Forum: I voted for David Howard, but his runoff endorsement is wrong
I rate Howard endorsement a zero
I voted for David Howard for mayor after he was endorsed by former Charlotte mayors Harvey Gantt and Eddie Knox and by the Observer.
Dan Clodfelter was appointed mayor based on his representations to Howard and other self-interested parties who heard something that Clodfelter now says he did not say.
I therefore have decided to value Howard’s endorsement of “like-visioned” Clodfelter at zero in deciding my Clodfelter/Roberts runoff vote.
James L. Bagwell, Charlotte
Spend on officers, not on safety zones
In response to “Criminals could face area bans” (Sept. 30):
Public safety zones? What an exceedingly silly idea! Why not make the entire city a public safety zone?
A good start would be hiring 500 additional police officers and placing them in the high-crime areas.
Yes, it would cost about $25 million a year, easily paid for by eliminating things like the roughly $150 million paid to the Panthers, Hornets and Bojangles Arena.
Statistics show that crime is the most expensive cost borne by our city and its citizens. Our elected officials simply have misplaced spending priorities.
Don Reid, Charlotte
He tried to protect Afghan children
It’s time for the press and everyone who cares about children to support Green Beret Sgt. Charles Martland.
He is being forced out of the Army for knocking an Afghan militia commander to the ground for raping a young boy over the course of several days in 2011.
The sergeant reportedly threw the Afghan commander to the ground when he laughed at being told to stop raping children. I think Martland deserves an award.
Perhaps President Obama, who invited accused deserter Bowe Bergdahl’s parents to the White House, should intervene on Martland’s behalf.
Joyce McLaren, Terrell
Trickle down only enriches the rich
In response to “Trump tax plan unleashes capitalism” (Sept. 30 Forum):
I’m always amazed by GOP presidential candidates who advocate cutting taxes to grow our economy.
In 2013, when taxes were increased on higher incomes GOP leaders were against it saying “don’t tax the job creators.”
Since then we have had robust hiring with unemployment falling to 5.1 percent, the lowest since 2008.
The trickle down theory only trickles to the bank accounts of the wealthy.
Kenneth Holder, Mooresville
Leaders must err on side of compassion
In response to “A poor man’s rich legacy” (Sept. 29 Editorial) and “Our human service system is broken” (Sept. 29 Opinion):
It’s ironic that these two articles ran on the same page. As Alfred Gorman’s history attests, life is complicated and that is the challenge of human services. Services can attempt to be measured and standardized, humans cannot.
Tragedy has no regard for deadlines or goals.
Cancer strikes in campsites and Myers Park. Mental illness afflicts those in shelters and Eastover. Addiction plagues public housing and Ballantyne.
As staff and volunteers at Urban Ministry Center are encouraged, “Err on the side of compassion.”
The work of human services isn’t to standardize, it is to never, ever give up. Thanks to all caseworkers and volunteers throughout Charlotte who live that daily.
Kathy Izard, Charlotte
Mental health needs multitiered approach
In response to Fayetteville Observer: “New crisis for N.C.’s mentally ill” (Sept. 29 Editorial):
As a retired mental health counselor, I have long been aware that while we decided years ago to deemphasize hospital level care for our mentally ill – a good thing – we have consistently, and not just in North Carolina, failed to fund appropriate outpatient care for these fragile citizens.
A multi-tiered approach is needed with easy flow between inpatient, halfway house and community supervised living, as baseline functioning will change as part of disease process.
Structure and adequate funding are essential.
Robert Stanley, Lenoir
Immigrants made this country great
Religion should have no place in the government of the United States.
Our Founding Fathers were diligent in making sure the Constitution would not exclude people because of their religious beliefs.
I shudder to think what this country would be like if our Founding Fathers had excluded the Jews, Irish, Greeks, Africans, Asians, etc. They and others made this country great.
Latinos are an integral part of this country. Ask anyone who employs manual labor.
They will assimilate into society just like the others and become good Americans. Let us be kind and understanding.
Remember, originally we all came from other parts of the world.
George Leventis, Charlotte
I found Pope’s visit to be inspirational
I am a non-Catholic but was inspired by Pope Francis’ straightforward message and humble demeanor.
His historic address to Congress with its focus on striving for the greater good served to remind us all of our global as well as local responsibilities to “the least of these.”
All Christians would do well to recognize and acknowledge the authenticity of his message.
Dan Laurent, Charlotte
This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Forum: I voted for David Howard, but his runoff endorsement is wrong."