Wake commissioners shouldn’t ask us for three bonds

Like most residents of our county, I fully support our generous funding of public education. But this year I cannot support the three bonds on the ballot. This is not due to the merits of each bond but the fiscal performance of our Wake County commissioners.

Currently, the county spends over 22 percent on debt service. The three bonds on the ballot this year will add another $1 billion in debt and raise the debt service percentage even higher. Defeating these three bonds will show the county commissioners that taxpayers will no longer accept additional debt as a rule of budgetary policy.

Taxpayers have been very generous when asked to fund public education, as evidenced with the annual expenditure of $1.2 billion. This year our country commissioners should learn that budgeting should be determined on projected tax revenue, not additional debt.

Anthony Bruno

Cary

DA endorsement

We are responding to your interesting endorsement of Lorrin Freeman for Wake County District Attorney (Oct. 24) wherein you cite her indictment of a Wake County deputy for subduing a suspect reported to have a gun. It is only fair to mention that the N.C. Police Benevolent Association is supporting the member deputy in his defense to reclaim his law enforcement career.

It is fair to include that PBA has endorsed Freeman’s opponent, John Bryant. But, it is also fair to note Freeman’s denial of our request to have our member present himself before the grand jury in light of more than 60 years of decisional case law from our highest courts in addressing the unique and required duties of law enforcement officers when deploying force; that case law that was either unknown or ignored by the district attorney, who is now intent on sending a decorated law enforcement officer to prison.

We agree with your assessment that John Bryant is a worthy candidate for Wake County D.A. However, we respectfully submit that he is the only candidate worthy of the trust of our law enforcement officers and the citizens they serve.

John Midgette

Executive Director

NC Police Benevolent Association

Genetic testing

North Carolina parents are fortunate to have the opportunity to get their babies tested for two rare genetic disorders at no cost (“Babies can be tested for free for two rare disorders,” Oct 24). But across the world, millions of children die of preventable causes and over 300,000 women die from pregnancy-related causes every year.

USAID has set a goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths by 2030. The agency developed a plan to work with countries to create sustainable change by implementing high-impact interventions that are customized to fit each country’s needs. To ensure that USAID stays on track with this plan, strong congressional oversight is necessary.

I call on Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr to sign onto the bipartisan Reach Every Mother and Child Act (S. 1730). This act proposes reforms that hold USAID accountable. Our representatives have the chance to make sure that every child, regardless of where they are born, has a healthy start to life.

Juhi Modi

Cary

Encouraging hate

I’m crying for my country. Political ads are unbelievably nasty and don’t have to be true to be aired. People who the president has criticized are being sent bombs, but he takes no responsibility. Our president makes no effort to unite our country, and encourages hate and misbehavior. Legislators in his party are afraid of him and afraid to step up and do what is right for this country. When will this end. God help us.

Judy Tardiff

Raleigh

Unexpected kindness

The other day, I stopped at the Timberlyne branch of the post office to mail three packages to my son. The postal worker, a woman several decades my junior, suggested I try a prepaid box. I didn’t think it would fit, but she came from behind the counter, grabbed a box, and said, “It would be cheaper. Let’s try.”

She proceeded to help me roll my son’s heavy winter sweats and shirts into tight wads and stuff them into the box. She taped the box securely, took my payment, and my son’s clothes were as good as on the way.

I was stunned by this demonstration of kindness. I left with my heart singing. I plan to take her a few chocolates the next time I’m in the area.

Carolyn Cooper

Pittsboro