If downtown Valdosta is not “the heart and soul of this community,” then what is? The ranter reminds me of the folks who tore down everything in sight on Patterson and Ashley streets until someone realized that ugly block buildings were just that. Now, we've spent years trying to correct that huge mistake of the ‘50s which marched well into the ‘80s. Personally, I prefer the streets and buildings filled with worshippers, people enjoying the eateries, entertainment, and businesses than to leave an important part of our history to filth and ruins.
To the parents of kids under the age of 10: Retail stores are not designed to babysit your kids. If you are unwilling or cannot monitor your children in stores, please do the rest of us consumers a favor and leave your uncontrollable brats at home. Nobody thinks they are cute. Nobody enjoys their antics. Nobody appreciates them tearing up the stores.
In regards to the NAACP involving the city school systems, parents should be involved more with the discipline of the child before they come to school. We can’t place the burden of raising our children on the school superintendent and the school faculty. The biggest burden is on the parent to teach the child right from wrong.
For two nights in a row, my cable and Internet service were cut off because of winds that could hardly be called "strong.” May I suggest that if Valdosta is to catch up with the modern world that we consider putting those unsightly power and phone lines underground like other cities? This is ridiculous.
As a 15-year veteran of the Valdosta State Prison, I never once felt threatened by the inmates. I believe any officer attacked has brought it on themselves by an improper attitude on the inmates. Looking down on them and trying to intimidate them. I have seen it happen numerous times. An officer has to earn the respect of the inmates and too many young officers don’t have the management experience and try to run right into the inmates instead of leading them.
Thank you Applebee’s, St. Augustine Road, for your Veterans Day special. I met new veterans from this area as well as North Florida. The food was outstanding and so was your staff.
When we lose our downtowns, we lose our history. Without downtowns, we become strip-malls, chain stores, — all the same, built to fade, without a soul.
