Mark Norris Fills Aging Commission's Needs

As seen in the: Covington Leader
March 21, 2008

Dear Editor:

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Tipton County Commission on Aging, I would like to publicly thank Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris for finding about $40,000 for the purchase of a van.

The Commission provides transportation to Seniors in Tipton County for the Commission's programs in Covington. Senator Norris and his lovely wife personally delivered the check to Margaret Fleming, our Executive Director, several weeks ago.

The Commission had identified long-range a need to raise funds for a replacement van. Senator Norris came to the Commission's Town Hall Meeting in August of 2007, listened to the needs expressed by citizens there, and submitted a request for funding. Although some might say that this is Senator Norris' job, we at the Commission on Aging believe that Senator Norris provided exemplary leadership in assisting the Commission.

Thank you, Senator Norris, for a job well done!

Julie Byrd Member, Board of Directors, Tipton County Commission on Aging
Munford

Kudos for Norris

As Seen in The Covington Leader
March 21, 2006

Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sen. Norris for his persistence in addressing the incredible lack of disaster planning in the state.

The reluctance of the Bredesen administration to attack this problem is a serious dereliction of responsibility. One has only to study the actions of the government of the state of Louisiana during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to see the outcome of poor planning and lack of leadership. It is a cautionary tale that our state government could learn from.

I find it alarming that a state disaster plan would be considered in any way "classified." What are the planners trying to hide? I suspect that it has something to do with limiting civil liberties during an emergency. If this is not the case, and it is nothing this sinister, why hide the plan? (This might be a good topic for further examination, Mr. Editor.)

I would further like to commend Sen. Norris for his work on legislation that prohibits the confiscation of firearms from law abiding citizens during a state of emergency. Government has nothing to fear from an armed citizenry if that government is operating within the limits that the citizenry has established for it. That is the reason for the Second Amendment in our Bill of Rights. Disarming the populace in the face of an overwhelming emergency is a disgraceful abuse of power.

Any emergency that would result in a short disruption of the food supply to Memphis could result in looting in Tipton County. Hunger is an incredible motivator. During an emergency, law enforcement would be stretched to the breaking point and our county is quite large. The possibility of a citizen in an outlying area having to defend himself against violent attackers is quite real, and that would be impossible with out firearms.

Richard P. Ervin
Burlison

As seen in the Commercial Appeal
January 27, 2004       
Letters to the Editor

A great big thank you to Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who finally realized that the 65 and over population are the people who built Memphis into a great city ("Elderly homeowners need our help," Jan. 11 guest column).

It is time to cut us some slack on property taxes. We have worked and are still working to pay for our homes, and can hardly pay the taxes on Social Security. Many are widowed and are left alone to struggle to keep our homes. We can hardly afford retirement homes on Social Security.

Please support Norris in his endeavor to pass necessary legislation to help senior Memphians keep their independence.

Dorothy Carter
Memphis