3/19 Letters: Give Rep. Hall a ‘reasonable chance’ to respond to harassment allegations

J. Peder Zane is sane with “Zero tolerance and zero fairness in the Rep. Hall case” (Mar. 14) on the reaction to accusations against Rep. Duane Hall, while much of Hall’s colleagues and the governor verge on the irrational. All the “progressive” politicians and party members suggesting Duane Hall resign essentially convict him without hearing letting him answer charges.

The Democrats’ reaction to the charges of sexual harassment against him showed political cowardice and set a bad precedent. Hall quickly denied all the charges, but instead of allowing him time to make his case, his colleagues assumed his guilt.

The charges may be valid, but as former Chair of the Chatham County Democratic Party and President of the Chapel Hill-Carborro ACLU chapter I’m embarrassed that the governor and Democratic Party leaders apparently feel that if any woman charges a man with harassment, he should immediately be penalized, and guilt or innocence is not as important as political correctness.

I have disagreed with many of Hall’s positions, but let’s hear what he has to say. Give Hall a reasonable chance to answer each charge.

One and done

Regarding “Duke should stop with one-and-done players” (Mar. 15): I am struggling to understand how a first year player can make an all-academic team before they have even finished the year. At this point, they have only completed one semester.

And it would not be hard to imagine that first semester was less than challenging for an incoming freshman with the huge time commitment to the basketball program.

And it would not be hard to imagine the second semester going by the wayside as soon as the season was over, for someone planning to turn pro.

For the birds

For well over a century, Audubon has worked to protect birds in North Carolina from the most significant threats to their survival. Recently, concern has been raised by some that tall wind turbines in Eastern North Carolina represent a threat to both birds and military flight training routes. Audubon’s experience has shown that wind projects can be properly designed, sited and monitored to avoid significant impacts on bird populations.

In 2013, Audubon worked with multiple stakeholders to help craft the state’s existing regulations for the wind industry. Together with federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse, these rules provide a thoughtful process by which wind projects are directed to areas that have minimal impact on natural resources and military installations.

A transition to clean energy is also critical to protect birds from the worst effects of carbon pollution, which are already impacting where birds can survive and thrive in our state and have been identified by the U.S. military as one of the greatest national security threats.

Earlier this month, Senator Thom Tillis delivered thoughtful remarks on wind energy at the UNC energy conference. In response to questions about potential conflicts between wind farms and military interests, Senator Tillis remarked that “General Mattis has been clear that you can strike a balance.” And also, “There’s a way to work it out.”

We agree. Let’s evaluate each wind project on its own merits rather than banning an entire source of clean, renewable energy from the Piedmont and Eastern North Carolina. Overly burdensome limits on wind energy development do a disservice to birds, the U.S. military and economically challenged communities. A more balanced approach is needed and Audubon stands ready to work with state leadership, wind developers and military interests to secure our shared interests in economic development, national security and conservation of natural resources.

Duke ‘travesty’

Regarding “Duke Energy: Utility CEO’s pay hit $21M last year” (Mar. 14): The CEO of Duke Energy gets a $10 million raise in one year. The lobbyists spend millions on legislators and Duke’s lawyers spent millions to try to get the coal ash suits dismissed. If the coal-ash ponds had originally been built correctly, the ensuing leakage problems would not have happened.

The commission that approved the rate increase should be ashamed that they now force customers to pay for Duke Energy’s mistakes and its CEO raise. This is a travesty on the citizens of North Carolina.

This story was originally published March 18, 2018 at 6:00 PM with the headline "3/19 Letters: Give Rep. Hall a ‘reasonable chance’ to respond to harassment allegations."