Letters

To the editor:

Residents of Brunswick County are being asked to support a 1/4-cent increase in the sales tax. This increase would provide approximately $l.5 million annually for schools in Brunswick County and the same amount for county beach nourishment and dredging. While funds produced by this tax will not meet all of the needs of either the schools or our beaches and rivers, they will provide immediate assistance in both areas. This sales tax increase will help avoid an increase in property taxes and will spread the tax burden between residents and visitors.

To the editor:

The American Red Cross Cape Fear Chapter celebrated its volunteers and the work they do in the community during National Volunteer Week, April 6-12.

Last year, our volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to 513 local residents who faced home fires and other disaster situations. They trained 2,637 people in lifesaving skills and assisted 542 military members, veterans and their families. They also helped collect 16,370 units of blood from 495 blood drives in the Cape Fear area.

To the editor:

Yet another N.C. puppy mill bust. That makes 16 in the same time neighboring states had a grand total of four. With an estimated 250 puppy mills in our state, we are like a magnet, as surrounding states pass regulations to protect the dogs in their state. Did you know that there are no N.C. laws or regulations for commercial dog breeders who sell puppies directly to the general public in our state?

To the editor:

I’m upset about the minimum-wage argument in this year’s Senate race. I just heard that 4.8 million full-time adult U.S. workers, the parents of 17 million kids, work full time for minimum wage. U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina said that in our state, 25 percent, or 1 million of all employees, work for minimum wage.