Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to the article in last week’s Gazette concerning the growth in Charlotte County. The article, which featured research by Dr. Nancy Carwile, stated, “since the fourth quarter of 2012, 59 new businesses have opened in the county.” It would be very interesting to see a listing of those businesses and know how many Charlotte County residents have been employed and whether they are still in business. Since Drakes’ mill closed, most of the people I know who are employed have to drive out of the county to find work.

On another subject, can I put in my 2 cents on the courthouse project? I have not seen the plans, but heard a rumor there will be 22 bathrooms in the new building. Can the White House top that number?

According to Mr. Webster (dictionary), a courthouse is a place for laws to be enforced and punishment sentenced for those committing crimes. Is there any justification to build such a monumental building for the trial of those who break our laws at the expense of the law-abiding, taxpaying citizens of the county?

We should stop and think of the burden of debt we are putting not only on this generation but on our children and grandchildren for years to come. From the White House to the State Capitol and the county level, it is easy to spend money and go in debt when you expect someone else to pay the bill.

Lillian Styers

Drakes Branch