Speaker Tim Moore overreached on Durham 751 South project

Controversy over the General Assembly’s six proposed constitutional amendments lives on — notably regarding proposed amendments on ethics and elections and judicial appointments that seek to limit our governor to simply administering provisions shaped by N.C. House and Senate whims.

It’s ironic that a major supporter of these unhelpful amendments is House Speaker Tim Moore, whose own ethics were thoroughly questioned in the N&O story — including garnering legislative support for various initiatives of Triangle entrepreneur friends of his (“House Speaker Moore’s ties to startup raise questions,” Sept. 25). Two of them are behind the controversial 751 South Development in southern Durham County, a development that according to expert opinion will further erode the already impaired Jordan Lake.

Moore helped salvage this huge development by pushing for legislation that overrode Durham County’s very well thought-out denial of water and sewer services to the controversial project. He claims to have done so because the county had “overstepped the property rights” of his friends who were trying “to develop their (own land).”

So much for responsible decision-making power that Moore is hoping that we voters will grant his cohorts by voting for their misguided and under-explained Board of Ethics and Judicial Amendments.

Dennis C. Stacey

Durham

Female employees

In the letter to the editor on Sept. 27, Thomas Henderson of Pittsboro wrote that a man should be hired over a woman because she would make false sexual allegations to get her boss’ job . This is so appalling that I am shocked that News & Observer would even print it. As a woman, I want to be promoted and regarded based on my abilities and intellect.

A man should not have to worry about being accused of inappropriate behavior if he didn’t do anything wrong. And if he was wrongly accused, he should demand a thorough investigation to clear his name. This is what I would want as a mother of a young man.

It’s insulting to say that women can’t think for ourselves, and that we would believe all accusers simply because they are women. On the contrary, many sexual assault victims don’t report the crimes because they don’t feel they would be believed.

Thu Ostrander

Raleigh

N&O debate

I was part of a full house at the debate sponsored by the News & Observer featuring J. Peder Zane and Dr. Gene Nichol on the topic “Where is Republican Leadership Taking North Carolina”?

The format was simple and effective, moderator Ned Barnett did a fine job and the speakers were well-prepared and presented their viewpoints effectively. What I found most striking was the civil behavior of the audience. No heckling, no shouting out, no clapping for a favored point of view. The debate was a fine example of what civil discourse can and should be to air opposing points of view.

Well done, N&O, speakers, and audience!

Ivan Browning

Cary

Disaster relief

In response to Larry Wolf’s Sept. 24 letter to the editor, “Relief Funding”: Hurricane Florence was a hard blow to families in the Carolinas. The storm inflicted billions of dollars in damages, caused catastrophic flooding and upended the lives of countless families.

A massive rebuilding effort is already underway. For example, Congress passed legislation providing $1.68 billion in immediate disaster relief. And that is only the first step. Once we determine the full scope of the damage, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a recovery package to ensure sufficient disaster relief is made available to those who need it.

Additionally, I have introduced legislation to provide tax relief to individuals and businesses hurt by Hurricane Florence. I hope these tax cuts will help ease the burden on those beginning the long process of rebuilding their homes, farms, and businesses after this historic natural disaster.

U.S. Rep. George Holding

Raleigh

False statements

I found it both hilarious and disconcerting yesterday when Donald Trump said in reference to his ongoing trade war with China that he “….doesn’t like it when they put out false statements.” This from the mouth of a guy who has issued false statements on an hourly basis since his inauguration more than twenty months ago. Alas, he remains incapable of understanding the irony. Some things never change.