Thursday, July 16, 1998

Need more debates

I attended the debate between Rudy Izzard and Charles Stenholm in Rising Star on July 4. I thought it was great. Like many people, I rarely see politicians except on TV, and I appreciate both men working the Rising Star debate into their schedules.

Both men were a little testy at times, but that's what a debate is all about. It's a competition. But at least it's out in the open.

If anyone was negative it was Stenholm. He attacked Izzard from the get-go (probably because Izzard wasn't there when Stenholm first got on stage). Izzard responded in kind, but all in all the debate was informative.

They should hold these debates in other communities. Most folks, myself included, feel a debate is the best part of a campaign.

D.L. HILL

Early

No value-added tax

We need tax reform, but we don't need a value-added tax. I am alarmed that Congressman Stenholm has come out in favor of a VAT. And I am tired of hearing him say a value-added tax is the only kind of tax reform he supports and then say this is not his position.

I applaud Rudy Izzard for challenging Stenholm to talk about tax reform. And I was disappointed to read that Stenholm refuses to debate Izzard on the subject because he's too busy and thinks it's an old issue or a "Mickey Mouse" issue.

Our current tax code is too big, too difficult and too burdensome. We need tax reform, but we don't need a value-added tax. And we need a representative who is not too busy to listen to what we need.

ALLISON BRUCE

Abilene

Watering at Redbud

In regards to Mr. Roger Jensen's Sunday column about Redbud Park, I would like to add the following information.

The times from 5:30-8:30 a.m. are the hours that most people use the track at Redbud, and this is the time the watering is done, forcing people to walk in the street or walk in the mud on the tracks. The watering is turned on by timers and could be set to water at midnight.

Mr. Bob Cheatam and his people do a great job, but the park is there to be used, not to be just looked at due to the wet conditions.

BOB DAVIDSON

Abilene

Answering the call

It's midnight, and I'm writing because I can't sleep. You see, we were awakened tonight by strangers letting us know there was a fire in our alley, and it was about ready to jump our fence.

Some people were driving by the area of Arrowhead and Robertson Drive and noticed a small fire in our alley (it ended up being our dumpster). By the time the man made it around to the front of our house and awakened us, it was already flaming, and our fence was catching fire.

I'm sorry we didn't get the names of all of you who stopped to help us. Thank you for ringing our doorbell and banging on our door. Thank you for helping us keep water on it until the fire department arrived. Thank you for waking our neighbors so they could be aware.

There are some really great people in Abilene. Our fire was not major, but it easily could have been destructive had these people not cared enough.

Thank you to the Abilene Fire Department, who responded so quickly. (I've been saying I'm going to give a donation, but I haven't gotten around to it. I will go give my donation tomorrow because I know all too well now the importance they have!)

We are truly blessed to live in Abilene where people care about others. Again, thank you, thank you, to every one of you!

JAMES AND TERI BOONE

Abilene

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