Sewer merger will be beneficial

We read with interest the story in the March 7 Independent concerning Boyd County’s progress on the sewer merger. Boyd County Judge-Executive Bud Stevens and our county fiscal court commissioners deserve credit for their leadership in doing this. Sewer District 4’s board members deserve credit as well for agreeing to take on this added responsibility.

We completely agree the Boyd County Fiscal Court should focus its efforts on maintaining our county road/bridge infrastructure and economic development. Let Sanitation District 4 be responsible for operating, maintaining and billing the sanitary sewer lines, pump stations that were formerly operated by the fiscal court.

SD 4 has long operated its system in an efficient manner. Its personnel already has the specialized licenses, training to operate/maintain the sewer system.

Of course, there will be bumps in the road during this transition. But with all parties now working together, progress is certainly being made.

Again, thanks to all our county elected officials for the showing the courage and leadership in tackling pressing issues facing our county. That’s what we elected them to do.

Paul V. Amburgey, Ashland



Is this change for the better?

In the days leading up to the inauguration of our current president, many people were looking to Barack Obama to solve the “problems” that plagued the nation.

Mr. Obama ran his campaign on two ideals: Hope and change. The only problem was most people didn’t know exactly what he was going to do. Now, after roughly 50 days in office, I have a question for the hopeful ones: Are you still so confident?

In referencing the humongous stimulus package that breezed through the Congress, I have heard politicians say, “Well, we had to do something.” Does anyone else see a problem with that logic? When talking about banks and car companies, we’re told: “We cannot let them fail.” Really? Am I the only one that thinks this is wrong?

A very good friend and former employer of mine had to file bankruptcy several years ago. Sure it was painful and it wasn’t any fun. But he learned from the mistakes he made and came back stronger and wiser financially. How does that sound like a bad idea?

The greed of banks and the UAW have directly contributed to their demise. Banks made ridiculous loans to people who were unable to pay them back. The average Big 3 autoworker makes $30 more than an American autoworker at Toyota, Honda or Nissan. Could this be the reason for the shape the banks and the Big 3 are in?

Here’s my point: Mr. Obama wants to expand government so it permeates every segment of society. He wants to pump billions of dollars (which we don’t have) into these sectors of the business world that have become broken. He also wants to “fix” education and health care. Yes, this is change. But is it change for the better?

Kris Langstaff, Grayson



Greenbo needs local support

During the early 1950s, thousands of sportsmen and sport-conscientious women from Greenup, Boyd, Carter and other counties pitched enough for the Greenbo Lake Association to purchase some 3,300 acres in Greenup County that was eventually turned over Kentucky’s Department of Parks for the development of Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources contributed funding for the construction of Greenbo Lake, one of the premier fishing lakes in eastern Kentucky.

Like everything else, the current economy is effecting our park. It again needs local support to make sure Greenbo remains a viable and much-needed recreational facility to serve our people.

My wife and eye have just finished dining on a truly fabulous lunch of fried walleye fillet (the real thing), white beans, a delicious cornbread muffin, friend potatoes and cole slaw. What rib-sticking food prepared by Chris Metz, a truly remarkable chef, who can handle a fresh fillet of walleye as well as anyone. We dined in a beautiful dining room over-looking a lovely lake. What more could any diners ask for?

However, there were only a half-dozen lunch-time customers to sample this delectable cuisine. That’s a far cry from the support our counties gave to the creation of Greenbo 50 years ago.

It’s time more of us visit Greenbo to dine and plan an overnight stay. The park (all parks in Kentucky) need revenue in order to maintain the excellent facilities we have enjoyed so long. I would hope that we once again make Greenbo Lake an intricate part of our recreation and dining routines. It’s imperative do all we can to keep our park going and we can start now by ordering up a meal of deliciously — fresh, Canadian-caught walleye!

Soc Clay, South Shore



Bob Doss had impact on many

I make my living now in the arts — if you can call it a living. Others who attended Sunday’s luncheon at First Presbyterian Church honoring Bob Doss on his retirement as choir director, or sent letters of congratulations, can say the same thing. We all acknowledge the powerful influence Bob Doss had in that.

But we who chose a life in the arts are the exception, not the rule — and I, honestly, think we are the least important. All the hundreds and hundreds of others who simply LIVE differently because of Mr. Doss’ impact on them — those are the important ones.

I think of my friend, Geoff Gregory, who couldn’t attend the reception. He lives in Columbus and has three children — all of whom are actively involved in arts programs. I think Mr. Doss had a great deal to do with that. He gave his students much more than fine choral instruction: He taught them that making art is valid; that it is very rewarding to do it with others; that each of our individual expressions and contributions are vitally important; and that creativity is worth the work. Geoff has passed this ideal on to his children, and I have a strong feeling they will pass it on to their own kids.

I never went to sign up for choir. Bob Doss came to me. He somehow saw potential — knew he had a gift to give — and convinced me to accept it by joining the choir. I bet a lot of others at that reception could relate similar stories. He modeled for me an ethical code that I still use to this day: Any person with a talent is morally obligated to nurture that same talent in others. And nobody did that like Bob Doss.

Charlie Bissell, Lexington