Allentown schools need more reading, ‘rithmetic, less rhetoric
In response to the recent opinion column by Carol Birks, the superintendent of Allentown School District, where she praised the academic progress, strategic direction, financial discipline and “tangible results” of their work, I can appreciate the effort to exude positive vibes at the start of a new school year.
But it’s tough to swallow when a principal at one of your middle schools resigns at the start of the year and the first day of high school is canceled because of a bomb threat. There were quite a few bomb scares last year as well, so evacuations, caution tape and canine sweeps seem to be an all-too-familiar part of the school experience in ASD.
And while an increase in graduation rates by 6.3% is a good thing, last December it was reported that the district ranked 484 out of 499 with a combined proficiency of 16% in the PSSA math and English results. There’s a long history of underperformance here.
In fact, based on data on the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 school years, only 5% of middle school students tested at or above proficiency in math.
We need a little less rhetoric and a lot more accountability. The students deserve it.
— Chris Lang, Bethlehem
Armstrong a strong choice for county commissioner
We recently lost a national treasure with Dolly Parton’s passing. When Dolly turned 40, she said she had “big plans” to do more in her next 40 years than in the years prior. Between her music, movies and widespread philanthropic efforts, she certainly did. Today, 1 in 6 American children under the age of 5 receives books monthly from her Imagination Library program.
So it was disheartening to read the recent Your View disparaging Phillips Armstrong. Although it used the word “old” five times, it gave little credit to Armstrong’s many accomplishments, including a distinguished 40-year career in public education and a strong record as Lehigh County executive, where, from 2018 to 2025, he produced fiscally sound budgets.
He also established the county’s first “citizen’s academy,” giving residents a direct opportunity to learn how local government functions, and enacted policies to curb pay-to-play politics in local government contracts.
Dolly Parton was admired not only for her immense talent but also for her ability to look past labels that too often divide and diminish us. Fortunately, Lehigh County Commissioners followed suit by selecting Armstrong as county commissioner, choosing a person with character, experience and proven ability to lead the Lehigh Valley forward.
— Tracy Smith, Lower Macungie Township
Push for artificial intelligence is driving data center boom
Regarding Becky Bradley’s column about data center planning, it was definitely informative and appreciated. My only problem with it was the passing little comment about what is really driving the boom for these centers … artificial intelligence.
You can’t talk about data center pushback without talking seriously about AI and its encroachment into people’s lives. I didn’t ask for an AI overview every time I search for something. The tech bros are pushing their latest money-maker on the populace just like they pushed computers into the classrooms when I was teaching. They bamboozled school districts into more and more products for the classroom and now, golly gee, we find out that they likely are not very good for our students. Students’ reading and writing skills are going down, cognitive development is negatively affected, etc.
Computers have their place of course, as does AI, but we shouldn’t all be beholden to the megarich tech bros who think they know what’s best for society while they line their pockets. By the way, according to The New York Times, many of them don’t let their own kids have much screen time.
— Deborah Hunter, Forks Township
Mackenzie isn’t protecting Pennsylvanians with healthcare
Recently, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th District, asserted that he has helped Pennsylvanians improve their medical benefits. Unfortunately, his actions have been catastrophic for his constituents’ healthcare. Mackenzie supported HR1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which became law in July 2025.
Under the guise of preventing “fraud and abuse,” this law will cut $1 trillion dollars from our healthcare system over the next decade. Federal cuts have already caused skyrocketing premiums for those in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Since Jan. 1, premiums for Pennsylvanians receiving ACA tax credits increased by an average of 143% this year, according to the nonprofit Protect Our Care. In Lehigh County, the average health care plan cost in PENNIE, Pennsylvania’s ACA portal, has increased by 205%, one of the highest in the state, according to City & State Pennsylvania.
Consequently, about 160,000 people departed PENNIE since July 2025, in contrast to the previous year, when approximately 90,000 people were added. Those without health plans will perhaps delay or even cancel regular checkups or necessary, life-saving procedures. Others may visit an emergency room where they will be treated but incur the entire cost.
— Bruce A. Smith, Lower Macungie Township
Don’t let scary ‘socialism’ talk influence who you vote for
There has been talk and fear about socialism but it should be noted we already have a form of socialism. Democratic socialism means people vote for their leaders in a democracy while the government runs major services or controls a big part of the economy. We all are taxed for services that benefit the people and the economy: Social Security, Medicare, schools, police, firefighters, infrastructure, just to name a few. Those are all part of democratic socialism.
But in my opinion, what is not is giving tax breaks to the top 1%. And if you’re deciding which party will help keep your so-called entitlements, do your research. A Republican went on the Senate floor calling Social Security a scam. Some Republicans are trying to privatize or eliminate social programs. In 2027, Medicare part D subsidies will be cut; what that means is premiums will increase for seniors. Do your research before you vote!
— Emmanuel Glykas, Allentown
The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.