Judy Hicks is a lovely person and active on the board and in school activities, but she too has no child in our school system.
I am a resident within the Clark County school system, and will continue to support the needs of the system, but I hope the adults serving on that board will be aware of their actions and their mouths. They are setting an unbelievable example for our children and making a mockery of our community. This not only was in our paper, but on the Lexington news stations as well.
Please keep in mind the goal in serving on the school board is to better our school system. The ultimate goal is to educate our children to lead our community forward.
I feel strongly that Ms. Berryman should apologize to Dr. Musgrove as well as to the community for her actions.
Respectively submitted,
Cindy Reed
Clark County
State isn't adquately regulating insurance
Dear Editor:
I know most insurance companies are reliable and that sometimes a reasonable increase in insurance premiums is justified. I don't like when it happens, but I understand that it can happen.
Even the most reasonable person would agree, however, three increases over a six year period, cumulatively totaling over a 100 percent hike in premiums, would be unjustified, harmful and unconscionable.
That is what is being done to thousands of seniors and pre-retirees in Kentucky who bought long-term care insurance years ago from Life Investors Insurance Company of America, now called Transamerica.
I thought state insurance regulators were supposed to protect the people of Kentucky from such unscrupulous practices by carefully screening requests for rate increases. It is pretty clear, however, that the Kentucky Department of Insurance doesn't see it that way. They apparently have never seen a rate increase that they didn't like.
Most long-term care insurance companies have had just one modest increase.
Transamerica's increases are unjustified when compared with the rest of the industry. Why won't the insurance commissioner and the governor do what they are supposed to do?
Recently, state and federal officials have joined with financial planners in encouraging those approaching retirement to protect themselves from the ravages of an extended long-term care need by buying insurance.
Those of us who had the foresight to do just that need the governor and state insurance regulators to stand up to those insurance companies that are attempting to rip off seniors.
They should do their jobs instead of helping the bad apples in the insurance industry make more money at the expense of financially strapped retirees.
If they don't, all Kentucky taxpayers eventually will be paying for seniors forced into poverty after dropping their long-term insurance plans.
Mary Martin
Clark County Retired
Teachers' Association
Please support KET
Dear Editor:
I have been a volunteer at KET, Kentucky's statewide public television system for five years.
I volunteer my time there because for years my family and I have enjoyed the diverse, wonderful programming and services KET provides, and I want to take part in passing those things on to others in my community.
KET produces programming that focuses on Kentucky and keeps us informed on public affairs, arts, health and education in the commonwealth. From legislative coverage and weekly public affairs programs to "Kentucky Life," "Louisville Life" and "Kentucky Muse," nobody puts the emphasis on Kentucky that KET does. Plus, KET serves the community through its many outreach efforts and services to our schools.
KET also delivers outstanding national programming, including "Antiques Roadshow," "Masterpiece," "Celtic Woman" and the many non-violent, commercial-free children's shows that parents can trust.
For all these reasons, I support KET and encourage others to do the same.
There is no better time to show your support than during KET's upcoming TeleFund 2009, Feb. 28-March 15.
You'll feel proud to be a member of KET, knowing that you're helping to keep great programs and services on air for all Kentuckians.
Sincerely,
Martha Taylor
Winchester
