Charlotte needs leaders who can solve problems, rather than create them
Politicians, stick to your job descriptions
Murder now seems a daily occurrence in Charlotte. Meanwhile, the mayor wants to rename a street virtually no one thought about until she raised the subject.
And, newly appointed City Council member Dimple Ajmera, after determining that anyone who voted for President Trump is not fit for elected office, wants a resolution in response to events in Charlottesville.
Regardless of party affiliation, I urge fellow citizens to consider candidates closely. Vote for individuals you believe are open-minded problem solvers who will be focused on city or county issues that are actually within the scope of their job description.
Greg Smith, Charlotte
N.C. doctors need flexibility on opioids
As N.C. officials respond to our opioid epidemic, they must give physicians more flexibility to prescribe treatments they deem best for each patient.
Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration must eliminate the requirement that doctors receive prior authorization from Medicaid to use most FDA-approved buprenorphine products to treat opioid dependent patients.
N.C. Medicaid has only one treatment on its list of “preferred” drugs even though several FDA-approved treatments are available. Putting a prior authorization on these treatments in the midst of an epidemic hurts doctors’ ability to treat patients.
Dr. Michael Trombley, Charlotte
Too many college degrees lead to debt
In response to “Sorry, Charlotte. You don’t need a law school, officials say” (Aug. 31):
While I have no sympathy for the owners of Charlotte School of Law and hope they go to prison, I agree with UNCC Chancellor Phil Dubois’ assessment that there is no job market for students graduating with a law degree at this time.
That said, I’d be interested in hearing his opinion of the job market for students graduating with certain degrees his school offers, such as art history and instrumental music.
Too many kids are going into debt to get degrees they won’t be able to earn a living with, while schools are more than happy to cash the checks and student loan companies are more than happy to charge interest.
Eric Cable, Charlotte
Reconsider taking down Lee statues
The statues in this country are beautiful pieces of art, and many were created by famous artists.
Most of the time we don’t even think about who the statue depicts; we are admiring the artwork.
As for Robert E. Lee, people need to read his biography. Most of his life he served our country honorably and with distinction. He was a Confederate general for only four years. The rest of his life he was serving our United States.
Pat Craig, Charlotte
Racist individuals also an issue
In response to “Actually, everyone can’t be racist” (Aug. 31 Forum):
A racist, by definition: Someone who believes that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
Sorry, Forum writer Megan Wilson, the philosophy doesn’t have to be institutionalized to exist.
The sole inhabitant of a desert island can be a racist, despite his/her solitary existence.
Mark Selleck, Mineral Springs
Cut fossil fuels, have 1 child per family
How much more proof does one need to see that human use of fossil fuels has caused climate change and other devastating effects on the ecosystem?
We have super hurricanes, rise in sea levels, lead in water, coal ash pollution in rivers, etc.
Our choices determine our future. We can choose to use renewable energy (solar/wind) to bring the earth back in balance.
We can also choose to have only one child per family, which results in far fewer resources used. The earth cannot sustain the 7.5 billion people!
Jeri Edwards, Iron Station
Clean energy critical for N.C.’s future
In response to “N.C. should focus on clean energy,” (Aug. 31 Forum):
Right on, Jonathan Hudson! I was heartened to read his powerful letter in support of a progressive agenda for clean energy for North Carolina. Citizens should unite in support of this issue, which has a critical impact on our future.
Constance Kolpitcke, Cornelius
This story was originally published September 3, 2017 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Charlotte needs leaders who can solve problems, rather than create them."