A response to the election
Dear Editor,
I voted. What about you?
After the dust settled from the stampede to vote, or lack thereof, only 388 people voted for their choice for mayor. That means only 388 people cared enough to expend the energy to decide who was going to represent our city.
I would be the first to say that it was a very uninspiring election.
After all, didn’t we already have this election? Is it Groundhog Day? That 1993 Bill Murrary movie? The same two candidates — Tony Wofford and Stephanie Ducheneaux. Even the same campaign signs in some of the same yards as two years ago. And yes, the same winner.
The council members’ races weren’t much better. Two running for at-large seats with no opposing candidates. So no real sense in voting there. The two candidates could have just as easily been the only ones voting, voting themselves into office. They were going to win no matter what.
The real problem of having so few people voting is that those elected could easily feel little accountability. After all, if people aren’t interested in voting, those elected might not be interested in the best interests of the people.
I voted. Where were you?
Nancy Jordan
Feeling unsafe
Dear Editor,
I am a 38-year-old transgender female, here in Snyder.
I have gone into a convenience store on College Ave. ever since it was built and have had no issues.
Today, I went in the store to get my everyday usual, a 44-ounce fountain drink. After I fixed my drink, I set it down on the counter and went around the corner to the restroom (ladies room). I came out, got the drink from the counter and went to the checkout.
The employee was waiting on a guy and after he was done and left, I was the only one left in the store. She rang up my drink, I gave her my 96 cents for the drink. She then stated that she needed to talk to me.
I set my drink on the counter and asked what about. She went on to tell me that the guy ahead of me had complained about me being in the ladies room. I explained my birth certificate, ID and Social Security card all say I am female, and born Addison.
She stated she didn’t care, and that she has to look out for me and her. She said she understood what I was doing, as she was gay, but I was not allowed to go to the restroom in this store unless it was the men’s room.
I explained to her if I went into the men’s room, with natural breasts and fully female body, that I would be worried about my safety, and that under my rights my ID and birth certificate say I am female, so I need to use the restroom that fits my license.
I left the store, wished her a good day, went to the car and sat there for 20 minutes crying because of what just happened. I went to this store because I thought I wouldn’t be judged, and have not had an issue for two years. But today the clerk is the one that got in my face about me being transgender.
I called the police department from the parking lot and asked them which bathroom I should use if my ID says female and if my birth certificate says female. The officer told me that if my license says female, then I needed to use the ladies’ room. I thanked the officer, and now I am writing you this letter.
I feel unsafe at this store and in town now.
Addison Perry-Franks
The comeback kid
Dear Editor,
We have so many great athletes in Snyder, Ira, Hermleigh and Gail. Our Snyder Daily News reports on all the sports in these areas. Our young people have gone the extra mile, so to speak, to make us proud.
Last month, a young man who began playing golf at three years old and came into the golf arena in the 1990s returned to the spotlight. Tiger Woods was a person with a great ability to play golf.
He was a normal person and made wrong decisions. This young man had health problems and marriage problems — like we all do — that took over his life. Years have gone by, but last month he won The Masters and was honored in a great way.
To me, this shows that forgiveness is great for all who once had problems. Many have said Tiger did not deserve to win a major tournament. What happened to “You without sin cast the first stone?” I am so happy that I have not been judged this way.
I can’t play golf, but many great things have gone my way because of forgiveness. Don’t let life get you down, look ahead and always do your best. Have respect for all. Just do the right thing. How hard is that?
Way to go Tiger Woods.
Susan Bills