Voice of the People - January 23, 2009

Don't increase gasoline taxes

Here we go again. Liberals are wanting to punish people for doing what they were asked to do. Conserve!

Back in 1973-1979, our country went through our first so-called oil energy crisis. Liberals went into their panic mode, declaring we had to act now and conserve energy or our country might not survive as we knew it then. One of the big things we were asked to do was to cut our thermostats back. Many did exactly what their country (liberal government) asked them to do. As a result, the utility companies lost revenue, so they asked to raise the rates to make up for lost revenues due to the conservationist practices of the general public. They got their requested increase in utility rates, which haven't been cut back yet.

Doesn't that kind of remind you of the recent increase in food costs associated with the rising transportation costs. Gasoline prices have decreased some 60 percent in the last six months, but the food prices have mostly stayed high.

Now we have another liberal government, supported by the liberal news media, saying we need to increase the gasoline taxes due to the loss of revenue as a result of the general public trying to conserve on gasoline use as their government asked them to do. They are doing everything they can to force people to drive smaller electric and hybrid automobiles. To heck with what you want, the government knows what is best for you.

If we developed all the sources of energy that we have in our country, we would solve the majority of our perceived energy problems.

When will the general public open their eyes and see what is happening? While this is primarily a Democratic thought process, there are many so-called Republicans that are going along with it. Look at this TARP fiasco. More than $350 billion has been spent, and our government is not really sure where the money went.

Obama is planning on spending over a trillion dollars on something. He isn't even sure what all the details are. If this type of financial irresponsibility continues, I firmly believe that our country's financial system will collapse in my lifetime. I am 62 years old, so you do the math.

Jim Vinyard

York

YMCA serves community well

I feel compelled to respond to your front-page article on Jan. 6 regarding the Upper Palmetto YMCA and the economic issues we are facing. I currently have the privilege of serving as the chairman of the board of trustees, which is composed of some very smart and savvy business people from all over York County. We, as a board, requested that the staff begin cost-cutting measures in the spring of 2008 in anticipation of leaner timers. Our strategy was to be proactive, not reactive, to an economic climate that no one had experienced before. The staff has done an excellent job of tightening the belt, and they have given of their time and talents because they believe in the mission of the YMCA.

In an effort to cut expenses, we made a decision to start using a contract janitorial service that will clean our facilities after hours. We feel we will get a better job since they won't have to work around our members. By doing this, we will also save approximately $75,000 per year. Unfortunately, when you make these kinds of decisions, some people can be negatively affected. Our staff made every effort to ensure that the cleaning company offered a job to any person displaced by this outsourcing.

The board has a responsibility to our members to be good stewards of their money and to keep the YMCA as affordable as we can. It is still our strong belief that no one should be denied access to the Y because of their circumstances. We take these responsibilities seriously, and any decisions made are carefully thought out and discussed. We have taken numerous steps to cut costs in anticipation of an extended economic downturn.

The YMCA has been in Rock Hill for 95 years now. I would dare say that there are not many businesses or organizations that can make that claim. The YMCA is healthy and strong and continuing to fulfill its mission of "building strong kids, strong families, strong communities." This is the real story that should be on the front page.

Jim Gill

Rock Hill

This story was originally published January 23, 2009 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Voice of the People - January 23, 2009."