Special court advocates for vulnerable children aren’t ‘wasteful’ federal spending | Opinion

I’m a mom-to-be, an attorney and someone who left the law firm life to dedicate myself to pro bono legal work. I care deeply about protecting kids and families. That’s why I support the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. These volunteers are everyday people who speak for abused or neglected children in court. They are the voice for kids who may have no one else.

Sadly, during the Trump administration, CASA’s federal funding was called “wasteful” and cut. Helping children in crisis is never wasteful. CASA volunteers don’t get paid. The a small expense to train them has a big impact. Nationwide and in North Carolina, CASA works. It keeps kids safer. It makes courts fairer.

I’ve seen CASA change lives. I know we can all agree across political divides that kids deserve love, safety and someone in their corner. Cutting federal funding for CASA was a huge mistake. Let’s fix it. Call your Congress members and the White House and ask to restore CASA funding.

Heidi Sinsley, Matthews

Charlotte situation

I’m baffled with the Charlotte police chief and former city council member situation. It’s ridiculous Charlotte citizens do not know all the facts involving this settlement. We continue to get pieces, but not yet has anyone laid out what exactly happened.

What exactly caused the mayor and city council to offer a possible payout to our police chief with no lawsuit? I do not understand how our mayor or city council members think this is something to keep secret.

I’m disappointed in the mayor I voted for and some city council members’ actions. Since I’m a Charlotte taxpayer, I should have the power to make them share everything about this situation. No more secret meetings! Why is anything ever kept secret by the mayor or city council from citizens?

Willa Ann Hackney, Charlotte

Plane, budget

Congressional House Republicans finished their “cost-saving” plan to slash Medicaid and SNAP. Meanwhile their leader and his billionaire friends cavorted around the Middle East with no foreign policy objectives. This is clearly a deal-making junket at taxpayer expense. Now, Trump wants taxpayers to refurbish an unneeded Qatari aircraft. Something is very wrong with this picture.

Jim Witeck, Charlotte

Death penalty

State House Republicans are pushing HB 270 to allow people on death row to choose the electric chair, firing squad or lethal injection. State sponsored executions are state sponsored murders. Incarcerate the people with life without parole. Why not add hangings on the town square or broadcast them?

Rep. David Willis, the bill’s sponsor, says the bill would bring justice to victims’ families. I think life without parole is a more viable option. Electrocutions and firing squads are inhumane.

Augie Beasley, Charlotte

Plastic bags

Have you ever seen a picture of a sea turtle tangled in plastic? A lot of that plastic litter starts as the trash bags we throw away at home. When the wind blows, light plastic bags fly out of trash cans and landfills. Rain washes them into drains, rivers, and the ocean.

Trash bags are some of the most found items during beach clean-ups. Sea animals think the bags are food and swallow them, which can kill them. When the bags break apart, microplastics end up in the fish we eat. Our love of throw-away plastic is hurting ocean life and us too.

We can fix this. Pass a rule to stop stores from giving out non-compostable bags. Offer coupons or discounts so families can buy compostable bags. Teach students and neighbors how to sort waste and use reusable bins. If we switch to safer bags and tighter rules fewer animals will suffer, and our beaches will be cleaner.

Alexia Mills, Charlotte

Investigate

With Mayor Vi Lyles and the city negotiating a secret financial settlement with the police chief, what is the Democrat-controlled city council hiding? Gov. Josh Stein and AG Jeff Jackson should support State Auditor Dave Boliek’s investigation if they want to lead for all in the state. After all, taxpayer dollars were used.

Now, you have a Democrat city council member indicted on federal charges with using COVID-relief funds for personal use. Charlotte voters must be so proud of who they put in office.

Floyd Prophet, Kannapolis