LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Clarifying his statement

Editor, the Leader-News:

In a response to the insinuation that the people outside the city limits use and benefit from the services and businesses in El Campo, create an extra burden on city services and do not give anything back, I made a statement that I need to clarify.

Hamman Swabbing has over the years - just like any business - in many ways contributed greatly to the city. The figure I gave is a result of what we do and not what we have generated personally. By our employing local people, buying locally and giving to all sorts of organizations and benefits, we have given much to the city.

Also, by the impact of our business, which in short is to clean up gas and oil wells so they flow more, we greatly affect the tax base in the community as do other oil and gas related businesses in the area. Over the years we have helped keep production up, ensuring more tax dollars as well as helping to keep others employed by energy companies.

I did not mean to insinuate that Hamman Swabbing was personally responsible for that amount but it is a viable amount and we have had an impact on the community in this way. Forgive me if I misled anyone in any way. We, as a business, along with all the business outside the city limits help and in no way hinder the city of El Campo.

Thank you,

Rocky Hamman

Smokers shouldn't litter

Editor, the Leader-News:

On my usual morning walk this morning I did something unusual for me. I carried a plastic sack and began picking up all the trash I saw along the sides of the street I live on.

Well, folks, I found everything. And I do mean everything. But the worst were the cigarette butts. People continue to smoke but heaven forbid they would dirty their ashtrays by keeping the used cigarettes until they arrived home - it would smell bad!

I realize that not all smokers are guilty of this and I appreciate your consideration. As for the rest of you, put a small paper bag or can full of sand in your vehicle and snuff your cigarettes out in that. There won't be an odor and you can throw it all away at home.

If each of us took care of the street just in front of our own home, wouldn't that be wonderful?

Thank you,

Carole Dean