We already know what you can expect from those new I-77 tolls, Charlotte | Opinion

The next leg of likely privatized toll lanes on I-77 seem to have rightly caught the attention of the Charlotte City Council. The concerns vary but if people want a reason to avoid this privatized tolling scheme, just come up to Lake Norman and see what it costs and see how little in helps in solving congestion. Think $900 monthly toll bill or ever slower commute.

There is a congestion problem to solve, but privatized toll roads is not the answer. The state, Mayor Vi Lyles, City Council, county commissioners and the Charlotte Chamber can find a less costly and impactful solution to the I-77 funding and congestion problem.

Vincent Still Winegardner, Davidson

Affording tolls?

Our state and local governments seem to have great enthusiasm for expanding toll roads. It is disturbing that this plan fails to benefit so many taxpaying citizens who cannot or will not pay the expensive fees. These people are relegated to the same inadequate roads that had to be tolerated prior to toll roads. Is there no concern for those with limited means?

Robert Francis, Charlotte

Another tax increase?

In 2013 under Democrat majority, the State income tax was 7%. In 2014 the Republican majority started lowering the tax to its current 3.99%. Democratic control in Charlotte has seen property taxes go up around 10% since 2020.

The City Manager now wants to raise taxes again even though 157 people a day move into the area. I suggest that you call the Republican NC Auditor who I’m sure can help you find enough waste to eliminate the need for another tax increase.

Jim Shuback, Charlotte

Reliable energy?

In response to “Trump’s new attack on climate change will cost all of us more in Charlotte” | Opinion (Feb. 20):

Not all can afford electric cars. Wind power as well as solar are subject to unpredictable weather situations. And, although only on a few occasions, nuclear power has created tragic situations.

There is no one right answer. We have to continue to leave our options open to create a reliable and as cost effective system as possible.

Tom Little, Charlotte

Embarrassing celebration

Let’s get it straight: There is nothing wrong with being joyous, excited, celebratory or complimentary when a US team wins a gold medal. There is also nothing wrong with a US official or administration member popping in to congratulate the winning team, in their professional capacity.

That is not how the FBI Director conducted himself. He guzzled a beer and sprayed it in a room for the world to see. When did we lower the bar for behavior and decorum to this level? What if Patel were your: county sheriff, county DA, state attorney general, a Supreme Court Justice.

You might want to ask yourself if you would want that guy at that moment getting the news that your mother was kidnapped and you needed to spring into action. I’ll pass on the guy with a fragile ego and questionable ethics. And so would most of you.

Robert Kellogg, Kannapolis, former Gastonia City Council member

Jesse Jackson and START

I was with the late Rev. Jesse Jackson and other peace activists at the 1985 Reagan-Gorbachev Geneva Summit. We delivered 1.5 million signatures to each delegation, calling for an end to nuclear weapons testing, which drives the arms race. Our group met with Soviet leader Gorbachev, to whom Jackson spoke eloquently about the need for the test ban treaty.

Citizen activism helped to bring about the 1991 START nuclear treaty, which dramatically reduced nuclear weapons warheads by 80% on each side. START treaties lasted until this year. Now the USA and Russia have let the New START treaty expire, creating a dangerous climate of instability, with no curbs on what each nation can do.

We need citizen action and sane elected leadership.

Norris Frederick, Charlotte