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Chad,

After all the events over the past weekend, I just felt the need to send in a letter to you and for the community. Please oblige me.

At 2pm Sunday, there were funeral services for two very special members of our community. First, there was Roy Martin. Roy was one of the best people I have ever had the privilege to meet in my life. I don't know of a soul who would be able to disagree with me.

Though we know he went to be with our Father, it doesn't fail to hurt his family, his friends, his church family or his community. He's so much better off, and when it is your time, it's your time ... the loss is just hard to take.

On the other hand, there was sweet Betsi Wyatt, an angel no one was ready to part with, and a passing that has not only devestated her family, but also those who love and care for her family. I don't know as much about the Word or my faith, as perhaps I should, but I cannot doubt that a girl of such beauty and youth, and from such a great family, could be anywhere but in a place we know as Heaven.

These losses have made me think of my daughters, my grandson, my whole family, and what is TRULY important in this life. I've been wanting to write a letter, considering our attitudes, which directly influence our youngsters, and the way we are perceived at events, i.e. basketball games, football games, concerts, and even our everyday lives. I have been unable to write concerning this, for I wasn't living it myself.

I'm sure we all know the phrase, "the pot calling the kettle black," and I think you get the picture. But having been a player, a coach, a parent, and a fan for so MANY years, I feel like if anyone should know about how we should handle ourselves, it would be me. Struggle as I may, I'm making an effort. I guess what I'm trying to say is, LOVE your kids, ENJOY your kids and all you're able to do with them. STOP letting moments pass you by because you're so busy trying to make it the way you THINK it should be. It's hard, but doable. We yell and scream at officials and coaches and kids, but each of them is someone's daughter or son, mother or father, and they're just doing the best they can. I promise you, I am going to TRY to live out these words as best I can .. I challenge both you and myself to make a difference for our kids. Aren't they worth it? ABSOLUTELY!

Finally, I just want to let the friends and families of Roy and Betsi, and all those who have lost loved ones this holiday season, know that you've EACH made such an impact on my life ... you give me the strength to want to change, God will give me the ability. May He bless each of you this 2008.

Coach Frederick Chandler, Texas

Dear Editor,

Those of us in this community have lost two heroes, Emerson Chapman and Betsi Wyatt.

"Em" as I came to call him in the last few years, I knew all my life. The thing that stands out most in my mind about him all through the years was his big smile and his kind and loving heart. We at Rock Hill Church have talked so much about him always sending ice cream (for years) one day each week during our vacation Bible school. Each child he gave a Dixie cup of ice cream. I know this probably didn't seem like a big thing to him. Believe me, it was to us. This was just another way of giving back to his community.

Then there's Betsi although God needed her with Him in Heaven and she was only here on earth for five short years. She blessed so many lives, what a Christ-like impact she and Emerson had on mine.

I really believe we will be better and do better for having known them.

Yes, Betsi, you were right: "Jesus Loves Me." You knew that He did, as you would sing that little song.

I know you and Emerson and all the other Christian loved ones we have lost from this earth are there in Heaven singing with the angels. No more heartaches. No more struggling for breath.

I thank God for the privilege of having known Emerson and little Betsi. We will miss them, but rejoice in the fact that they let others see Jesus in their daily lives.

Sincerely, Alice Beeson

To the Editor:

Our sheriff's department suffered a tremendous blow last year when two of our fine deputies were gunned down. As we go into the new year, please remember to pray for their families and all who serve in law enforcement.

The case against the suspect is now in the hands of the court. I pray that our District Attorney, Donna Bennett, is successful in the prosecution of this crime.

Capital murder trials are long and difficult. I am confident that with her many years of experience prosecuting crime she will obtain a conviction and hopefully the death penalty.

Sincerely, Keith Crozier Gun Barrel City, Tx.

To the Editor:

Like many of you, I have read the various letters to the editor over the last few weeks that have appeared to cast a negative cloud over the city government in Chandler. While I respect each individual's right to voice their opinion, regardless of how harsh it may sometimes sound, after doing some research I felt it might be refreshing to speak about some of the many positive accomplishments our City has seen the last couple of years.

With the cooperative effort from the Mayor, City Administrator and City Council, several tasks have been undertaken and completed. Probably one of the most noticeable is the resurfacing of the majority of our streets in almost every area of Chandler. Winchester, Phoenix West, Crestview, Cade and Pine Ridge additions have been resurfaced along with Third, Cherry, Hilltop, Pine, Edgar, Hamilton and Jackson Streets, and the downtown streets of Davis, Jones, Dobbs and Second. Several others have had cracks repaired and sealed.

After many years of discussion Martin Street has finally been widened, curbed and guttered. A much needed sewer project, several drainage projects and construction of a state of the art life station to replace three older costly ones have been completed as well as raising our water tower to allow everyone to have the correct water pressure. In addition, over 1400 acres was annexed last year which not only allowed for needed developmental acreage but also kept Tyler's ETJ from getting too close to Chandler.

This past year, Code Red was implemented to allow recorded phone calls to the residents of Chandler which will give specific instructions in the case of an emergency and also important public service announcements. A trash pickup service was awarded which generates several thousand dollars of revenue yearly to the City budget, and three new police cars and a compliance officer were able to be added to the police force. All of this was done while being able to keep our City tax rate low, in fact, other than Tyler, Chandler's tax rate remains one of the lowest in the area, less than half that of some cities.

Our parks have also benefited. At Winchester Park, improvements include canopies of all four fields, new batting cages and sound system as well as replacing old playground equipment. The River Park at the Neches River has been cleaned up and tables painted now, making it clean and safe for fishermen and family outings.

Finally, I must take exception to the comments of the person who said our police force had been referred to as Barney Fife or the Gestapo. I do not know him personally or his reasoning but I do know the members of Chandler's police force and of many good deeds they do for our community that too often go unnoticed. These brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every day so that you and I may continue to live in a safe environment. Anyone willing to do that deserves our utmost respect. I do agree that we should all continue to pray for our leaders.

I have enjoyed the atmosphere that Chandler offers. Apparently, many others feel the same as evidenced by our surge in population. As Chandler continues to grow perhaps the problems perceived by some are nothing more than growing pains that we are experiencing as more and more people want to be a part of our City. While some decisions may not meet the approval of each and every citizen I feel confident that our City government is doing what is best for ALL of the citizens of Chandler.

Rick Ford Chandler, TX