Speak Out

From its inception, Rainbow Omega in Eastaboga has had no stronger advocate than Coach Gene Stallings. He has supported this community for developmentally disabled adults with his time, money and considerable influence. Often he has said that it was the ideal place for his son, John Mark, to live if he and Mrs. Stallings passed away first. Unfortunately, John Mark did not outlive his parents.

The University of Alabama may have had a more successful coach on the football field, but it never had a better man in the game of life. The son clearly influenced the father in the areas that live on and touch others. Rainbow Omega is very fortunate to have the support and encouragement of Gene Stallings, a man of strong character and compassion.

Forrest and Joyce French
Anniston

Cottingham's character

The Anniston community knows that Arthur Cottingham, who is running for the Board of Education in Ward 4, is a man of his word.

Arthur is a graduate of Jacksonville State University and Ayers State. His child is in the Anniston City Schools system, and that's why he wants things to change. He's the man to start the change if we work together as a community.

Arthur is the Anniston High School PTO president and has made a positive change for that organization.

He welcomes all parents at Anniston High School to be a member of the PTO.

Charles D. Whatley
Anniston

Voting for Spain

What is up with our roads? The citizens of Anniston are up in arms about the shape of many of our roads. Some are threatening to "plant trees in the roadways" while others are "speaking of class-action law suits" against the city.

The cause? We have milled streets in preparation for paving but have waited, in some places months, without properly preparing and applying the pavement. The pre-paving preparation step is required to ensure that the pavement properly adheres to the surface. Failure to properly prepare the surface will result in premature pavement failure in the form of cracks and bumps.

The repaving process has now been delayed to the point that extensive subsurface repair will be required before new pavement can be effectively applied. In some locations rain has washed away the dirt, leaving significant potholes. The result — citizens are experiencing pothole damage in the form of muffler damage, tire and wheel damage and alignment problems. The expense of unnecessary auto repairs is an increased financial burden on our citizens when they are already experiencing the effects of skyrocketing gas prices.

It is amazing to me that the repairs to our roads were not spread over a period of time that could be properly managed. Could this have been caused by the pressure of our City Council to pave roads during the election period to receive political benefit? If so, it is political maneuvering that has certainly backfired and appears to have left the citizens of Anniston holding the bag.

I believe that John Spain is a man who would not sacrifice the public welfare for a political advantage. I am voting for John Spain on Aug. 26. I encourage you to vote for Spain, City Council, Ward 1.

Jim Slaton
Anniston

Endorsing Bennett

I am pleased to write this letter in support of an excellent candidate for Ward 1 of the Anniston City Council, Stan Bennett.

It was a pleasure to have had him as a co-worker for a number of years in the Anniston City Schools. I have been impressed with his leadership ability as a professional educator, and I believe he would exemplify the same qualities if he were re-elected to the Anniston City Council. He is one of the outstanding educators of our time.

Bennett has always sought excellence in the educational programs in our state and for the young people in this area. Having worked with all ages as a teacher, administrator and community leader, he has found new progressive policies and programs that have benefited people in today's society, as well as enabling them to function better in the society of tomorrow.

He believes that the foundation of a progressive community is education. He evaluates both sides of the problem and strives to find an equitable solution. He listens carefully, advises prudently and supports continuously. He may differ in opinion, but when the group has made what he feels is a fair judgment, he supports the majority.

He is an exceptionally good schoolman and community leader who works well with others and is very dedicated to any task. He will be a tremendous asset to the City of Anniston if re-elected.

I strongly endorse Stan Bennett for the Anniston City Council for Ward 1.

Leon Garrett
Assistant superintendent (retired)
Anniston City Schools
Piedmont

Robison is dedicated

The word change has been used a lot this campaign season, on a national level as well as locally. Change sounds good, especially when citizens are unsatisfied with the status quo. Positive change for Anniston City Schools was initiated when Joan Frazier was appointed superintendent. The Ward 4 representative on the Anniston Board of Education played a key role in affecting this change.

Bill Robison holds the Ward 4 seat on the board. For years Bill has worked diligently in an attempt to maintain the integrity of our school system. He believes that Frazier is a strong leader, willing to work with the school board to improve the quality of education and increase the educational resources in our community. He further believes that educational improvements will be made and that they will benefit Anniston's children significantly.

I am excited about Bill's dedication and his enthusiasm about the future of Anniston's school system. His experience and knowledge are very valuable to Frazier and her staff.

Please vote for Bill Robison on Aug. 26.

Pat Babb
Anniston