Sound Off highlights anonymous, brief takes on the news offered via telephone by Daily News readers.

Shade is at a premium at the waterfront on Washington. How about planting some live oaks this fall so that we can have a canopy of live oaks downtown on the waterfront?

I read the articles regarding the deck at the Civic Center. The only question I have is not whether the deck needs to be replaced but does it need to be replaced with another deck? I don’t understand what functionality the deck gives the Civic Center. Why wouldn’t stairs to the civic center work just as well?

The new redistricting plan, once again, points out why it is important for Beaufort County to nominate and elect strong individuals to key positions. The weak and wounded never fair well in a competitive situation. Beaufort County should start by getting rid of the ’60’s-era restricted voting system for county commissioners.

After the Planning Board and City Council ban newsstands on the public sidewalks, are they going to ban downtown merchants from displaying their wares on public sidewalks, too?

Please leave the news boxes and flowers boxes on Main Street.

Sound Off comments are screened for subject matter, clarity and length of message. Comments about private businesses (except the WDN) and some individuals are not allowed. On occasion, we cease publishing comments about topics that have been fully discussed in Sound Off. Call 252-940-4215 to comment, (30 seconds maximum time). (All submissions are subject to editing).