NC needs to get better grip on mental health care - for kids and adults

Mental health

The writer was sheriff in Union County 1979-2002.

We continue to hear horror stories about our victims of mental health disorders — minors and adults. Rather than contracting the provision of services and treatment, the state and counties should be responsible. Why have we not learned that lesson? Why not seek accountability rather than paying profit-making nonprofits?

Frank McGuirt, Wingate

Officer Goodwin

The tragic death of CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin demonstrates that our roadways are unsafe. If this horrific loss is not a call to action, I don’t know what is.

As a civil society, we must effectively address the speeding, tailgating and, yes, the refusal of drivers to reduce speed in areas where those who “serve and protect” are managing accidents.

The use of speed cameras needs to be reinstated. Why not have a “take the pledge” on driving the speed limit campaign? PSAs on safe driving, like the ones NASCAR legend Richard Petty narrated in the past, are needed.

This is a call to action to change our driving culture. Never again should a speeding tractor trailer prevent a mother from returning home to her family.

Eric Nachamie, Lincolnton

NoDa development

Because the proposed Ascent apartment project in NoDa is so massively egregious, the Charlotte City Council is facing a very visible “crossroads” rezoning decision.

This premier parcel in Charlotte’s Arts District deserves to become a creative showcase for site-sensitive urban design at its innovative best, which is what the NoDa neighbors are fighting to have.

Meanwhile, Ascent is determined to shoehorn its big South End into our tiny mill village. It doesn’t fit and it perpetuates the cityscape monotony we all complain about.

What will Council decide? Will it be density at all costs predictable overbuilt monotony? Or can an established neighborhood’s character be respected with a smarter development? Whatever Council decides, it will be a fixture in NoDa for a very long time.

Linda Vista, Charlotte

Charlotte traffic

Regarding ”Can Charlotte escape traffic hell?” (Dec. 19):

Traffic in Charlotte is the darling of unrestricted building, insatiable greed, and an inflated image of whom we would like to be as a city. Infrastructure is not considered enough when planning communities. Filling city coffers is paramount. When these issues are honestly faced we may be able to salvage what was once a great place to live.

Jane Francisco, Charlotte

Editorial cartoon

Regarding the editorial cartoon entitled “New Technology at Murdock’s Fox,” (Dec. 27):

I was in disbelief when I read the cartoon by Jeff Danziger in the Dec. 27 paper. With all the crime going on in our cities should we be publishing things of this nature? Sure it’s impossible, but it can plant the idea in someone’s mind that Dr. Anthony Fauci should be shot.

There’s a lot we disagree on these days, but promoting an idea like this is disheartening. Danziger and the editors owe the readers of the Charlotte Observer an apology.

Gerald C. Gibson, Lincolnton

Funding schools

The writer is a retired educator.

I read with mixed emotions the story of Debbie Arias receiving a car funded by GoFundMe and the generosity of Johnson’s Hickory Toyota. Arias, an exceptional preschool teacher, deserved the generous act, but her plight of only being able to afford a “junker” is true of most preschool teachers.

Quality preschool education is the most effective strategy to improve our constitutional commitment to educate citizens, but preschool teachers are on the bottom of a dismal pay scale for teachers.

North Carolina refuses to fund the Leandro ruling, which would increase funding for preschools and teachers. Funding this effort would fulfill the state’s constitutional commitment and lift its educational standing out of the bottom rankings.

A preschool teacher should be able to afford reliable transportation and make a wage commensurate with the impact of early education.

Deb Park, Charlotte

Jeff Jackson

Regarding “Jeff Jackson drops out of NC’s race for Senate. What it means for Democrats.” (Dec. 16):

Simply defined, the Yiddish word “mensch” signifies an individual embodying the very best qualities of a human being. Jeff Jackson fits this perfectly. He has honored us in the N.C. General Assembly and created a campaign for U.S. Senate which should be a template for every politician.

I am saddened that Jackson will not represent North Carolinians, but he exited the Senate primary for all the right reasons. Rather than launch a negative campaign, he recognized that his friend and colleague, Cheri Beasley, will benefit and be stronger from his endorsement.

We will witness the Republican candidates devour each other in their primary. That too, will be sad to see. I hope that Jackson will seek public office in the future. We desperately need a “mensch” to represent us.

Rick Greene, Charlotte