Don’t blame the mayor
Do not blame Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere that Plano has no mask ordinance. Along with the enlightened members of Plano’s City Council, LaRosiliere did his best to put into place the one most effective measure to protect Plano citizens and keep businesses safe: He proposed a mask ordinance with reasonable enforcement. I am disappointed that the other council members did not support the ordinance. I am aggrieved these council members did not act to protect Plano families. I will be shopping in Dallas County where city and county officials have the courage to do the hard thing.
Cheryl Norman, Plano
One is not like the other
Re: “Runoff pits biography vs. résumé — Two ‘fantastic’ Dems battle for chance to challenge Van Duyne,” Tuesday news story.
We take great exception with this article on the race between Kim Olson and Candace Valenzuela. Valenzuela is lacking in every aspect of experience — three years on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD school board doth not make one qualified for the U.S. Congress.
Olson is smart and experienced with an educational, military, business, financial and foreign policy background. She was among the first generation of female military jet pilots. She understands farming, the environment and government here and abroad.
Olson was Gen. Jay Garner’s executive officer in Iraq going in right after the combat troops in 2003 with the mission to reorganize the civil society, which included police, courts, utilities and much more. Garner, a lifelong Republican, strongly endorses Olson.
Olson is a proven leader. Valenzuela’s vicious attacks, partnered with attack ads managed from the out-of-state Voter Protection Project, are being paid to smear Olson. The ads are untrue and libelous. Hostile is the operative word for Valenzuela’s campaign — not what same-party candidates usually do.
Olson will bring experience and integrity to Washington.
Carolyn and Ralph Hockley, Carrollton
Encouraging violence is wrong
As more and more violence erupts across our cities, I pray our leaders will encourage us to come together. I pray the people whose stores were burned to the ground will be able to rebuild and I pray those who were badly injured make a full recovery.
I was very saddened to read in the papers that a top-ranking Congressional candidate had chosen to use her platform and following to encourage more violence in our city. When Kim Olson said about looting “burn it to the ground,” she is talking about people’s livelihoods, she’s talking about burning down the very thing that provides food for their kids and a roof over their heads.
I keep seeing Olson’s ad on social media and television where she proudly touts The Dallas Morning News recommendation. I would like to call on The News to condemn her comments and, assuming your organization doesn’t support this kind of behavior, to pull its recommendation of Olson.
We have an amazing community here and the fact that a recommended candidate is running around encouraging more violence is very disturbing. I hope you all will do the right thing.
Nancy Tresler, Irving
Hegar has it
Re: Hegar, West face off ahead of early voting — Candidates agree on many issues, but not about experience,” June 27 Metro & Business story.
Finally, a candidate tells it like it is: “America doesn’t need another career politician.” A truer statement has probably never been made by a candidate for office. We need people in Washington who have had a job and/or placed themselves in harm’s way by serving the nation in the armed forces. Bravo to you, MJ Hegar.
Jimmie Robertson, Plano
Let them pay for damages
A new proposal by Sen. John Cornyn seeks to reduce oil companies’ federal royalty payments during the coronavirus pandemic. If approved, this bill could reduce funding for national treasures such as Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains and other local, state and national parks.
Royalties help compensate for the damage that drilling causes by funding conservation projects in these areas, helping to preserve treasured landscapes and recreation areas across Texas. Oil companies should at least pay for the damage they cause to these unique and delicate ecosystems; after all, even my younger cousin knows to clean up their mess.
Kate Moffatt, Waco
Lead with masks every day
On the front page of every edition, the first headline should be in bold, large letters: “Texans, wear a mask! Save yourself and those you love.” Then continue informing your readers of COVID-19 and its effects on our lives. The Metro and Business section should not have put “Abbot selling masks big time” on its first page — that belongs on the paper’s front page.
Arlene G. Press, Plano
Old saying, new meaning
The current face mask controversy reminds me of a saying I heard 50 years ago: Anybody at all can quit smoking. But it takes a man to face cancer.
Richard May, Dallas
Gohmert has a job to do
Really, Dallas Morning News? I am not surprised but nonetheless dismayed that you chose to print two letters picking on Rep. Louie Gohmert for his so described “antics” without presenting the view that Rep. Jerry Nadler’s inept handling of committee proceedings prodded him. As a Republican, Gohmert is known for some theatrics which I find useful in the face of Democratic political posturing. Typically no one watches the tsunami of committee hearings but for those who do, it is eye-opening and eyebrow-raising.
Karen Roberts, Dallas
It’s time to tax churches
Re: “Religion or politics?” by JoAnn Williams, Tuesday Letters.
We fully agree with Williams’ suggestion that it is time to review tax-exempt status for religious institutions, starting with the First Baptist Dallas where the Rev. Robert Jeffress serves as senior pastor. Vice President Mike Pence at the pulpit of that church June 28 with Sen. John Cornyn, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Attorney General Ken Paxton all in attendance leaves little doubt as to Jeffress’ support for the current administration. His praise of President Donald Trump is pervasive in print, in person and on air, and bends toward campaigning and endorsement by an institutional leader rather than personal opinion. He certainly has this individual right, but his church should not enjoy the benefit of not paying taxes.
David Holt and Sherry Mills Holt, East Dallas
Click here to submit a letter to the editor. Be sure to include sources.