EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a selection of responses shared by readers of MDJOnline.com in reaction to recent MDJ stories ...

Taxpayers 'on hook' for conference center ...

Indian Joe wrote - But, of course, city hall can do just about anything it wants, and if it turns out badly, well, just hit the taxpayers for whatever they need. Must be nice to have that "hidden" pocket of money that can be tapped as needed. And just why should the MDJ have to offer a "solution" to the problem they had nothing to do with getting us in? I thought that was why people ran for elective office. They told the taxpayers they had all of the answers. Maybe they should all just resign, and let's get some in their place who are not professional politicians.

Just thinking wrote - This column suggests that Marietta needs to sell the Conference Center as soon as the real estate market improves.

Tiredtaxper wrote - Am really impressed with Councilman Grif Chalfant taking the initiative to finally get to the bottom of the mess with the Conference Center. At last, the truth will come to light. Marietta had no business ever getting into the hotel business. Wonder whose bright idea that was?

Bondsman wrote - How many tenants do you know that sign a 20-year lease and put themselves on the hook for $50 million over the entire term whether they stay in business or not? Please give us a few examples of "smart" governments you know of who have successfully negotiated those kinds of terms. What a crock!

Camped sex offenders must leave woods ...

Emily Ruth wrote - How is this the probation department's responsibility? Where in their job requirements does it say, "find housing for ex-felons?" It doesn't. This is the community's job. To stop electing officials who create policies that are unrealistic to sex offenders. In reality, there is nowhere left for them to live! If they don't have money (because they paid for all of their jail, court, and probation fees in order to not be put back in jail) there is nowhere for them to go. Go to a homeless shelter? Can't. There are children around or it is in a church. This story should be less of a blame game and more of an eye-opening account to citizens and now their responsibility to help these people find housing!

Can they leave GA wrote - If sex offenders do not like the Georgia law, please buy them a bus ticket to somewhere else. There probation will most likely allow them to relocate to another state. If you like them so much, go to Kennestone circle and invite them to live with you or pay their rent. Otherwise, shut up with the "government" or "society" should do something. I don't want them living near me or my kids. Yes, I think they are still a threat.

Aaron R. wrote - The sad part is that these people have already paid their debt to society via jail time and/or probation. The draconian "sex offender" laws are inhumane - we should be promoting counseling and faith-based recovery programs for these individuals after they complete their sentences, not throwing them into the woods like animals.

ChickenKeeper wrote - This is called living with the choices you make! I selected a route for my life that includes obtaining an education, selecting a career to support myself and obeying the law. I'm sure the government will find some way of taking, I mean taxing, my hard-earned money to keep up scum. I can't comprehend why people who break the law feel they are entitled to benefits, assistance or sympathy.

Clarification wrote - "Marietta Probation" mentioned in this story is state probation, not the city of Marietta's probation department.

Blythe wrote - I never thought I would be sorry for sex offenders but treating these people like this is unjust and inhumane. If these laws are making people live like this they should be changed. Do we treat murderers, robbers and other violent criminals like this when they have served their time? No, I hope some sympathetic attorney sues the state over this and changes the law to allow these people live like humans.

Marietta Resident wrote - The laws regarding sex offenders are absurd. It makes you wonder where the Georgia legislature got the peyote the day the voted on this. I completely agree with the person who said they can go to church but can't live near one. I'd rather have one living next door to me so I could keep my eyes on him than one sneaking into the neighborhood where I didn't know where he/she was. Might give me the chance to shoot a rapist if he gets out of line one day - but at least I know where he is.

Bus radio goes out of business ...

Anonymous wrote - Good riddance. Couldn't happen soon enough.

Happy00100 wrote - Amen!

Cobb123 wrote - "Marietta bus drivers, however, will continue to have the option of playing commercial radio," a Marietta official said. "Because the Q-100 morning show will be so much more educational for kids.

Busradio begone wrote - Democracy works. Most school districts knew better and they went out of business. Shame on Cobb

(Former Commissioner Annette) Kesting indicted ...

Jaggar wrote - She was elected because she is black, unfortunately some people vote for the color of the skin not the knowledge people carry. She is in a district that is black, thus they voted black. It is voter irresponsibility. People may not be happy with me telling the truth. But sometimes the truth hurts.

MK wrote - How did she get elected? The same way all the other lefties like (state Sen.) Doug Stoner & (U.S. Rep. David) Scott got elected! Have you seen her district? It's an utter shame what shape most of Cobb is in. Take a ride around Powder Springs, Austell, Smyrna and from Six Flags to Marietta. There are more poor and uneducated per capita, than probably Mexico City! It's a disgrace out here and the commissioners and chairman continue to ignore the poverty! Tim Lee, if you plan to run for chairman, you need to spread yourself throughout the county! East Cobb won't sustain Cobb!

West Cobb Resident wrote - Low-class, and no character. How in the world did she ever get elected?