Veto was a mistake

I think it was a mistake for (St. Charles County Executive) Steve Ehlmann to veto the salary increase for the sheriff's department. Our deputies put their lives on the line for us all the time. It's very dangerous work, and they should be well compensated for the good job they do.

New Year's wish

My wish for the new year is that the hatred will stop, that people will stop hating and calling each other names.

Majority has rights

This is to Jerry Haferkamp (letter to the editor, Dec. 21 Journal). You talk about how the Constitution protects the minority from the majority. The majority has rights, too. Apparently you don't care about them.

Don't judge others

In reference to (the Jan. 4 Sound Off comment) "Just mail it in," not everyone has all the money for their taxes when they come due. Maybe one has been laid off for a while or cannot put as much money away as they needed. There are many reasons. Who are you to judge other people on the way they have handled their finances? I have been blessed that my money has always been available, but that does not make you or me some kind of god. Don't run your neighbor down. God says you should love thy neighbor. Maybe you should practice God's way.

No help

This is for people who think that all you have to do is pay your taxes for last year and you'd been safe in St. Charles County. That's absolutely not true. We called the office to find out and no one there could even begin to help us. These people up there with these new things that they've got, this new strategy for figuring out taxes, ought to be fired and start over, especially Michelle McBride.

In defense of assessor

Some Journal readers have criticized our St. Charles County Assessor Scott Shipman. I have had several dealings with his office and the outcome did not always go my way, but nevertheless I feel he and his staff have always been friendly, professional and tried to be of help in any way they can.

Listen up

I want to comment on people behind the concession stands at movie theaters. I don't know if it's just me, or does everybody have to repeat their order — and you're lucky if it's just two — maybe three or four times? I say it in a very clear and straightforward voice the first time, and they inevitably have to ask me again and sometimes a third and fourth time what I ordered. I know they're teenagers, but if you can count and you can listen, this isn't a hard job. It's very irritating to the customer. I'm just wondering if I'm the only one this happens to.

Wear bright colors

I was calling about all the walkers that are walking after 5 o'clock when it gets dark. They need to put on some bright colors or something flashy. I don't know how many I've almost run over because you can't see them at night when they have dark colors on. Please be safe and wear something that shows up when the car lights shine on you.

Alcohol causes misery

I'm a non-smoker, so I appreciate the publicity on smoking hazards. But I certainly do wish you'd start in on the alcohol. I really believe alcohol causes more misery — not just deaths, but more misery in families — than cigarettes do. Please start working on that.