now I sit here and watch you take down a city I once was proud of.

I had a chance to move back to the city this year, but I had to pass that up and a chance to buy a fine home there. When your term is up, I will again consider moving back if we still have a city to move to.

I thank God each day I’m not part of the city that has no protection of life and property. I pray God will watch over you folks in Kokomo.

Ella Beene

Russiaville

Christians responsible for state of our nation

Our Founding Fathers gave us a free nation based upon Judeo-Christian principles. The American nation became the greatest incubator and exporter of Christianity the world has ever seen.

American Christians born here nurtured the land and shed their blood to keep it free. But over the years the American Christian has become complacent, yielding control of their nation to the enemies of Christ. Polls consistently show that the majority of Americans profess to be Christians; therefore they must take responsibility for the current state of our nation. We control who serves in Congress, who is in the White House, and every other political office from Capitol Hill to City Hall. We take credit for what freedom we have left, and we must also take responsibility for the 50 million innocent babies that have been murdered, same sex marriages and the multitude of federal roadblocks designed to keep Christ out of our schools.

The majority of American voters professing to be Christians hold the political power to stop America’s decent into spiritual darkness.

There is a sounding cry at election time that the American people are voting their pocketbooks. Maybe so, but inquiring minds would ask why our government is now bankrupt, both financially and spiritually?

Ondis Brantley

Russiaville