Speak Out

The communities of Saks, Lenlock and those who frequently drive Lenlock Lane would like to sincerely thank the Anniston City Council for approving, but not installing, the traffic light at the intersection of Lenlock Lane and Central Park.

Once again, the north side of Anniston realizes that we are not on the east side and do not get the same quick results as others.

Patricia Hulsey
Saks

Talladega needs Leon

Surely, Talladega residents want to see the town thrive. I cannot see anyone not wanting to preserve the downtown area.

A recent article in The Daily Home addressing problems with the restoration of the Braswell building speaks volumes on why Talladega continues to decline. I certainly can relate to the frustrations of the new owner, Mario Musa, who came here in good faith and expecting an open-arms reception to his plans and dreams. Yet, from the news story, he, like many before him, has become entangled with the local bureaucracy.

Musa is caught between the Historical Commission, the city building inspector and far too many local politicians. It is hard to see this much-needed project ever happening.

We have a Downtown Revitalization Committee charged with recruiting these types of businesses. Yet, a member of this committee has been quoted in the newspaper as saying that, "... (he) sends his grandchildren to Anniston private schools, and when he and his wife want to entertain or eat out, they go out of town."

Aren't we victims of our own stumbling blunders? Why on earth would any out-of-town businessman invest in Talladega and have to deal with these issues?

Perhaps our city leaders should consider asking Oxford Mayor Leon Smith to teach a seminar on how to run a city, including successful business recruiting. But most of all, simply getting everyone working together toward the same goals and just getting the job done.

James W. Anderson
Talladega

Only for Americans?

So Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, wants martyrdom. I say give it to him. But only if it's fast and speedy like Timothy McVeigh in Oklahoma — or is that only relegated to American citizens?

Bob Richards
Anniston