Let's talk about GCHS, LPD golf cart, mayoral race

It's time to grab the soapbox and plant both feet firmly in the center and offer some opinions.

Remember, these are opinions and you may agree or disagree. I encourage you to offer your opinions in the form of a Letter to the Editor or a comment on the website www.gcdailyworld.com .

Also, it's much easier to complain than it is to offer a solution. Offering a solution takes a lot more effort. So if you don't agree with something that's happening in your community, offer a different idea. You never know, the person in charge may have never thought of your idea.

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Help the GC

Humane Society

The Greene County Humane Society is in the news again, and unfortunately it's not all good.

Last week this newspaper reported about someone in eastern Greene County who had 70 dogs and puppies on their property.

The animals were removed by authorities, and several people offered their comments on our website.

Some claim the GCHS was contacted about the situation, and officials ignored the calls for help. Only those involved know exactly what happened.

My issue is that the GCHS can only do so much without the proper financial help.

The agency doesn't receive much financial help from the county, and with the current economic climate, it wouldn't be a stretch to predict that the GCHS will receive less in 2011.

That means the GCHS must find alternative ways to get money. That's not easy.

The GCHS is no different than any other business: Non-profit or for-profit. It can only offer a certain level of service, depending on the amount of money available.

If the county, cities and towns quit offering financial help, the GCHS may be forced to close.

Someone may think the services are bad now, but they'd find out what all the GCHS does if it closed.

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Golf cart a good idea

The Linton Police Department recently received a new vehicle to its fleet: A golf cart.

It was paid for through licensing fees for those who have golf carts in the city.

No tax money was used.

Thanks to Linton Chief Troy Jerrell for thinking outside the box. There are several times during the year his department is asked to offer crowd control or patrol areas of the park.

Patrolling in a police car means a lot of gas. You won't have the same problem with a golf cart.

So not only is the LPD offering a better service (it can get closer to the crowds and watch a larger area with a golf cart), it also is saving money.

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Linton mayoral race

Linton Mayor Tom Jones announced earlier this summer he has decided not to run for re-election next year.

Jones has tried to think outside the box when trying to help Linton and Greene County move forward. When you think outside the box, unfortunately that means people will have to leave a portion of their comfort zone.

I've heard three names who are front-runners for the position, if you can believe the rumors: Two Democrats and one Republican.

I've actually heard directly from one saying they will announce early next year.

Rumors are rumors, so you really can't put much stock in such things until that person files.

I hope there are at least two Republicans and two Democrats who file for the primary. There's nothing worse than a primary race with only one candidate for each party.

But you never know, Jones may change his mind between now and the filing deadline.

And thinking outside the box isn't always a bad thing.

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Support your local team

High school sports teams began practicing earlier this week. What a great time of the year!

My wife and I enjoyed going to games when our daughter was in school, and we still enjoy supporting our county teams.

Good luck to all teams.