Allentown schools need more reading, \u2018rithmetic, less rhetoric<\/p>\n
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 \u201ctangible results\u201d of their work, I can appreciate the effort to exude positive vibes at the start of a new school year.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s a long history of underperformance here.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
We need a little less rhetoric and a lot more accountability. The students deserve it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Chris Lang, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
Armstrong a strong choice for county commissioner<\/p>\n
We recently lost a national treasure with Dolly Parton\u2019s passing. When Dolly turned 40, she said she had \u201cbig plans\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
So it was disheartening to read the recent Your View disparaging Phillips Armstrong. Although it used the word \u201cold\u201d five times, it gave little credit to Armstrong\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
He also established the county\u2019s first \u201ccitizen\u2019s academy,\u201d giving residents a direct opportunity to learn how local government functions, and enacted policies to curb pay-to-play politics in local government contracts.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Tracy Smith, Lower Macungie Township<\/p>\n
Push for artificial intelligence is driving data center boom<\/p>\n
Regarding Becky Bradley\u2019s 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 \u2026 artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
You can\u2019t talk about data center pushback without talking seriously about AI and its encroachment into people\u2019s lives. I didn\u2019t 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\u2019 reading and writing skills are going down, cognitive development is negatively affected, etc.<\/p>\n
Computers have their place of course, as does AI, but we shouldn\u2019t all be beholden to the megarich tech bros who think they know what\u2019s best for society while they line their pockets.\u00a0 By the way, according to The New York Times, many of them don\u2019t let their own kids have much screen time.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Deborah Hunter, Forks Township<\/p>\n
Mackenzie isn\u2019t protecting Pennsylvanians with healthcare<\/p>\n
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\u2019 healthcare. Mackenzie supported HR1, the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill,\u201d which became law in July 2025.<\/p>\n
Under the guise of preventing \u201cfraud and abuse,\u201d 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\u2019s ACA portal, has increased by 205%, one of the highest in the state, according to City & State Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Bruce A. Smith, Lower Macungie Township<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let scary \u2018socialism\u2019 talk influence who you vote for<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But in my opinion, what is not is giving tax breaks to the top 1%. And if you\u2019re 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!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Emmanuel Glykas, Allentown<\/p>\n