Letters to the Editor

Save symphony

With the re-opening of the restored Dock Street Theatre, a symbol of the cultural heritage of Charleston, let us work together to save the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for its 75th season.

My husband and I moved here 31 years ago. We have witnessed the CSO grow from a disparate group of mostly contract musicians commuting from places like Georgia and Greenville into a cohesive core of professionals with impressive credentials recruited from everywhere.

One is a neighbor teaching young music students who now must travel out of state for "gigs" because of the shortened season.

Will someone step forward with a matching grant to pay our musicians' salaries? Do you know a business or foundation to approach about a grant to supplement the CSO's wonderful outreach to our school children in all three counties?

Our naval base closed but brought together three separate counties to survive economically as one region. Hurricane Hugo struck, but we rebuilt better.

Now let us challenge one another to share ideas on how to rebuild a stronger, better symphony to keep music at the heart and as the soul of our communities.

LEDLIE BELL
Johnson Road
Charleston

Employee raises

I heard a news item on the radio recently that disturbed me. Apparently Mayor Keith Summey deems it necessary to "reward" some city of North Charleston employees for doing a good job during a difficult year.

If memory serves me correctly, millions of Americans have had a difficult year, too, and they certainly won't get a reward for having a difficult year. The working American shouldn't expect a reward for doing a good job. That's what they're being paid to do.

Mayor Summey's gesture is well intended, but to do this in these difficult times is not in the best interest of the taxpayer. Bear in mind this "reward" is not a one-time thing, but it will continue because it will be given as a pay raise instead of a bonus.

Why are politicians so kind with taxpayers money but not kind to the taxpayer?

DON WARREN
Muirfield Parkway
Charleston

Fitting tribute

How appropriate that the April 18 Post and Courier front page featured a tribute to retired Brig. Gen. Thomas Mikolajcik just above a formation photo of Blue Angel fighters.

He will be fondly remembered and is now truly a "blue angel" himself. The general was a fine example of inspirational pride and passion.

KEN WHITLEY
Blake Drive
Summerville

Earth Day focus

Earth Day is April 22. There will be several events during the week in the Charleston area to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Earth Day marks a renewed focus on jobs, energy independence and a healthy environment for our children. In Charleston the momentum is building for green job creation.

Scores of small businesses have been created as varied as developing software to monitor energy use, to home energy auditors and weatherization technicians working to make our homes and businesses more energy efficient.

The largest wind turbine testing facility in the country is being built at the former Navy Base. This facility will create significant jobs, but more importantly, South Carolina could become the eastern seaboard's major manufacturing center for wind turbines.

Another important report revealed that aggressive energy efficiency initiatives are the least expensive and quickest method to make our country independent from foreign fuel. In addition, the implementation of energy efficiency programs was identified as a substantial job creator for South Carolina.

As adults, what is more important than ensuring that our water and air are safe for our children?

Whether it's mercury from coal plants or soot from cruise ship exhaust, we need to make sure companies act responsibly when our children's health is at stake.

PETER ZALKA
Despestre Street
Daniel Island

Super show

Blue Angels rock!

Great idea. Thank you, Mr. Mayor!

L.A. BRUNSON
Concord Street
Charleston

Pollen curse

This is to the foul-minded person who wrote a dirty word in the dust on my car hood.

I know you had to lick your finger many times to print it that big. I just want you to know, I've asked God to bless you with a horrendous allergic reaction to pine and oak pollen.

CLARE BAZZELL
E. Cooper Avenue
Folly Beach