Thanks to HDR, Weekend for spotlighting Bethlehem

On behalf of the residents of Alexander County, the Bethlehem community and the Unifour, thank you for the editorial in your Dec. 21 edition of the Hickory Daily Record, "Bethlehem a shining example."

We feel this article not only speaks of the community of Bethlehem, but represents the people of our entire Unifour as we see daily examples of communities coming together to unite in times of need.

As the USA Weekend stated in the Sunday, Dec. 21, insert comparing the community of Bethlehem, N.C., to the community of Bedford Falls in the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," we agree it's a wonderful place to live.

Again, thank you and USA Weekend for nationally recognizing one of our communities.

Alexander County Board of Commissioners
Darrell Robertson, Chairman
Wes Bolick, Vice Chairman
Ryan Mayberry
Harold Odom
Larry Yoder

Many people violate handicapped parking

I have been observing the people who park in handicap parking spots for about one year. I rarely see anyone with crutches or a walker get out of the car that has a handicap sticker. Only 5 percent of the time do I see anyone need any assistance to walk get out of a car with a handicap permit.

I see a lot of overweight people with handicap permits or to be blunt, almost obese. Overweight people need some exercise and would be better helped by walking across the parking lot to increase exercise and possibly reduce weight.

I do see a lot of young people with handicap permits park in handicap spaces. I guess the permit belongs to their grandparents. Grandparents or parents, if you are not using the handicap permit, do not give it to your grandchildren or children. There are a few people who have trouble walking and who really needs to park in a handicap spot.

The other week, I saw a two-passenger convertible (with the top up) in a handicap spot with a handicap permit. I do not see how a handicapped person can get into a sports car convertible the way a person has to fold up and squat to the ground.

Why do doctors give so many handicap permits to people who do not need a handicap permit? Maybe the doctors are in need of patients and will do whatever the patient wants. Maybe there is a family plan where the grandparents get a handicap sticker for all the children and grandchildren.

I saw a person park in a handicap spot — the person who got out of the vehicle was overweight and had his arm in a sling. The person walked with no problem. Why do you need a handicap parking permit with your arm in a sling? There was no cast on the arm. Does your arm in a sling mean you need a handicap permit? No.

If you or a family member injured a leg a couple of months ago and you are back at work, you do not need to continue the stickers and you certainly do not need a five-year sticker.

Fifty percent of the people with handicap permits are over 60 years of age, but that is all I see. I see no limp, no crutches and no walker being used by these people. I see no physical problems with walking. Does a person qualify for a handicap sticker after, say 60? I do not see why.

I appears that doctors give out handicap stickers to their friends and pals. It appears doctors give out handicap permits like giving out candy at Halloween. Probably 80 percent of the people with a handicap permit do not need it.

Doctors, stop giving out handicap permits when people do not have a need. Too many people are just too lazy to walk across the parking lot. These same people have the philosophy, "it is all about me." Doctors, just give out the handicap permits to people who need the handicap permits.

Family members, if someone in your family has a handicap sticker, park in the handicap spot only then the handicap person is in the vehicle. People with a handicap sticker, do not have everyone in the family use the sticker. Use the sticker for the intended purpose.

The handicap parking space should only be used when a person with a real walking problem needs to go into a building.

David Berry
Hickory

No speed limit matters if it's not enforced

In regard to the speed limit change on 31st Avenue Drive, NE: Until the speed limit is enforced, it could be 5 mph and it would be no change in speeding on this street.

I have property damage on my property now, and nothing has changed. Same people speeding.

I replace mail boxes, paper box, culvert and tree damage about six months, give or take a few months, and nothing has changed.

It won't until the law enforces the speed limit. Thirty-first Avenue Drive is a drag strip and 21st Street Lane, NE, also. A 35 mph limit would be good if it were enforced.

Damage on this street includes mail boxes, Hickory Daily Record boxes, culverts, light poles, driveway columns and trees. A school bus stop is across the street, where some of this damage was done.

People young and old walk this street. It is no longer safe for anyone.

Speeding and loud music is normal for this street, a .9-mile dead-end street. I have replaced between 15 and 20 mail boxes since I have lived here.

What we need are speeding tickets and insurance increases.

To law enforcement, we need help.

Darold E. Propst
Hickory