Speak Out

Re "Still not enough: Despite rain, area counties still under drought conditions" (News article, May 16):

I agree with reporter Andy Johns' observation that "you know it's been dry when falling into the 'severe' drought category is an improvement." Indeed, our downgrade from "extreme" is a small victory.

The Alabama Legislature is taking steps this summer to begin to develop a statewide water management plan that will ensure future Alabamians have the same opportunity to enjoy our water resources. We look forward to the first meeting of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Water Policy and Management in mid-June.

Established by the passage of bipartisan resolution SJR28, the legislative committee is responsible for discussing solutions to alleviate the devastating impact of the region's drought and plan for the future.

Mother Nature has been kind to us in these last few months, but as families across the Southeast finalize plans to enjoy the recreation opportunities along our region's waterways, there's no better time than now to remember just how valuable our water resources are to our region's economy and our communities.

Jerry L. Sailors
Co-Chair, Southeast Water Alliance
President, Coosa Alabama River Improvement Association
Montgomery

Pass I&R legislation

When will Alabama voters start playing hardball with legislators?

It should be obvious by now that our Legislature won't pass real reform and accountability legislation, so if Alabamians want a better government they need a way to do it themselves. The tool voters need is called Initiative and Referendum (I&R), which voters in 24 states already have.

Rep. Mike Ball has introduced a constitutional amendment in the past several sessions which would provide that tool if the Legislature would pass it and voters approve it. The Catch-22 is that the Legislature won't pass it unless a majority of members are scared they will lose all of their power by being voted out of office if they don't vote for it.

It's past time for voters to play hardball with legislators by contacting them and telling them to either work for the passage of I&R legislation in 2009 or the voter will influence as many of that legislator's constituents as possible to help defeat the legislator in 2010 and future years if they ever seek any public office again. That message should be repeated over and over until the legislator agrees to help Alabama become the 25th I&R state.

Don Seibold
Wetumpka

Cheers to cheerleaders

As dutiful grandparents of two Walter Wellborn cheerleaders, we were excited to receive an invitation to visit the University of Alabama campus to watch their performances at the end of a four-day cheerleader camp.

Not only were Walter Wellborn junior and senior varsity squads engaged in the celebrations, there were several other cheerleader squads from our area that were there.

Junior and senior squads from Piedmont, White Plains and Hokes Bluff were awarded several individual and squad recognitions. The Donoho junior high cheerleaders and Wellborn varsity cheerleaders were recognized with superior ratings.

Cheerleader squads from three states were allowed 40 seconds to present their best efforts before a panel of judges. The sheer harnessed and directed energy of each precision performance gave proof that the local football teams are not the only athletes who are going to be performing this fall — there are also going to be some superior athletes performing on the sidelines.

Jim Haynes
Oxford

Asset for county

A true community event, the Music at McClellan summer concert series is a real asset for Calhoun County. The different themes for each performance offers something for all of us to enjoy with the company of friends, old and new. I am sure that I speak for the thousands who attend the concerts when I say thank you to Josie Ayers and Pete Conroy, who along with the many sponsors and volunteers provide us this unique opportunity. Job well done!

Sam Stewart Jr.
Anniston