Speak Out 11/29/13

County has

a problem

I would like to speak out about the difference in the pay between the people that work for Butler County Highway Department and the Sheriff Department Deputies. I think the people who grade these roads need to be making $2 an hour. Have you ever driven on these gravel roads in Butler County? They're pathetic! I realize that these people need a job, but they need to do their job. They are not doing their job. Is it the supervision at the county? Is it the presiding commissioner? Is it the commissioner of the Western and Eastern Districts? What's the problem? We need some work done on our gravel roads. We also need some deputies out here that are getting paid more than the people who are cleaning toilets and grading roads. I'm just wondering what the superintendent of the highway department is making? If these people are making that kind of money, we've got a problem, folks. Get out on these gravel roads and drive on them. We have a problem with our Butler County Highway Department. Think about it. Do something about it the next election. Let's elect some people in there and get this done. Let's get rid of the presiding commissioner. Let's get rid of the Eastern District Commissioner, the Western District Commissioner and all the people who are responsible for what is not being done.

St. Louis

flights needed

In regard to that has been the news about Poplar Bluff being such a growing, progressive town, I have one question: if that be true, why do we not have commuter flights to St. Louis? I have lived in many different cities and states around the country and this is one of the most inconvenient places I have ever lived as far as travel is concerned. I will consider Poplar Bluff a small, backward town until it is not necessary to drive all the way to St. Louis in order to fly anywhere. Surely something can be done about this problem.

Give deputies

better salaries

Reading Sunday's paper about the deputy sheriff asking for more money. Who in our county or city deserves it more than our law enforcement officers? They should already be making double or triple what any other county or city employee do. Our law enforcement officers put their life on the line every day. Other employees do not have to worry about being injured or killed when they go to work to their offices or to grade a road, patch a hole in the street or sweep the floor somewhere. Also there was a discussion about their cars. Each officers should have a brand new car every two years. Some of you county and city employees that sit in the office have a brand new car every year at our taxpayers' expense. I suggest that the big shots get less salary, take away their credit cards for their dinners out, etc., give law enforcement a much better salary and a credit card to keep their cars in good shape--new tires or whatever is necessary. I've never been in law enforcement myself, but I was raised to respect the law and every day I say a prayer for them. Thank you for letting me tell the people how I feel.