OUR READERS WRITE...

" One thing I do know, in a time that calls for greatness, with the situation screaming out to you to help, you have chosen a tack of obstructionism"

Wrong. We have chosen the path of not getting charged $50 a head to fix what city leadership has failed to address previously.

"Please reconsider, put others before yourself, and become part of the solution. "

Then go after the property owners who are not taking care of their property. It's not anyone's responsibility but theirs, end of story.

1 Agrees | 4 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

I don't think anyone disagrees with you on your last point Mr. Cahill, some of us just disagree with your plan to do it.

4 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

I am referring to those who promote themselves as knowing leaders and then fail to lead. I am referring to those who profess to stand for something and then act contrary to their supposed convictions. It is not enough to pay your taxes. We each have a responsibility to ourselves, our family, and to our community.

3 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

I did spend a considerable time answering the questions posed in Ms. Hettinga's post. I assume that they will be published, but that is up to the Salem News.

1 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

I did spend a considerable time answering the questions posed in Ms. Hettinga's post. I assume that they will be published, but that is up to the Salem News.

1 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

Repeat : Salem can chose to regress or progress.

2 Agrees | 4 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

Scott and TAC, I notice you didn't answer any of the questions asked. Questions are NOT obstructionism.

1 Agrees | 3 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

Scott says there is a lack of leadership on "that block of Broadway"--since there is only one block with businesses, I assume the first block off State St is the one he refers to (not the block with City Hall). Isn't that a block where most of the business people have bought their own buildings and have their own businesses in them? Isn't that leadership? Haven't they done what you want done--have businesses that bring people to Salem? What more do you want from them? Maybe some of those people are just busy making a living. If they do that well, they are helping Salem--they are paying taxes on a building and a business.

1 Agrees | 3 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

I guess Salem can chose to regress or progress. !!!

2 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

Salem has always had great honor. We stood on the right side of civil rights. We stood on the right side of womens' rights. We stood on the right side of a divided union. Martin Luther King knowingly gave his life for the people who he loved. Perhaps the tough times have taken a toll that is too great to overcome, I don't know. Perhaps I am the wrong man to lead the effort to recover our City, I am happy to hand the reigns over to another. One thing I do know, in a time that calls for greatness, with the situation screaming out to you to help, you have chosen a tack of obstructionism. I am not a greatly religious man, I know this, though, In times of difficulty some rise and some fall. This is an opportunity for a church or a related retailer to show the way. I am saddened by the lack of leadership our community has had from that block of Broadway. Please reconsider, put others before yourself, and become part of the solution.

4 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »

Good post, Miss Hettinga.

2 Agrees | 4 Disagrees | Report Abuse »