Letters to the Editor (8/8)

When doing home improvements, buyer beware

Dear Editor:

Lately it seems that getting a large corporation, or any company for that matter, to back their product and when it is not operating properly, solving the issue. If these companies want to retain business during this hard economic time, i.e.; prior and current customers who have bought their product, then accountability, reliability and returned calls need to be made in a timely manner.

We had an addition built on to our home and it hasn't been a year yet and:

- The air unit that was installed is not working properly; hence higher electrical bills.

- The addition has a leak, which we thought was corrected after several phone calls right after the project was finished, but apparently wasn't.

- The sod that was put in and the way it was installed basically has died and the Registrar of Contractors doesn't seem to be doing much other than stating they have called the contractor, but that is about as far as it goes.

- The main air unit to the home seems to be getting water into it when it rains and dispensing the water through the vents. We call the company and are told that it's an installation issue and we have to wait two weeks

Meanwhile, we roast in the addition. We have to put buckets under our vents in the hallway of our home and the sod installed, which was to be guaranteed and now is not because the contractor has moved out of state and feels he is no longer obligated, will not be replaced. Mind you, this hasn't even been in a year either.

So we ask where is the accountability these days? We checked their references, we checked their standing with the Registrar of Contractors but, guess what, that didn't even prove to be an avenue to ensure peace of mind. Therefore, buyer beware!

Mary Gregory

John McComish deserves your vote

Dear Editor:

At the beginning of the early voting process, I think it is important to note that only one of the Republican primary candidates has the experience needed to help get us through these tough times. That candidate is John McComish.

Only McComish has a proven track record of getting things done for our district and our state. He has been called "thoughtful, hardworking and competent."

McComish is all these things and more. He was a corporate executive for 24 years and president of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. As the majority whip in the House of Representatives McComish has shepherded numerous pieces of legislation through the legislative process and has shown himself to be a proven and effective leader.

McComish has received numerous awards and other forms of recognition through the years: Arizona Chamber Legislator of the Year; 50 Emerging State Leaders; Arizona Technical Council Legislator of the Year; National Federation of Independent Businesses Eagle Award and the list goes on.

Only McComish has the extensive experience and proven track record needed in these tough times. He has shown himself to be a true friend to the people of our district. He deserves your vote.

Kerry G. Wangberg

Schmuck's track record cannot be overlooked

Dear Editor:

In my two-and-a-half years as a member of the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team representing the nearly 3,000 homeowners of Lakewood, I have had the opportunity to meet a wide range of elected officials from both sides of the spectrum.

A few local leaders have stepped up to lend time, expertise and energy to participate in the important South Mountain Freeway issue.

One of those leaders is Frank Schmuck, candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 20. Schmuck has a proven record of helping communities like the city of Tempe with freeway-related issues. That proven record can not be overlooked.

You see, this is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue - it's a community issue. My point is not endorsing a party but a person I believe will protect the Ahwatukee Foothills community and Lakewood, who has appointed me to represent its 15,000 residents.

That is why I have decided to endorse Schmuck. He is a proven leader in freeway issues of the past. He is passionate about protecting Ahwatukee from this $3 billion fiasco while protecting all of Ahwatukee's children and the elderly. I have talked to at least 12 elected officials or would-be officials and Schmuck has already done more for Ahwatukee and Tempe than most of the others.

Schmuck is my only official endorsement of any candidate and most have asked for my endorsement given the years of work on this project and aggressively challenging it, which I will continue as the vote for the freeway is nearing.

John D. Rodriguez

Lakewood Representative

South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team

Vote McComish and Dial for a strong economy

Dear Editor:

With the rising food and gas prices, I'm feeling the strain. We need state representatives who understands economic matters if we ever hope to improve our economy and strengthen the job market.

John McComish has long been one of those representatives who I trust with fiscal matters because of his demonstrated ability in the State House and strong background in business.

I've been told that another seat in the house will be vacant. Jeff Dial proposes smart solutions to everyday problems and important issues. He, like McComish, has a lot of experience in business management and offers a solid position on how to improve the economy.

Among many things, McComish was national sales manager with Johnson & Johnson and has decades of business experience. Dial has worked for his family business for 20 years and serves as executive vice president.

I feel confident that with McComish and Dial in office, economic matters will be dealt with by experts who have learned from real life experiences. And with fuel and food prices soaring, that's what Arizonans need right now.

D.R. Shebesta

A ‘green' tip

Dear Editor:

Do you ever wonder how many people think about how to water their lawn and keep their vehicle clean without wasting water?

My family fits into that, but it is mostly my dad. I propose a solution (a way that you don't have to waste water): wash your car while it's on your lawn so the water will run off the vehicle and into the soil. Makes the grass greener and your car cleaner - without wasting water!

Joshua Ekstrom, 13