Gatten speaks plainly, not with meanness
What? Allen Johnson's column (April 24) criticizing the way Florence Gatten spoke about the Truth and Reconciliation project is the strangest piece of fiction ever written about a Greensboro city leader. Florence is known for her tireless work on behalf of all parts of our community. A recent example is her leadership in keeping the SCAT bus fares from dramatic increases. Never resting, Florence continues to make personal sacrifices every day in order to help us achieve better things for Greensboro. And there is not a mean bone in her body.
Florence will not, however, sacrifice her honesty for anyone, editorial writers included. As an elected official, she believes citizens are entitled to know her views. She, therefore, speaks plainly on issues brought before City Council.
Florence's words about the Truth and Reconciliation project were not sugar-coated, and they did not please the proponents. But her words shed light on the realities of that project and why it is doing harm to Greensboro. And, looking beyond this issue, we should all agree that Florence's clarity, truthfulness and directness are rare qualities that should be praised, not criticized, in our elected leaders.
Reid Phillips
Greensboro
Comments (5)
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Don't throw a party implying DEATH, then CRY when people DIE, ok?
Posted on May 2, 2005 9:10 AM
Is there an echo in here?
Posted on May 2, 2005 9:21 AM
Na steve, I'm just tryin' to get my message out. :)
Holla if you hear me people.
Posted on May 2, 2005 10:54 AM
If the KKK and CWP would have finished the job.............
Posted on May 2, 2005 11:01 AM
I don't agree with the principles of the klan or the communists, but it is a right of Americans to assemble and protest. To have not had any police protection under such volatile conditions is proof to me that the unnamed many chose to ignore public safety while knowing taxpayers would bear the cost of litigation.
Posted on May 2, 2005 11:09 AM