VOICE OF THE PEOPLE | SEPT. 25, 2009

Don't ask Israel to give up settlements

I think President Obama is not up on his world and American history to ask Israel's prime minister to ease up on building Jewish settlements on land to pacify the Palestinians.

Israel captured and won wars it didn't start, then took the territory. The United States and other nations around the world are wrong about Israel. Inhabiting land won in wars, such as Americans settling in Texas, California, etc., taken from Mexico in the Mexican American War, is legitimate. How many more mistakes can this country endure?

Alfred Boltin

Fort Mill

Streetscape changes good for community

I recently was returning from a trip and exited into the Dave Lyle Boulevard area off the interstate. I was struck by the dramatic change in the look of that area created by the new lighting of the streetscape improvements along the interstate and Dave Lyle.

The change in appearance at the interchange is truly impressive at night, as well as in the daytime. The new landscaping, signage, monumentation and lighting improvements will let the traveler know that they have arrived at a special place, and I am confident that the retail establishments, 29 restaurants, and six hotels in this area will see a dramatic, positive change in their revenues in the future.

This increased activity will serve to raise the city's income from future property tax revenues stemming from the enhanced property values in the area, as well as increasing city revenues from sales taxes and hospitality taxes resulting from the increased amount of retail dollars being spent in the area.

The real beauty of these attractive improvements made by the city is that the impact of the investment is multiplied several times over. The local community benefits from the visual improvements to the area; the businesses benefit from increased traffic; the city's tax revenues will increase, yet much of this new tax revenue will come from visitors to our community, thereby lowering the tax burden on those of us who pay taxes here. New companies coming to tour the area will see this community for what we all know it is, a great place to work and live.

Congratulations to our city leaders for a well-executed investment in quality infrastructure that serves to set our town apart from others along the interstate. Job well done.

Skip Tuttle

Rock Hill

Many in community have been supportive

Although the past year has been very trying for our family becazsue of our son's accident and resulting paralysis, we have been tremendously blessed by the overwhelming support of family and friends. We want to thank all who prayed, called, e-mailed, sent cards and other support! I especially want to thank Security Baptist Church, Southside Baptist Church, Trinity Christian School and Lakepoint Christian Academy families for all they have done! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Kathy Williams

Rock Hill