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In response to Robert Pittenger’s “Observer didn’t tell whole story about annexation and me” (July 5 Feedback):
Pittenger’s actions forced me to endorse Pendergraph
It seems odd to defend The Charlotte Observer, but the story outlining Robert Pittenger’s use of his position to move legislation of direct personal benefit is substantially correct.
I just wish reporter Jim Morrill had told his readers that Pittenger’s statement that 100 percent of local bills pass, made to excuse the fact he voted for a bill of direct benefit to himself, is easily proven to be untrue.
I didn’t criticize Pittenger because I endorsed Jim Pendergraph. I endorsed Pendergraph because I don’t think government should operate as a private investment club.
Fern H. Shubert
Marshville
The public’s will gets railroaded by uptown baseball stadium
In 2004, voters voted to purchase land in Third Ward for a public park. Now, in the midst of a slow economy, the City Council and Mecklenburg County commissioners are giving more than $35 million in land and money from the taxpayers to a private enterprise for a baseball stadium.
The tragedy for the public is that this project will not create development. The truth is nothing generates urban development like a park. Another tragedy is that there has been so little discussion of alternatives for developing this public land.
If this project proceeds, it will be the perfect summation of today’s corporate culture. But local government should not drink the corporate Kool-Aid.
Murray Whisnant
Charlotte
With this track record, what project will city fund next?
Our city “leaders” have demonstrated an aptitude for picking real losers on which to waste our tax dollars. First, it was the uptown arena money pit, soundly defeated in a public referendum but built anyway. Then, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a proven money drain, and now, the new uptown baseball facility, soon to be the next future money pit.
What will be the next private enterprise the city will want to fund with our hard earned taxes, an uptown factory that manufactures VHS tapes?
Ron Brendle
Charlotte
These shareholders feel tricked over Duke-Progress CEO switch
As a decades long holder of both Duke and Progress Energy stock, I and many others were pleased to see Bill Johnson take the helm of the new utility. Many of us were leery of the direction Jim Rogers was taking Duke, including the “missteps” in Indiana and Florida, and in particular Mr. Rogers’ giant move toward green energy, much of which remains controversial.
We voted for the merger in good faith, expecting Mr. Johnson to be the CEO of our new company. We feel utterly snookered and betrayed.
Patricia S. Broderick
Mooresville
In response to “A German accent for Charlotte energy hub?” (Taylor Batten column, July 8):
Germans walking the talk on energy; Charlotte should too
Drive through the German countryside and it looks like fields of children’s pinwheels. When the Germans talk about replacing their nuclear energy plants by 2022, they are not making idle promises. Charlotte’s aspirations of building “energy bridges” and “energy clusters” will be great for Charlotte and our country, and intersecting with our German counterparts will only help all of us.
When Charlotte can walk the talk on the world’s energy stage, even Dizzy Dean would say we ain’t braggin’ because we’re backin’ up our energy boasts.
Barry Marshall
Charlotte
In response to “Romney’s finances: Savvy, not popular” (July 8 Viewpoint):
Nothing wrong with financial savvy in a political candidate
Unlike columnist Eugene Robinson, I have no problem with Mitt Romney’s ability to make money through any legal means available.
I do have a problem when I think that these laws were poorly designed by our Congress. Does anyone remember that the 401(k) came about through a poorly written tax law?
I am certain that when he is elected president, Romney will use his savvy to improve the finances of our country as well as he’s done for himself.
Robert Demarest Cuminale
Charlotte
Jamal’s story should serve as inspirational example for all
Your article about Jamal Tate’s struggles and perseverance to be successful (“Starting Over,” July 9) should be mandatory reading for every middle school and high school student.
Parents should also read it to reinforce having unconditional love, but also tough love, for their children.
Keep up the great work, Jamal!
Claude Underwood
Charlotte
