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Join in encouraging community spirit TO THE EDITOR: I am a proud resident in the Town of Tignall and serve on the City Council. Mayor Richard Gammon, council members Leon Aycock, Charles Bradley, Albert Huyck, and Thomas Jackson, are also proud residents in the Town of Tignall. We are trying to make Tignall a better place to live, trying to be responsive to constituents and conduct the business of government in an ethical and fiscally responsible manner. We all feel service to our community is one of our greatest privileges. It is a selfless gift of time, love for the town, and sincere commitment. The occasional compliment of our efforts is one of the cheap thrills of our job. We welcome community input of any kind. I would like to address each of the allegations set out in the letter to the editor from David A. Cordle, in the September 28 issue of The News- Reporter. Police Department: A policeman is on duty in the town from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. each day. After 11 p.m., the Wilkes County Sheriffs Department covers the town for the rest of the night. Chief Fort lives right here in Tignall and can be reached at all times. An officer on patrol around the clock could certainly be afforded if our citizens would like to raise the millage rate to accommodate such protection; however, the budget now in place does not provide for such protection. A police escort to the dumpsters at the old school is not provided; however, Georgia Power has installed two security lights (mentioned in the Council's minutes in The News-Reporter on May 25), one such light at the corner of the AG building is directed at the dumpsters. Further, unless Mr. Cordle took his garbage to the dumpsters after 11 p.m., there was a policeman on duty. Dumpsters: Notice about moving the dumpsters was posted in The News-Reporter on September 14 as follows: "DUMPSTERS at the Tig- nall Post Office have been RELOCATED behind the Tignall Gym." The dumpsters being moved were also mentioned in the Tignall news. Dumpster placement has been on the City Council agenda for many, many months because of complaints about old sofas, chairs, commodes, and garbage bags left on the ground that people made no effort to place in the dumpsters. The dumpsters are a convenience we all appreciate, in fact one in every back yard would be great - only if they were invisible! Mr. Cordle stated that a small number of our citizens decided that one of the very most important things was moving the dumpsters. If Mr. Cordle would be present at our City Council meetings, he would appreciate the many subjects that we discuss. Also, the dumpsters were never missing, in fact, they were moved only approximately 200 yards, even shut-ins knew of their movement. It must be noted at this time that the City has had very positive input about the dumpsters being moved. Golf Carts: Many complaints have been reported about 4-wheelers and motorcycles on our sidewalks over the last few months. In order to pass an ordinance covering all 4-wheel vehicles on sidewalks, we had to include golf carts. As to the police action against a local, that is a matter of public record and can be inspected at any time during city hours. Water: There was mention of the quality of our water system. Not only is our water tested by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division in Atlanta, on an annual basis (09/13/06); but, also, on a quarterly basis (02/22/06, 05/16/06, and 08/03/06); and, a monthly basis (04/10/06, 05/16/06, 06/13/06, 07/14/06, 08/09/06 and 09/13/06). These dates were gleaned from laboratory reports on file at the city office which are likewise a matter of public record and can be inspected at any time during city hours. Water Superintendent Clyde Davis is responsible for our water department and does so in a very conscious manner. I'm sure Mr. Cordle wishes the same thing I do - a peaceful, comfortable little town in which to live. Mr. Cordle, please join us on the second Wednesday in each month at 7:00 o'clock p.m. for the City Council meeting. Also, our North Wilkes Steering Committee needs new members, as our main objective is to encourage community spirit; and, further, since you mentioned the City of Washington, hope you attended the Town Hall Meeting held at the Senior Center in Washington, on Monday, October 2. This meeting concerned our community - not just Washington - but Wilkes County. Further, I'm sure you have noticed the $1,000.00 Essay Contest wherein participants are to answer four questions: 1) What do you think is right about Washington-Wilkes? 2) What do you think is wrong with Washington Wilkes? 3) How could it be fixed? 4) How would you participate in the fixing? All disgruntled and interested citizens should enter this contest. NOBIE KEENER Council member, City of Tignall and North Wilkes Steering Committee member
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