Here’s why I’m not jumping up and down about NC GOP tax cuts

NC GOP tax cuts

Regarding “A frustrated GOP wants to know: Why aren’t North Carolinians celebrating tax cuts?” (Jan. 11 Editorial):

The N.C. GOP wants to know why I’m not excited about my meager tax cut. Here’s why: I think N.C. income taxes are reasonable and I pay them each year, as required. The problem is, the legislature fails to spend those tax dollars prudently.

The state has a $6.5 billion surplus, yet we can’t seem to fund needed road projects or schools.

Why are N.C. Republican legislators cutting my taxes? Why aren’t they spending the money taxpayers sent them? And why, in the name of God’s green earth, are they lowering the corporate tax rate to zero?

North Carolina is at the bottom of most metrics, with school funding 46th in the nation. Traffic in Charlotte and Raleigh has reached epic proportions.

Please stop the tax cuts and do something.

Corporations and the top 5% don’t need tax cuts. If you create great infrastructure, companies will come here. You don’t need to provide incentives.

Chris Conroy, Cornelius

Development

Regarding “Will putting apartments in ‘time out’ fix the problem in Cornelius?” (Jan. 9):

Kudos to Cornelius leaders for temporarily halting new multi-family residential development to devise a strategic plan that would ensure that future development projects balance public and private interests. This move stands in stark contrast to Charlotte leaders who bow before the altar of growth much to the detriment of the public’s interest. I hope the Cornelius approach inspires Charlotte to follow a similar path — but I’m not holding my breath.

Jason Huber, Charlotte

COVID messaging

Regarding “COVID is surging, but our institutions aren’t helping” and “Judge is right to allow SEALs’ religious exemptions for vaccines,” (Jan. 12 Opinion):

The virus and our situation has changed. Recommendations have changed. Directions are understandable, if you listen. Getting the vaccine is still the priority.

Christ preached “love thy neighbor.” Refusing to protect yourself by getting the vaccine helps you get and transmit COVID to others, including the immuno-compromised and children under age 5 who are not vaccine eligible.

There should be no religious exemption because there is no religion that wants people to get COVID. If you don’t care about your own health get the vaccine to protect your neighbor.

Katherine Cline, Charlotte

Guns in schools

I have been watching all of the reporting and reading all of the recommendations regarding the record number of guns in schools. I am stunned that the core question to this crisis hasn’t been addressed or barely considered, and that is: How are guns ending up in the hands of children? Until this becomes the focus, no other measures will have a meaningful effect.

Mark Reynolds, Charlotte

CMS security

I attended the West Charlotte/Chambers basketball games Jan. 11. It was sold out, the gym packed. The rivalry was intense. It was a typical Tuesday night in an old CMS gym where $8 can get you courtside for all the fun. It was also safe, no incidents of violence on or off the court.

Throughout the gym and parking lot, security personnel were ever watchful, doing their job in the professional low-key way that characterizes most CMS school security personnel. I want to say a public thank you to the men and women who make CMS safe everyday. It is a thankless job that when done right no one seems to notice.

Virginia Brown, Huntersville

Lessons from Cam

When Cam Newton came back to the Panthers, I flew 700-plus miles in a pandemic to be there. This season was sad and it feels rife with “what ifs.” But, I have even more respect and love for Cam than ever and his return wasn’t wasted on me. A few lessons I’ve learned from him:

▪ Family first.

▪ People pleasing isn’t worth it. Wear what you want, especially the impractical, beautiful hats and shoes.

▪ Nothing replaces the feeling of coming home.

▪ You can spread joy no matter what.

And don’t forget to #shinethrutheshade.

Megan Hall, North Little Rock, Ark.