Nov. 2, 2012: Our readers write

Endorsing Myers

Perhaps never before has there been a greater need to elect a candidate with proven leadership skills for the future of Elizabethtown. A lot has happened here over the past few years, with thousands of families moving into our area, many miles of new roads, and an economy that has expanded while most other places across America were struggling. BRAC has had a lot to do with that. Our town is now positioned to truly take advantage of the opportunities that the transformation of Fort Knox an Hardin County brings. But to get there we are going to need leaders with the vision and skills to guide us.

That is why we publicly and strongly support Arnold Myers for city council. His leadership ability, proven executive experience and undeniable integrity will enable him to hit the ground running as the council addresses many critical issues ahead.

Arnold has a track record of leadership in an executive capacity. He is totally up-to-speed on city government, seldom missing a council meeting. His work with Elizabethtown’s Bid committee, the fire and police departments have helped achieve positive results for our city and has gained him the respect of many city employees.

Arnold Myers has contributed to our community in both visible and private ways. Visible ways are well known through his business and entrepreneurial activities. Just as important are his less public contributions through support of non-profit organizations that help our entire community. Arnold has just completed serving as chairman of the board of directors of Hosparus (Hospice) of Central kentucky.

My wife, Susie, and I plan to vote for Arnold Myers for city council and we hope that you would consider doing so as well.

Arnold Myers will help our great “small town” become even greater. We know Arnold will work hard for all of us and will never back down when faced with making difficult decisions that arise. Please join us and vote for Arnold Myers on Nov. 6.

Gary and Susie Inman
Elizabethtown

Inheriting wind

I’m told a person experiences an epiphany at least once and I guess my turn came Monday night as I watched the movie “Inherit the Wind” staring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March.

As I watched, I could hear the television in the other room tuned to MSNBC and the political news of the day, As I dozed, I found it amazing how Henry Drummond’s (Tracy) dialogue morphed into campaign remarks Vice President Joe Biden was giving. Similarly, remarks Mitt Romney was making seemed to mirror Mathew Brady’s testimony in the “Scopes” trial.

If you are not familiar with this trial or movie, it’s all about progress and moving forward versus stagnation and moving backward all wrapped around the arguments of evolution versus creationism. And as any regular reader of The News-Enterprise can attest, arguments like those are contained in the many letters to the editor supporting either Democrats or Republicans. 

While the difference between the two parties can’t be more pronounced, there is one often stated difference by Republican writers that I find remarkable. Many Republican political pundits, professional and “amateurish” argue their views as strict Constitutionalist. With this fact in mind, I offer my epiphany and advice. 

I learned through my years of experience as a government spokesperson that the most underappreciated element of the First Amendment is that those freedoms guarantee any individual the right to make a fool out of themselves.

And as a final message to conservative writers to The News-Enterprise who over-utilize scripture to either make or fail to make their point, I leave you with Proverbs 11:29: “He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise”

John S. Rickey
Radcliff

Supporting Bennett

I am pleased to endorse Bill Bennett for Elizabethtown City Council because of the depth of his character and the clarity of his convictions.

Alan Laslie
Elizabethtown

In support of Myers

 The city of Elizabethtown could use another progressive voice on it’s city council to join Elizabethtown Mayor Tim Walker and Councilwoman Edna Berger. I have known Arnold Meyers for a number of years, particularly during the period he owned and operated Arnold’s Coffee. When frequenting his coffee shop with a fellow postal worker, high ranking postal official or a member of Kentucky’s congressional delegation, Arnold Myers treated each with dignity, respect and appreciated our patronage. One can always tell the true nature, character and integrity of an individual by the way they treat those who can do absolutely nothing for them.

I already knew of Arnold Myer’s business acumen in regard to his tenure at General Electric, particularly his being the general manager for it’s $ 1.4 billion sales and distribution division as well as his responsibility for the Caribbean market, profit and loss responsibility and general manager of market development. Yet at anytime when dealing with Arnold Myers, there was never an air of pretense or presumption. On occasion he was instrumental in assisting me with a community project, giving generously yet cheerfully and quietly. Many others in our community also know and appreciate Arnold for this attribute as well.

Arnold Myers would bring his business experience and spirit of community service to our city council in developing plans for business , economic growth and developing a sound economic development plan to make us a the pride and envy of Kentucky’s Heartland. Please join me in voting for Arnold Myers for Elizabethtown City Council.

Pete Countryman
Elizabethtown

Vote for Bill

I am Michele Bennett, sister of Bill Bennett, candidate for Elizabethtown City Council.

Bill has been a big part of my life, especially after the passing of our father. At a young age, Bill took on the role of taking care of his brother and sisters until we were able to stand on our own. Bill also cared for our grandmother for eight years and always was there for her, especially in her last months as she suffered from cancer.

My brother also has been there for his friends and neighbors when they were in need.

My whole life I have witnessed my brother helping others with selfless commitment, kindness, and empathy. I have no doubt that my brother will show the same selfless commitment and kindness as your Elizabethtown City Councilman. If you need his help, then he will be there for you.

Bill has also been in leadership positions his whole life — from the time he played sports as a youth to as an adult in his career. As a science professor and teacher my brother has mentored and won the admiration of thousands of students who, unto this day, still contact him for advice.

This campaign season he is the only candidate going to every door and doing what he loves — listening and talking to people.

I know my brother will make an excellent city councilman because he wants to represent you and he is committed to improving Elizabethtown.

My brother has always been there to help others, now he needs your help. On Nov. 6, please vote for Bill Bennett — Elizabethtown City Council, ballot position No. 1.

Michele Bennett
Tampa