Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.31.16
Sign me up to help fund teacher raises
In response to “Teachers unlikely to see 10% raise, speaker says” (Jan. 29):
For each N.C. public school teacher to receive a 10 percent pay raise would cost our state $540 million.
As one of 10 million North Carolinians, my annual share would be $54.
Where do I send my check?
Even better, if I and the millions of N.C. taxpayers each send a check for $108 may our teachers please receive an even larger, well-deserved raise?
Cheryl McLawhorn, Charlotte
Democrats played role in toll plan too
In response to “Some toll opponents being hypocritical” (Jan. 29 Forum):
Before Forum writer Bob Cubbler criticized Republicans about the toll lanes, he should look back at the Charlotte City Council’s vote on this.
The Council is made up of a majority of Democrats and their vote was extremely important.
Perhaps a further search on whose idea the I-77 toll lanes really were in the beginning would be helpful.
The contract was signed and minds were made up way before it was publicized, and it seems no one wants to take credit for it.
Ruth Coffey, Charlotte
Galvanize and put pressure on McCrory
What is lost in the decision to move forward with I-77 toll lanes and its huge investment and long contract with a non-compete clause, is that it won’t solve the traffic problem.
That is a waste of a lot of money which could be better used to develop mass transit via the light rail.
Maybe North Mecklenburg and Iredell County can galvanize around that effort and educate the governor.
Keith Wilson, Charlotte
Good grows from inside my church
In response to “Myers Park Methodist could set example” (Jan. 26 Forum):
It is fair to say that members of Myers Park Methodist Church enter through the doors of our church just like members of many faith houses and thoughtfully pray for guidance on how to make the best use of their resources.
Myers Park has already taken steps to stop hunger and homelessness and support local and world outreach missions.
When Dr. James Howell wrote that Christians should commit to do better, I’d like to think we can become more Christ-like right inside our beloved sanctuary on the corner of Queens and Providence roads.
At this intersection, may we continue to practice intercession for others.
Ashley Blevins, Charlotte
Groups must work together to cut crime
In response to “City Council, mayor must focus on crime increases” (Jan. 28 Opinion):
Edwin Peacock is right – to improve community safety we need a comprehensive strategy for our at-risk youth.
Government, police, the faith community, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and grassroots groups like KidsNeed2Parents must work together to prevent crime.
Sheila Peltzer, Charlotte
Town hall format preferable to debates
Town hall format preferable to debates
It has been tiresome to watch Donald Trump spend so much time during Republican debates talking about winning.
I would prefer to see a honest discussion on issues and practical solutions.
Monday night’s Democratic town hall event offered a better format for candidates to discuss one-on-one with a moderator and the audience meaningful issues.
John Divine, Charlotte
Super Bowl held in the wrong city
Not holding the Super Bowl in the city of either competing team – as has been the practice for 49 years – is unfair to fans.
The few fans who are able to obtain tickets, many of whom are of modest means, then must shell out more money for airfare, hotel, car rental, etc.
Let’s return the game to the fans who made it possible in the first place.
Play it at the home stadium of the team with the best record, with 90 percent of the tickets reserved for fans of the two competing teams.
Stephen Gilmore, Charlotte
Ignore critics, Cam; stay above the fray
One of the aspects of the Rev. Billy Graham’s life that I have always admired is that he never answered his critics.
If you answer them you give them credence, and you give fuel for the fire to keep it burning.
Even Jesus Christ didn’t please everybody.
Do your thing, Cam, and let the critics argue among themselves. You should be above all of this.
Dexter Greene, Charlotte
This story was originally published January 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.31.16."