Letters to the Editor for Monday, April 14, 2014

MRT

Published
3:45 pm CDT, Sunday, April 13, 2014

Man’s help appreciated after loop and I-20 crash

On March 13, I was in an accident at Loop 250 and I-20.  There was a nice guy who came to my rescue, and I have no idea what his name was.  However, I believe he was driving a white F-250 and he had on a T-shirt that had TROY written on it. 

I did not get his name and am hoping he may read this so I can tell him thank you for his help and assistance.  I had a cut on my forehead and he got Band-Aids out of his truck for me.  I was rather shaken and stunned and apologize for not being more aware of his kindness.  But I do want him to know that I appreciate his help.  Also, to the other person involved, I do hope that she is doing well.  Even though we would rather not have these things happen to us, they just do. 

My answer to this problem is to mandate that all plastic bags be stamped with a lovely floral print.  This would make our vacant lots look like flower gardens.  We could even have different flowers from different businesses.  I can see it now — prizes for best design and best colors.  People would drive for miles to see our beautiful vacant lots.  We might have to set lots aside to beautify the city. “ You can’t build here; this is a floral bag preserve.”  I could go on and on but it’s late. 

James Humphrey

Volunteers can still pick up trash for trash-off

Despite the wind and low temperatures April 5, more than 1,000 volunteers went to various littered areas of Midland to clean up.  Keep Midland Beautiful would like to thank those wonderful volunteers, board members and supporters who came out to help with Midland’s litter problem. 

Our Great American Cleanup/Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-off continues through May 31, so we invite you to follow suit and join the effort to clean up Midland by forming a group today.  Any time, any day, any place is good with us.  We will get supplies for your cleanup and you will be included in the final numbers that will show our volunteer efforts. 

But most importantly, now that we have some of our problem areas clean, let’s keep it clean.  If we don’t have litter collecting around the entryways, busy corners and empty lots of Midland, we won’t have to continuously ask the community for help to pick it up. 

Thanks again to the volunteers who already cleaned and to those who still plan to pick up a littered area before May 31.  And remember to keep it clean. 

Doreen Womack,

executive director

Keep Midland Beautiful

Economic bonanza isn’t being used for city’s parks

The ongoing economic bonanza that is harkened has failed to positively impact the quality of life amenities that are absent in this city. 

The park system is grossly underdeveloped and inadequate to provide activities for the families of this community.  With the exception of a small isolated playground area, the parks only contain a few picnic tables at each park, thus accommodating few for family activities. 

Also, the re-introduction of wading pools in some parks would spark increased use of the parks.  As an alternative, a nice fountain with water sprays would be welcomed.  Regardless of the naysayers and water worriers, if the city can sell water, then why can’t its citizens partake in the use? 

As for the vacant lots that pass as soccer fields, this is totally unacceptable.  These lots have been there for years with almost no improvement or maintenance.  The addition of shade pavilions at each field would transform these facilities.  And the restroom facilities are shamefully a gross mess (yuck).  If there is any doubt as to what can be achieved, take a visit to Hobbs, N.M., and see their soccer complex and you will see what can be realized if a community is inclined. 

Further, whatever happened to the city parks department hosting events such as skateboarding, talent contest, etc.? 

Finally, we as citizens should demand that the overflowing tax coffers be invested into the quality of life here, not the quantity.