Letters to the Editor

For those in need, urgency on medical pot exists

I enjoy reading the Northwest Arkansas letters each day in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I took particular notice of a letter by Roy Fuller of Fayetteville in which he explained his reasons for voting against both Issue 6 and Issue 7 currently scheduled for the November ballot. I understood his objections to broadly be the formulas for sales tax dispersion, fees and the prescribed number of dispensaries.

Mr. Fuller closed his letter with the following, "I must vote no on both issue 6 and Issue 7. There is no urgency; we can do better than this."

There is no urgency? I suspect this describes the feeling of the vast majority of those opposed to the controlled use of medical marijuana. They do not have loved ones suffering from symptoms the medical properties of marijuana can relieve. When your loved one goes to numerous medical specialist and is told that the only option left is medical marijuana but he or she cannot prescribe it because it is illegal in their state of residence, there is a desperate sense of urgency.

A vote for these issues is the humane vote for quality medical care.

David Funk

Fayetteville

Qualifications should count in race for sheriff

A highly qualified candidate for sheriff of Benton County will be on the ballot Nov. 8. Shawn Holloway served for several years as a major in charge of operations in the sheriff's office, keeping it functioning during the travails of Sheriff Kelley Cradduck, even assuming such responsibilities as the annual budget. He's a graduate of the University of Arkansas and previously spent several years with the Rogers police department, moving up through the ranks.

Interim Sheriff Meyer Gilbert asked Holloway, who had resigned, to come back on as his chief deputy, and by all accounts some beneficial changes have been made. Chief Holloway's opponent, Glen Latham, has worked as an investigator but presently works for Wal-Mart. He apparently has said Holloway should have "fixed" all the problems he claims still remain from Cradduck's time, which, of course, wasn't within Holloway's authority..

Benton County doesn't need a replay of March 1 when voters apparently disregarded qualifications in their choice for another critical position in county government.

Barbara Foreman

Siloam Springs

Mayor Jordan willing

to listen to all

I have known Lioneld Jordan for a number of years, and I can honestly say that I'm happy to see that he is seeking another term as Fayetteville's mayor.

During his time in office, Lioneld has shown himself willing to listen to everyone's opinions and concerns without prejudice. His administration promotes transparency and always invites public participation in the formation of crucial city policy. Most importantly, I know him as a person of integrity who treats all of his constituents with the respect they deserve; whether he agrees with their opinions or not. He listens to everyone.

Fayetteville is an open, progressive community known for its friendly atmosphere. I can't think of a more fitting person to represent our city than Lioneld Jordan. That's why I'll be voting for him in this upcoming election once again, and I hope that you will too. After all, when we've got it this good, why change anything?

Al Vick

Fayetteville