Monday, October 19, 1998

Parking problems

Anticipating a great evening at the Aviators first game, I was quite surprised upon arrival at the coliseum to find a line of cars waiting to get in to the parking area.

This was caused by a person collecting three dollars for parking. No visible signs were evident, and we wondered who this person actually worked for and where the money was going. No receipt was issued by this person.

I cannot ever remember paying to park at the coliseum for any concert, circus, rodeo, fair, etc. I think for this price we fans should receive something such as traffic control. There was none after the game. Every man for himself ! Like being on the boards with gloves off.

The game itself and everything else were great, especially since we won. Looking forward to more games with no surprises! Great to have hockey in our city.

MIKE BRANDON

Abilene

Via e-mail

Hockey excitement

Thank you to the Abilene Aviators for a great opening night.

As with any new venture, there were a few problems: The announcer could not be heard over the music, and those leaving early emptied into a dark parking lot.

I called the Aviator office on Friday morning and spoke with Brian Mackey. Mr. Mackey was already aware of the sound problems and assured me he would look into the light issue. It was great to talk to someone who expressed who not only placated my concerns but asked other questions to ensure our overall experience was good.

We are very excited that hockey has come to Abilene and hope that everyone gets a chance to support the game and make this team feel welcome in Texas.

FRAN DUANE

Hawley

Via e-mail

Handicap bus

In 1971 a tumor was removed from my head, leaving me handicapped in many ways. I was nearly 13. I know what it meant to be a hermit, for those years should be the start of a new life.

My mom and I went to the grocery store on Saturday, and on Sunday I did get to go to church with my parents.

However, Monday through Friday was long.

When I was in my late 20s, I went to a center for the handicapped and elderly people. The CityLink handicap bus would come get me at my house and deliver me to the center. In the evening, it would come and take me home, seeing I got safely in the door.

I don't go to the center any more, but I can call the handicap bus a day in advance, and it will pick me up and take me where I would like to go. At the hour I request, it will come and see that I get safely home. I now know a new world.

I am thankful for the handicap bus. Abilene is a better city because of it.

GWEN STEVENSON

Abilene

Professional mom

"What happened to motherhood?" Linda Chavez wants to know. At our house, motherhood is alive and well.

I consider myself a professional mom. Before I had children, I was Ms. Feminist. I remember advising my sister-in-law to put her children in daycare and they would be fine. Then five years ago, we had our first daughter, and my heart melted. I could not bear to let someone else keep her. I had worked six years as a biology and wildlife genetics lab manager, and it all seemed unimportant when she came.

The longer I have stayed at home, the more of a blessing it has become. Our whole family benefits in so many ways.

When my oldest daughter went to kindergarten this year, I was a little sad. A big part of her childhood was officially over, but I took great comfort in knowing I had not missed rocking her, or her smiles, even her little tears. She had gone to pre-k half-days, but she'd never been to daycare. She didn't know the word "daycare," much less the concept.

I try to focus on making sure they have magical memories. My daughters' days are filled with playing dolls, tea parties, coloring and baking. For me, it is a wonderful challenge to see how beautiful I can make our life with the money we have.

If I could trade the last five years for a fortune larger than Bill Gates' or being as famous as Albert Einstein or Princess Diana, I wouldn't do it. All those tiny smiles, hugs and kisses are worth far greater to me.

PEBBLES LEE

Abilene

Balance the books

A system of checks and balances is the foundation on which you build a nation, run a business or a county treasurer's office - unless you live in Taylor County.

On Nov. 3 the voters of Taylor County have the opportunity to reconcile their checkbook and elect someone who knows how to run a business, balance a checkbook and the importance of accurate record keeping. That person is Lesa Crosswhite.

SHEVAWN BARRON

Abilene

Charlie does help

During these days of troubled controversy between the two political parties, I would like to urge the voters of the 17th District to consider a man with high moral character who knows the needs of the 17th District, the needs of Texas, as well as the needs of the United States of America. He is a proven man, a power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please consider Charlie Stenholm.

My son was thrown into a Mexican prison last February after getting in heavy traffic that caused him to cross the International Bridge into Mexico. He had a .22 rifle in his pickup that he handed to Mexican officials, explaining what had happened. He was thrown into a jail that was worse than any hogpen for 42 days. He was then fined a ridiculous amount of money.

Charlie, working with Rep. Reyes of El Paso, did everything possible to secure his release while being very careful not to offend the Mexican officials. Charlie was also in contact with our daughter-in-law several times. They do not even live in Charlie's district. Charlie will go the second mile for the people of the United States of America.

It is my belief that Mr. Izzard does not understand the problems of the farmer, rancher, businessman, laborer, oil and gas people, small-town bankers, school teachers and others who work for a living.

Voters of the 17th District, I beg you to send Charlie back to Washington and Mr. Izzard back to cleaning teeth.

JUNE CARRUTH

De Leon

Pressing needs

The nerve of Terry Burch and those other pesky folks on Bois D'Arc Street. Don't they know the city has more pressing needs for its people and funds than assisting them with their water damage.

I suggest to Mr. Burch and his neighbors that they take a ride on the trolley, or a stroll through Everman Park, and get their priorities in order and their civic pride.

They should also know that if the same misfortune had befallen some of the citizens in Fairway Oaks, the city would have reacted in the same manner.

What do they think taxes are for, anyway?

CONSTANCE REEDER

Abilene

Considerable clout

I want to add my voice to the thousands of us in the 17th District who appreciate the wonderful job our U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm has done for us over the years.

With the considerable clout he has earned by his years of honorable and devoted service to our causes in the district, he needs to be returned to further his work for our desperate agricultural situation, our faltering Social Security problems, veterans services, health care needs and life in general.

He has earned the respect of his peers in Washington and has been placed in many positions of authority.

We need Stenholm's knowledge and experience.

It seems the most lauded qualification Mr. Izzard has is that he once served on the San Angelo City Council. Maybe if we have a clogged sewer line, we can call on him?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

PAULINE COUCH

Haskell