Voice of the people

Don't cut police, firefighters' pay

We have some of the most highly trained police officers and firefighters in the state. Both departments are underpaid for the risks and dangers they face. All I hear from City Council are complaints about benefits and pay. I don't see them chasing down drug dealers, running into burning buildings or bringing new business into Huntington.

Council blames all the problems on the people who take the risks and do the work. They want to degrade medical insurance and raise the premiums for less coverage, with no pay raises. That's a huge pay cut. What quality police or firefighters will Huntington be able to attract after such cuts? With low pay and losing benefits, what reason is there to work for the city? For a change, instead of blaming the problems on the employees, put the blame where it belongs, on years of corrupt or inept politicians. Tell the people the truth.

Our police officers and firefighters have always been there, risking their lives for our citizens. Six police officers and nine firefighters have been killed in the line of duty in Huntington. When will citizens stand up for them? Especially those whose lives and properties have been saved. You above all should be at every council meeting fighting for the people who risked their lives for you.

Both departments work with a lack of manpower, badly needed equipment and needed repairs. Doing their best, with what they have to work with. If benefits and pay are cut, will they continue to put their lives at risk for people who wouldn't support them? Firefighters were honored for their valor during the Emmons fire, where two firefighters were nearly killed. A year later, benefits are being cut. What a travesty. It is shameful.

Donna Berry

Huntington

Barr has proven service record

When you go to the polls on May 13, consider Ted T. Barr. He has been a resident of Cabell County his entire life and has served well as a member of the Cabell County Board of Education. Elected in 2000, he has missed only one regular board meeting. He has proven his desire to improve our entire school system.

Ted has been active in many major projects that have made our county a great place to live. Under his leadership, while serving as sheriff, he started what is now known as our Emergency Medical Services. As county commissioner, he was one of the leaders in the establishment of the 911 dispatch. He was also an early supporter of our county fair program and was active in the support of softball for many years.

You can't go wrong. Re-elect Ted T. Barr to the Cabell County Board of Education.

John W. Cremeans Jr.

Huntington

Nelson fights for the citizens he represents

I have known Bob Nelson since he ran Rep. Ken Hechler's Washington office when they were fighting strip mining. If they'd won that fight, we wouldn't have mountaintop removal and decimated communities, like where Bob grew up in Whitesville, W.Va.

In previous service in the Legislature, he fought for open government and open records. He cast the deciding vote for subpoena power for the Human Relations Commission. He fought for a board of governors that stopped the blank checks West Virginia was getting under the then State Board system.

He supported the veterans, incentives for recycling, water testing for mercury, water and sewer projects and a "health and prescription drugs" pool. He knows how the Legislature works, not just to introduce a bill, but to get it passed.

Most importantly, I respect Bob because he has never lined his own pockets as a public official. He is driven by a genuine fascination with government and the potential it offers to improve the lives of the citizens he represents, especially those who, otherwise, would have no voice at the table. Vote for Bob Nelson for House of Delegates, District 16.

Elinore Taylor

Huntington

Barr is type of person Cabell needs on board

I have known Ted T. Barr all of his life because I am his sister and just a wee bit older. If he is anything on the Cabell County Board of Education like he is with his family, then he is a good board member. Ted and I started going to church together about nine or 10 years ago, and he has been very faithful in his Christian life. Not only because he is my brother, but I believe he is the kind of person we need in public office. Ted will compromise issues but never compromise a principle.

I would appreciate your vote and support for my brother, Ted T. Barr.

Velma Barr McCoy

Lavalette