A Note of Thanks

To an Unsung Hero

I was at the Southern Pines train station last Friday morning, meeting the 7:06 train, when I witnessed the lifesaving action of a man on the platform.

He called out, "You won't make it!" and was now rushing down the platform. A woman had crossed the tracks ahead of the oncoming train and was trying to clamber onto the station platform with another woman pulling on her. This hero reached this woman and proceeded to pull her up and drag her in so her legs were not swept away by the train. I feel sure there was less than two seconds between her being in safety or not.

The trainman must not have seen her as there was no slowing of the train. I was so engrossed with helping my departing guest with her luggage that I did not thank this man. I hope you will print this and he will read this. Thank you, Mr. Hero.

Joan Barriage

Pinehurst

Vote for Cunningham

Our sons were classmates of James Calvin "Cal" Cunningham, candidate for U.S. Senate, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They know him to be an outstanding leader.

Cal was president of the student body and was inducted into the Golden Fleece Honorary Society and the Order of the Grail-Valkyries for his work in positions of student leadership. After graduating with honors in political science and philosophy, he went on to receive a Master of Science in public policy and public administration from the London School of Economics and a law degree from Chapel Hill.

In 2000, Cal was elected to serve in the N.C. Senate. While in the Senate he served as vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and on the Education Appropriations, Policy and Joint Oversight committees. If elected, Cal will be the only member of Congress who has served in Iraq. He was lead counsel in the first prosecution of a contractor/civilian under the Uniform Code of Military Justice since 1968. For his service in Iraq, Cunningham was awarded the Bronze Star and the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. His other awards are too numerous to mention. See his website for more information: CalforNC.com.

Cunningham is currently a litigation attorney in Winston-Salem. His wife, Elizabeth, is a respected education researcher and presented to the State Board of Education several times during the 10 years I served on that board. Elizabeth is committed to the mission of public education.

Recently, Cal stayed in our home overnight. Dr. John and I had extensive conversations with him focused on medical care and economic issues now being debated and decided by our congressional leaders. We will vote for Cunningham on May 4 and hope you will do the same.

Evelyn B. Monroe

West End

Now's Your Chance

As we are approaching the May primary, you should ask yourself the question, "Have I been reasonably satisfied with what the representatives in Washington have been doing?"

The majority party has been forcefully pushing their programs through both houses regardless of whether there was a lot of support by the people who put them there, and the minority party has been obstructing everything that has come up without offering constructive alternatives. There is a solution to this situation: No incumbent should return!

My suggestion is to vote for new blood. It can't be any worse than what we have and might be a lot better. I am aware that there are a few who have been looking out for the people, but it is too difficult to sort them out.

On a local level, I want you to remember that only Tim Lea voted against the purchase of that vastly overpriced piece of real estate for the expansion of the county government. Now it seems that this parcel of land is not sufficient to allow buildings for all needs and on top of it, creates a problem for nearby residents.

Now is your chance to have input on the situation. Miss it and you have no reason to complain but to yourself.

Harald Steltzer

Aberdeen

For School Board

Voters have the opportunity to select a very well-qualified candidate at large to the Moore County School Board on May 4.

Ed Dennison possesses a solid educational background. Most important, he has the analytical skills to address issues, establish goals and research the paths to achieve results. He is very involved in joining and/or monitoring many community organizations and governmental bodies. This is an essential perspective for a member of a school board that serves all of Moore County. A vote for Dennison is a vote for sustained quality in our Moore County public schools.

Dr. Barbara Farr

Whispering Pines

That Pier Vote

House Bill 628, "Aquarium Satellite Areas Funding," was introduced on March 17, 2009. This legislation passed in the N.C. House of Representatives with a vote of 111-0. It then moved to the Senate, passing 49-0.

Republican lawmakers were misled. They were told the entire project would be paid for using only gate receipts.

The truth is the $25 million pier authorized by Session Law 2009-14 will be using a lot of other monies.

Funding Source: Aquarium Admissions Fund (07-09), $1,750,000; Clean Water Management Trust Fund Grant, $2,328,000; Water Access and Marine Industry Grant, $1,500,000; Aquarium Society, $400,000; DENR Storm Water Pilot Project (H628), $10,585,757; Aquarium Admissions Fund (09-10), $8,761,243. Total, $25,325,000

Aquarium Admission Fund (07-10) total, $10,511,249.

Once Republicans realized the error, both House and Senate Republicans voted unanimously and cooperatively in caucus to repeal the bill. The repeal failed 64-50 in the House and 28-19 in the Senate. Republicans have been diligent in their attempts to curtail spending in Raleigh. Attempts to rein in wasteful spending bear little fruit for the minority party.

The face of the state legislature is likely to change after the general elections in 2010. Republicans may have a better chance number wise in shaping legislation. In any eventuality, boondoggle projects as described here should not be built at this time.

Sen. Basnight's district is no exception!

Information concerning votes cast by any member of the legislature is recorded and available via the General Assembly website. The information is available to anyone wishing to examine a member's voting history. As demonstrated, information passed along by the general public is frequently inaccurate.

Sen. Harris Blake voted along with all other N.C. House and Senate Republicans to repeal House Bill 628. Constituents desiring explanations on Blake's vote or his position on any issue can call his office for information. His office is very responsive to constituent's requests. That's why he is highly rated within Senate District 22.

Lee Settle

Pinehurst

Coble Serves Well

President Gerald Ford was my congressman in Michigan for several years. He served us well in Washington as well as on the home front.

When asked, he would make every effort to attend even the smallest event in the smallest village in his district. His appearance always helped make the event a success, I might add.

Kathy Huffine's letter (March 26) from Greensboro on the attentiveness of Howard Coble to his constituents made me see the similarities, and I too am pleased that Coble is my congressman.

Peggy A. Hicks

Whispering Pines

As Happy as Adam

I would like to say a few words of thanks to the many people who have thanked me for getting Adam Wilson a ride in an airplane. I must say I was almost as happy as Adam was.

I would like to thank Quest Aircraft Company of Idaho for taking him and his father, Dan Wilson, for the flight. Last, but not least, thanks to The Pilot for printing the article and for the "Birdie."

Roland Gilliam

Carthage

Dumb Cartoon

So Carlson could not stand it that tea party folks have money and brains (editorial cartoon, April 25)? So as a good liberal, he did the only thing he could. He attacked the schools.

As my mom used to say, "Just because you're dumb is no reason to open your mouth and prove it." Or in this case, create a cartoon.

Dick Korn

Southern Pines