Attacks on your voting rights sent Heider Garcia packing. Tarrant County is the loser | Opinion
A huge loss for the voters
I have worked for several years as a poll worker and temporary worker in Tarrant County elections. Because of the political climate in our county, we are losing one of the very best election administrators in the state, if not the country, in Heider Garcia. (April 19, 13A, “Elections chief quitting is bad sign for Tarrant voting”)
With a new county election integrity unit that is not needed and several bills being considered in the Legislature, we are in danger of losing our say in elections. Bills to do away with countywide voting, give the secretary of state authority to overturn elections and remove any co-election administrator are attacks on your voting rights.
Godspeed, Mr. Garcia, I hope you find a state or county that appreciates you.
- Suzanne Mabe, Fort Worth
Keep our eyes on the ball
A Texas-size tip of the hat to those in the local media for their attention to troublesome, destabilizing issues at the Tarrant County Courthouse, including jail deaths and serious matters around voting and elections. You are serving the people, the community and, yes, democracy itself. Have courage as you go about your work.
- Roger Summers, Arlington
Is Clarence Thomas stupid?
Do any Republicans find it disturbing that The Washington Post’s story “Complaints about Justice Thomas’ disclosures sent to judicial committee” reported: “The justice said at the time (2011) that he had not understood the filing instructions” regarding his financial disclosures?
How can a Supreme Court justice listen to complex legal arguments but not understand financial-disclosure reporting instructions?
- Glenn Celerier, Arlington
Think big about going to Mars
John M. Crisp’s April 16 commentary “Fly to Mars? Maybe. But why should we?” 95C) questioned the logic of traveling to the moon and eventually establishing a human colony on Mars. His questions cast doubt on the accepted reasons for moving forward in this quest: exhausting Earth’s resources, competition with China.
But his main argument is that humans evolved on Earth because of natural resources and that we should not venture into space away from them. He underestimates our inherent spirit of adventure. That may be the main reason for leaving the protection of Earth to explore the unknown.
- Wallace James Hahn, Fort Worth
Mansfield schools are losing out
As a resident of Mansfield, I am appalled at the recent events involving our school board members — one member colluding with others to write statements for people to read at meetings, (April 21, 12A, “Mansfield school board candidate names public comment writer”) the arrest of a board member and charges of financial improprieties against a former PTA president.
The school board is focused on banning books instead of assuring that students and staff have the best educational opportunities.
Mansfield used to be one of the best districts in the country, but it now makes the news for its lack of transparency and ethics. Let’s hope voters decide to put our children and district first.
- Bettie Saccardo, Mansfield
Vouchers steal from everyone
The idea of school vouchers that cut tax money from our public schools to fund private schools does not make any sense. What if we applied the concept of school vouchers to other aspects of public funding?
Some people could propose that they want the portion of their tax money earmarked for the police department refunded because they live in a gated community and want to hire private security. Or, I deserve a rebate on my tax money for fire departments so I can install a deluxe sprinkler system in my home.
No one would argue that these scenarios would be viable, practical or successful.
If public schools aren’t meeting our expectations, let’s not abandon them. Let’s improve what we already have in place. Better public schools help future generations and will benefit all communities, from large cities to small rural towns.
- Daryl Marek, Grand Prairie
Worth a pound of cure
With routine, twice-yearly dental cleanings, we prevent abscesses. By making contraceptives available, we prevent untimely pregnancies. By making condoms available, we prevent sexually transmitted infections. With prevention, individuals take responsibility for their health and save taxpayers money.
Prevention respects individuals’ freedom. That’s conservative, and it’s pro-life.
- Rita Cotterly, Fort Worth