Texas Tech fiasco shows Jamie Dixon isn’t worth his paycheck
Jim Griffin is in step with Texans
The editorial board made a great endorsement for a proven leader in Jim Griffin for our state representative in District 92. (Feb. 6, 9A, “We recommend Republican Jim Griffin in District 92 Texas House race”) He did a great job for our community in the past and will continue to do so.
Rival candidate Jeff Cason is pushing a radical agenda, especially on abortion. We need good community service, not some off-the-wall agenda that serves outside organizations. Thanks, Star-Telegram, for helping us get the best representative.
- Leonard Humphrey, Euless
Democrats can’t get anything right
The Democrats thought they had built a better mousetrap for the Iowa caucuses, but as with everything else, they blew it. If they just let everyone vote individually, things would have gone just fine. As usual, they know what is best and don’t think the people of America can think for themselves.
- Nancy Williams, Arlington
Stock Show even better than before
Thanks to the staff and volunteers who made the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo such a success. This year was even more magical than most, in part because of the amenities in Dickies Arena.
A huge thank-you is owed to show chairman Ed Bass for his vision and to the city for its commitment. President and general manager Brad Barnes and his team accepted the challenge to make this year’s show beyond compare, implementing a tournament-style format with only the best pro rodeo contestants and an increased payoff of more than $1 million. The Sale of Champions reached a milestone, with nearly $4.8 million paid to young livestock exhibitors, an important investment in the next generation.
Hats off. We can’t wait until 2021.
- Pam Minick, Argyle
Trump had the right to fire them
The people who oppose President Donald Trump’s right to dismiss the Vindman twins, Ambassador Gordon Sondland and others because they do not represent his policies should look at it this way: If someone working for you constantly undermines your company, would you still want them to work there? You can look at it as sour grapes, but I wouldn’t want someone working for me talking me down in public.
- Nancy Williams, Fort Worth
Dive deeper on property tax rates
How odd it is to read staunch conservative Richard Greene proclaiming the virtues of a proposed tax increase. (Feb. 9, 5B, “Sales-tax increase will fuel Arlington’s economic development”) He not only pushes for Arlington’s $17 million increase, but he also praises previous hikes for stadium projects and street improvements. He does not explain who will get the new “economic development” money.
He goes off the rails, though, when he writes that “four consecutive years of reduction in the property tax rate ... saved property owners more than $13 million.” In each of those years, the effective tax rate was exceeded and property owners paid millions more, thanks to appraisal increases.
- R.K. Crowley, Arlington
A story well worth telling
Thank you for the story about Air Force Maj. Raul Manriquez. (Feb. 9, 1B, “WWII POW Raúl Manríquez served his country, the Air Force and Fort Worth”) I enjoyed the details of his Army Air Force bailout after 10 bombing missions over Europe. Additionally, I liked the story of his growing up in north Fort Worth, enlisting with eight of his teammates from Texas Wesleyan and going off to the war.
It was apparent to me that God had plans for the young airman. It was a wonderful story that made this retired Navy senior chief smile.
- Tim Tannheimer, Grand Prairie
Dixon not worth what TCU pays him
TCU pays men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon for a contending team. But Texas Tech made the Frogs look pathetic. (Feb. 12, 2B, “TCU basketball hits rock bottom, falls 88-42 at Texas Tech”)
Let Dixon go. For his paycheck , a far better coach can be found. That goes for the athletic director, too.
- John Cawthron, Waco