Housing recovery: Reality or facade?

Friday, 20 November 2009 12:11

The state of the real estate market is something that affects everyone, whether a homeowner or not. And the past few years have not been good ones when it comes to housing values. Some blame the decline in real estate prices for starting what has become known as the Great Recession.

Real estate prices had been going up sharply for years, and people had been tapping into the increased equity in their homes to pay for other things in their lives they may not have truly been able to afford.

How writing columns has enriched my life

Written by Ellen Beveridge
Friday, 13 November 2009 13:03

When I retired from my position on the editorial staff of the Trumbull Times after 46 years, publisher Tom Nash suggested I write a column, “to stay in touch with the community,” he said, referring to the many years I was the social editor.

Although I agreed to give it a try, writing a column was something new to me. My experience had been in writing features, but in this type of writing you are simply the liaison between the person you interview and the reader.

Writing a column is personal; you have to tap into memories, experiences and opinions to make it work. This was my challenge.

Letters to the Editor

Friday, 13 November 2009 13:00

Hopeful for more cooperation

To the Editor:

In the past three years Monroe school district administrators and Board of Education members have lost the Monroe taxpayers significant amounts in excess transportation cost.

From June 2006 to June 2009 the enrollment of Monroe students declined from 4,225 to 3,870, but the number of full size buses to transport students increased. This condition is illustrative of the reluctance of Monroe school officials to adjust to reduced needs.

Caring for veterans all through the year

Friday, 13 November 2009 12:59

We honor war veterans each year at Veterans Day ceremonies that recall those who fought in military conflicts on land and sea, and those who sacrificed their lives to defend the country.

How quickly those ceremonies that take place in parks and town greens on the chilly days of late autumn slip from our memory.

But the plight of many returning veterans, whether they fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or another conflict, is something that won’t fade away.

Monroe moves forward

Thursday, 05 November 2009 12:02

Now that Election Day has passed, it’s time for the promises to be realized, especially those of cooperation toward a better community.

Campaigns sometimes raged on vile, personal levels during the 2009 election season. Attacks, not always based in fact, were shaped by words and actions to best illustrate the desired message, regardless of the truth.

Promises have been made to voters. Promises have been made to members of other affiliations.

It’s time now to make good on them.

When their loved one marches home

Thursday, 05 November 2009 12:02

When Armistice Day was first observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the end of what was then The Great War, it was hoped that the war to end all wars was over, that such hostilities would never again erupt.

That hope has yet to be realized, and families throughout the community continue to feel the pain caused by war.

Young men and women who are our neighbors are giving their all in service to this country. Their families are also making sacrifices, living each day not only with the absence of loved ones, but with the fear of what the next phone call or news report might convey.

Your vote, your choice

Thursday, 29 October 2009 11:16

In years past, the Monroe Courier has offered its views on the election and the candidates who seek your votes to help voters make informed decisions at the polls.

This year, the Courier breaks from tradition and will not endorse candidates for public office. These are hard times, and the newspaper recognizes the tough decisions that must be made by the elected officials of voters’ choosing.

Each candidate brings with him or her different experiences, solutions, and leadership styles. In this week’s paper, we have published statements from the candidates, explaining to voters why they should vote for them. We encourage you to read these statements.

Letters to the Editor

Thursday, 22 October 2009 13:32

The sucker shot rule

As in previous elections, The Monroe Courier will observe what we call “the sucker shot rule” concerning election surprises and attacks.

After this week’s issue, the Courier will not print last-minute charges against a political candidate in the 2009 election campaign. That leaves our last issue before Election Day, the Oct. 29 issue of the Courier, to reply to late-coming charges and accusations printed in this or previous issues.

The “sucker shot rule” is designed to give candidates a fair chance to address last-minute negative accusations. We still welcome readers to submit letters with positive endorsements or on other topics of general interest for publication in our Oct. 29 issue.