Recycling made easy at center’s special event

The Rome-Floyd Recycling Center hosted a recycling event on Sept. 19. Having a large television set to recycle, I called to make an appointment and explained that I had never participated in this event before. I was told to come in behind the Water Department, join the line of traffic, and someone would direct me.

Expecting to sit in a neverending line of vehicles, I braced for the worst and left a few minutes early. Upon arrival, the appointment confirmation tent was clearly marked, and in less time than it took me to load the television it was out of my SUV and I was on my way.

The recycling center did an outstanding job of hosting this event.

I assume that securing appointment times allowed the participants to move in and out without a build-up of traffic. The individuals who assisted were easy to recognize, extremely helpful and very pleasant to speak with.

Many thanks to the RomeFloyd Recycling Center for a smoothly run and well-organized event!

IILinda H. Blalock

Rome wanted to share with you a thing that happened to me. I wrote a criticism of Mike Lester’s cartoon in the Rome News-Tribune on Aug. 23, 2015. What a surprise when he wrote to me via Facebook on Aug. 26 the following words. “I want to thank you for caring to exercise your First Amendment right. Mine is no more valid than yours. More important, you signed your name and I respect that more than you know. God Bless You, Rome, GA, America. ML.” What a surprise for me! Susan Daniel

Rome have read with more than a little amusement the tax situation whereby some unknown Floyd County business had taxes overestimated for years — tax monies distributed to local governments — and now the state wants it returned with interest. Ah, the assembly of state and municipal government officials and their hoard of attorneys working overtime on this!!

Last year I contacted the Floyd County tax office because, while trying to help my 85-year-old father sort through finances, I discovered the deed to his property did not match the tax assessors’ records of its size. I was told that the error was made back in the early 1970s, when the county first input property tax information into computers. And, yes, he had been taxed for a quarteracre more than he actually had all those years.

They were amused that it had gone on so long and thanked me for calling it to their attention. When I asked about a tax credit for all those years, they said, “Oh no, we can’t do that.”

So if Floyd County does not feel a moral obligation to treat its elderly, faithful, tax-paying citizens with “reasonable responsibility,” then why does Floyd County expect the state to treat them differently? Sandra Gosnold

Rome

It looks like our city commissioners have a problem with approving Sunday voting for the upcoming election. At present they are split on the decision. They are giving a number of reasons, pro and con.

It seems to me that cost is what they want us to believe is the obstacle. However, none of them seemed to have known what the cost would be. That shows a lack of them doing their homework. All that had to be done was check with the election office. I now ask is it cost or is it politics?

Being able to vote is an inalienable right of all qualified Americans. Our city commissioners should realize that is what got them into office. They should support and approve efforts that will encourage people to come out and vote.

I think there is a political side to this that the commissioners up for re-election don’t want to talk about it. There was a big turnout on the last Sunday vote, and newcomers to this year’s election are very well a threat to incumbents.

The cost of a Sunday vote is just pennies, considering all of the money commissioners vote for studies and consultants and other things less important than providing the right to vote.

FLarry G. Morrow Sr.

Rome or almost 50 years the Knights of Columbus of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rome have gathered each Labor Day weekend to prepare “Rome’s best barbecue” for hundreds of very generous residents of Northwest Georgia.

Thanks to you, preliminary results show that this was indeed a record year for us. More than $19,000 has been made available for local charitable needs.

Our very giving sponsors basically cover the cost of the meats, beans and other ingredients. That means every $9 ticket we sell is “profit” — and we invest every dime of that right back into Rome-Floyd County each year. Virtually all proceeds from the barbecue are used to bolster dozens of nonprofits in our community. What’s earned in Rome stays in Rome, and helps make our community stronger.

We thank our customers for their loyal support, and the dozens of supporters and sponsors for helping us to underwrite most of our expenses. We, in turn, ask you to join us in supporting them as you do business in Rome and Floyd County.

This truly was a community event. We look forward to cooking for you again on Monday, Sept. 5, 2016.

Jim Parker Grand Knight St. Mary’s Catholic Church

This is an open letter to Rome city commissioners. As a life-long resident of Rome and Floyd County, I have seen many changes over my 64plus years. Most have been positive, though I will admit that some have been illplanned, resulting in after-effects that have been less than desirable. When this has occurred, we the citizens have been left to deal with the result.

Before you now is consideration to sell for development the property on Riverside Parkway. Please pause long and hard before casting your vote for this proposal. Our children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will be deprived of this beautiful green space right in the heart of our city if this proposal is allowed to move forward. Please cast a NO vote on this proposal.

Once destroyed, this beautiful area cannot be reclaimed for future generations. Apartment complexes can and should be built elsewhere. This area of natural beauty should be preserved to enjoy as is or possibly developed into walking, biking trails or even as an outdoor classroom/ observation area for folks to enjoy the animal and plant life. Again, please vote NO on the proposal to rezone and sell for development the property on Riverside Parkway. Jim Curry

Rome

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