FEEDBACK: On Gov. Winter, carriages, photos

Tribute to Winter is powerful reminder

To the editor:

Your tribute to former Mississippi Gov. William Winter serves as a powerful reminder that much can be achieved by a single individual when he or she persists in their belief that our “better angels” can prevail.

Winter

His long, unwavering support of public education in a region of our nation that, too often, neglected its responsibilities to all of its children through distractions ranging from private school vouchers to unequal access to adequately funded schools, is a an example of the power of principled, personal persistence.

The South has many remaining challenges, but today virtually no business or elected leaders publicly discount the importance of a high-quality public education system. That relatively recent, nearly universal, consensus in support of public education is due in no small measure to the unrelenting efforts of tireless advocates like Governor Winter.

— Jim Rex, former S.C. superintendent of education (2007-2011), Great Falls, S.C.

Applauds carriage critics

To the editor:

I too applaud those who are making the public aware of the abuses of the horse carriage industry. With new leadership in the city, I would hope the door would open for change. I have sent pictures of abuses of many of the ordinances, taken hundreds of photos and filed formal complaints with Livability and Tourism Management, most all ignored.  I have asked for names of the sub-committee or committee members helping formulate the proposed ordinances. I have asked for a copy of the proposed ordinances. I am still waiting to received them-some requests almost 2 weeks ago.

As a resident and small business owner, I consider myself a major stakeholder. I am presently on the main route for three overlapping zones with horses either passing through to another zone or touring my zone. I have had 25 carriages in 40 minutes go by my home on very busy George Street. I have documented this for the city leaders.  Obviously, the industry has overflowed the limits of the ordinances by finding loopholes and using self monitoring.

It is time for this industry to work within the needs of the city. Their license to operate is a privilege granted by the city to make money from our residents’ homes, our city’s civic buildings and businesses. So let’s find a common ground that’s reflects balance with quality of life.  By my calculation of ticket prices and number of allowable rides, there is no shortage of money to currently be made and lots of room for tighten up the rules without hurting the horse carriage industry. Also there have been offered alternative business models that benefit all, but the industry rejects them.

And then there are the horse abuses, but is another story….notice the feet.

— Glenda Nemes, Charleston, S.C.

On Bill’s European photos

To the editor:

Outstanding.  Simply outstanding!

—  Dave Brown, James Island, S.C.

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