Put seniors in jail

Editor:

Now here's a novel idea: Put seniors in jail and criminals in nursing homes. This way seniors would have daily access to showers, hobbies, and exercise. They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc. Seniors would have constant video monitoring so they could be helped instantly if they fell or needed other assistance. Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed before being returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring meals and snacks to their cells. Seniors would be able to have family visits in a private suite built for that purpose. Access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool, and education as well as simple clothing, shoes, slippers, pajamas, and legal aid would be free upon request. They would be provided private, secure rooms with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens. Each senior could have a personal computer, television, radio, and daily phone usage. A board of directors would be available to hear complaints and guards/nurses would have a definitive code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.

Conversely, criminals would get cold food, be left all alone, unsupervised, and degraded by deficient personal care. Lights would be turned off at eight p.m. and showers would be accessible only once a week. They would live in a tiny room, usually with a roommate, and pay $5,000 per month with no hope of ever getting out.

JOHN W. HARTMAN

Warner Robins

Right man, right time, right job

Editor:

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Warner Robins Mayor Chuck Shaheen at an AARP meeting where he was our guest speaker. He answered all of our questions and gave an overview of our city and its progress. Chuck is an energetic, cheerful, accomplished speaker who represents our city in a positive light. He comes across as a nice guy who loves his job and cares for his fellow citizens.

Our mayor invited me to visit him at city hall for a more personal chat and to exchange views. Chuck welcomed me personally and it was soon obvious that his knowledge of our city is obviously extensive and impressive. He is open-minded and thus welcomes other points of view as is evident at city council meetings.

Mayor Shaheen realizes that encroachment is the city's number one goal that must be eradicated before the next BRAC. Our city's recent population growth beyond 50,000 means that the federal EPA will place pollution monitors throughout our city to measure ozone pollution, etc. Chuck is aware that non-attainment status due to excessive ozone pollution will halt all new missions to RAFB.

We are lucky to have as our new mayor a progressive leader who has to be strong to oversee our often-divisive city council with so many strong egos that are not often fiscally wise. Mayor Shaheen has already proven that he has the wisdom and vigor to lead our city in difficult times.

FRANK W. GADBOIS

Warner Robins

Seeing the light

(Editor’s Note: Following is a reprint of an open letter to the public from the owners of Aunt Zelda’s Furniture.)

To our wonderful customers, dear friends, and vendor partners:

With mixed emotions, we would like to inform you we will be closing our Macon Store after 15 years of serving Middle Georgia.

Aunt Zelda’s of Warner Robins will remain open, and we are planning to expand that store by 34 percent. All custom orders will, of course, be filled and this transition should be transparent to our customers.

We have made this difficult decision of closing our “flag ship” store, due to the economic environment and our inability to find a newer location that best fits our long-term strategic goals. We anticipate all of our current employees will be working out of our new expanded Warner Robins location.

Please know that the closing of the Macon store will only improve our objective of

maintaining a long-term presence in the Middle Georgia area.

We can’t thank you enough, it’s been a wonderful 15 years in Macon, and we look forward to serving you for at least another 15 years out of our expanded Warner Robins location.

ANGELA & BRIAN EDWARDS

Aunt Zelda’s Furniture