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I read that the construction of the $30 million Montgomery County Courthouse is to begin soon in Christiansburg ("Courthouse construction set for September start," May 28).

I am sure that those who have made this decision feel it is a justified action. However, I don't feel that this is the time with the economy as it is. So many people are out of jobs, and many families are struggling financially.

The courthouse may be cramped for space, but a lot of people are having to postpone things they feel are needed. Why is the county any different?

It will be taxpayers who fund this project, and I think that it is something that can be put off until the economy improves. I hope there is not going to be a tax increase in real estate or another tax to pay for this.

Blacksburg needs stores for sundries

A couple of weeks ago, there was an article about Blacksburg Town Council's urging people to do our shopping in Blacksburg ("Blacksburg council OKs $56 million budget," April 30). My reaction to that is: Who are they kidding?

Yes, if I want a book or a Hokie T-shirt, Blacksburg would be the place to go.

But, like most people living in Blacksburg, I need to buy sundries. If only we had a store in Blacksburg where we could buy everything -- like Wal-mart -- then we could stop having to drive to Christiansburg for all of our shopping.

Am I that uncool because I need things besides books and Hokie paraphernalia? Is Blacksburg too snooty to have a store that sells sundries? Are we too good for Wal-mart? The thing is, there's something very un-green about having people drive to the next town just to get things they need.