Speak Out

Re "Anniston looks at its human resource practices" (News article, April 22):

I was surprised that Anniston Mayor Chip Howell and the City Council agreed to spend $2,500 of the taxpayers' money to hire an "expert" to make sure the city's human resources practices are in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

The city of Uniontown in Perry County, population 1,636, has a storied past, but not for being innovative or a model of efficiency in city government.

My question for the mayor and City Council is, if you had to take the $2,500 out of your own pocket, would you?

I can't imagine that in all of Calhoun County we do not have an "expert" capable of performing an unbiased audit to insure that all practices are in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Roger Hansek
Anniston

Upstream selfishness

Re "Water that does not exist" (Speak Out, April 26):

Letter writer Jeffery Daigrepont of Gainesville, Ga., wrote in the authoritative/possessive tense, "even with the water the city (Atlanta) takes, there still is an expectation by Florida and Alabama that we can somehow continue to let out water that does not exist."

With all due respect to Daigrepont's knowledge of things aquatic, I think he misses the point that in a natural state, rivers flow from state to state, rather than being dispersed (let out) by a particular state.

Throughout this earth, all rivers should eventually and ideally reach a water flow of optimal benefit to all. A flow arrived upon through careful study of costs versus benefits to the population and environment.

Many centuries old, beautiful and productive rivers in Europe thrive today due to this optimal stage having been reached, recognized and respected.

Sadly, other rivers have been swallowed up by reckless over-extension of their capacities, often precipitated by those who would attempt to assume distributorship of downstream river water based upon upstream selfish interests.

Armond "Si" Simmons
Pell City

Another auto plant?

Alabama is one of three states being considered by Volkswagen AG for a final assembly facility. In 1978, Volkswagen invested $236 million in an assembly facility in New Stanton, Pa., backed by an $86 million package of Pennsylvania low-interest loans, job training subsidies and tax abatements. Repayments by Volkswagen were to begin 10 years later.

In 1988, the plant was closed, laying off 1,725 workers and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania holding a mighty big bag.

Although Alabama seems to be very successful in landing automotive-related manufacturing facilities, I would urge our state officials to undertake exhaustive due diligence before presenting an Alabama proposal for Volkswagen's consideration.

Henry Dowler
Anniston