Letter writer: Andy Murray did Scotland proud.
Catholic Church addressing abuses
Submit your letters to The Republican at letters@repub.com. All letters must include the writer's name, address and telephone number or e-mail address, and are subject to editing. I am writing in reference to the letter to the editor published Sept. 12 that makes the it appear that the Catholic Church is dragging its feet dealing with child abuse. Nothing is further from the truth.
In the last three years, an average of seven credible accusations were made against over 40,000 priests in this country. Indeed, 99.98 percent of Catholic priests did not have a credible accusation made against them last year.
Last year, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice issued its causes and context study that found the abuse scandal ran from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, peaking in the 1970s.
Since the end of the scandal, the church has reformed its policies and curbed the problem thus becoming a model of how to protect children. One instance of abuse is one too many.
However, let’s give the church credit for what it is doing and thank and pray for all the good and faithful priests for all they do.
– ROBERT V. DRAPEAU Sr., Holyoke
Holyoke is poised for another revival
I have lived in Holyoke for over 45 years. I remember the hustle and bustle of thriving businesses on downtown’s High Street and Main Streets. Apartment blocks were full, home ownership at its peak. However, like everywhere else, times and technology started to change. Malls emerged, manufacturers moved on and apartment buildings became vacant and/or abandoned.
A lot of changes happened, but Holyoke didn’t move with those changes. That was then, this is now. The Holyoke Redevelopment Authority was established in 2008 by then Mayor Michael Sullivan. The HRA has the powers to plan and implement activities needed to redevelop underutilized, deteriorated or blighted areas, to encourage new development, and to promote sound growth for the city of Holyoke.
Since its establishment our main goal was, and still is, to focus on the four lower census tracts of the city and develop an urban renewal plan to be approved this year – 2012. And I am proud to say that we are almost there!
Under the banner of “Connect. Construct. Create,” the HRA and city staff will be presenting this month a plan to revitalize center city Holyoke, and serve as a road map for the authority’s work.
Countless data was collected and several public meetings were held so that the HRA Board members could receive feedback and valuable input in our work to create a plan that would be acceptable to the City Council, the Department of Housing and Community Development and, most of all, the residents of Holyoke. In addition to Holyoke residents, business owners and community leaders gave us ideas and suggestions at those meetings that gave us the energy we needed to write a plan that will turn Holyoke into a place new businesses will want to invest, build and operate – and encourage families to buy or rent real estate knowing they will have job and educational opportunities, places to go, options for transportation and a safe and secure environment.
We hope to obtain the support of the entire community to help this process become successful. I also hope to again be around for Holyoke’s revitalization and get back to the hustle and bustle of thriving businesses, filled apartments and an affordable home buyers market. With all of our commitment, it can and will happen.
– JACQUELINE WATSON, vice chairwoman, Holyoke Redevelopment Committee
U.S. Open winner makes Scot proud
Watching last week’s U.S. Open final, I was glued to the TV for the five-hour match between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.
The physical stamina and talent of these two tennis players was amazing. As a Scot, now living here, it was great to see Andy win. The first Scot to do so since 1936.
Well done, Andy. You did Scotland proud.
– JANET DAVIES, Agawam
Automated phones try seniors’ patience
I am so frustrated and irritated with the machines you have to talk to when you try to contact companies to get answers about problems with their products.
With the economy like it is, it would be wise to hire someone to answer the phone and connect you to a person instead of having to hear the numerous numbers they ask you to push.
It’s no wonder this country isn’t like it used to be. Seniors like me aren’t able to adapt to these new gadgets. I hope some companies will listen to our concerns.
– CECILE RENAUD, South Deerfield