Google supports solar
Re: “Modernizing energy security in Arlington — Google contributes $1 million in first-of-its-kind project in North Texas,” Tuesday Metro & Business story.
As all Texans have learned, the power grid cannot always be counted on in emergencies. The new solar and battery systems for West Arlington apartments, funded by Google, provide a great and sustainable backup option.
Residents should never have to worry about ballooning energy prices during freezes again. By using solar, as opposed to diesel backup generators, these generators are truly self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
We should install as many of these solar and battery generators as possible at residences across the state to ensure cheap, sustainable and reliable energy for all, no matter the inclement weather.
Opinion
Theo Rosen, Far North Dallas
A ridiculous decision
Re: “Government to pay French company $1B to end wind leases — Administration makes deal for projects off the coasts of North Carolina, New York,” Tuesday Metro & Business story.
The Trump administration is paying nearly $1 billion of our money to shut down TotalEnergies’ multi-gigawatt offshore wind farms. Why? No good reason is given.
This is a lose-lose result — we lost $1 billion and gigawatts of pollution-free electric power. What a ridiculous decision.
Dwight Bartholomew, Northeast Dallas
We deserve better
Re: “Congressman: How to get on path to fiscal balance — Economists say a 3% ratio of deficit to GDP willcreate a virtuous cycle,“by Jodey Arrington, Thursday Opinion.
Arrington’s column illustrates why we are in this economic mess. The headline suggested he would propose solutions. As House Budget Committee chairman, he is in a position to do so. He didn’t.
Instead, he caterwauled about the size of the national debt it. But he offered no real plan to reduce it. All he did was advocate limiting future deficits to 3% of GDP, with no real solutions for how to do that. Just the same old platitudes about eliminating waste, fraud and abuse and entitlement reform.
Republican entitlement reform means cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Does waste, fraud and abuse include things like steering $600 million in tax dollars to a critical minerals company controlled by Donald Trump Jr.? Or his father seeking millions of dollars in damages from the IRS he controls? We don’t know.
Also, Arrington ignored the huge increase in the deficit caused by tax cuts for billionaires that he championed.
Daniel Callahan, Dallas/Lakewood
A strategy to save City Hall
Re: “Dallas City Hall should be stewarded, not toppled — This moment calls for holistic planning,” by Dan Noble, Tuesday Opinion.
I am writing in strong support of this opinion piece. This issue is not just about a building — it is about how Dallas makes its consequential decisions.
The proposal that demolition of City Hall is the best path forward relies predominantly on cost projections that, as the piece rightly points out, warrant deeper scrutiny. When estimates approaching $1 billion are presented without clear transparency, it is not unreasonable for the public to question whether the analysis is guiding the decision or merely supporting a predetermined outcome.
Deferred maintenance is our reality, and it is our responsibility. The accumulation of needed repairs over decades shouldn’t be used as the rationalization for demolition, without first exhausting all reasonable paths toward reinvestment.
Cities across the country routinely rehabilitate complex civic structures through adaptive reuse strategies, phased strategies and disciplined capital planning. Dallas should demand no less of itself.
Jill Klores, Dallas/Lakewood
He sees the hypocrisy
Are some right-wingers and Christian nationalists beyond redemption? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s spiritual adviser wants to see Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico “crucified” for his Christ-like religious beliefs.
State Attorney General Ken Paxton wants to oust acting state Comptroller Kelly Hancock because he must certify that a Muslim school is eligible for the state’s voucher program for state aid to private schools, while both of them are touting their attacks on Muslims. God help us.
Bernard C. Diemer, Saginaw
Peace, brothers!
Re: “Bringing back rainbows — He was arrested while repainting crosswalks in Oak Lawn. He’d do it all again,” Wednesday Metro & Business story.
Regarding this story about painting crosswalks, it’s not necessary to paint rainbows or any other group-identifying color or slogan on a city street, crosswalk or steps. There isn’t room for every group identifier in the public spaces of any city.
Why can’t we all just accept every person or group on their merit and live in peace together without having to label ourselves or others and paint colors or slogans in public places?
So, how about it? Peace, brothers!
Katherine Creech, Garland
A motorcyclist speaks up
Re: “Deceased biker remembered — Friends and family honor Kylar Creason, who died in a crash,” Tuesday Metro & Business story.
Thank you for adding that informative safety information in this story about the deceased motorcyclist. Being a rider myself, it pains me to read these. I’ve had too many close calls, enough that my husband and I chose, for our safety, to sell our bikes.
We do live in East Texas, where there are some very nice roads to ride on, but it seemed like drivers became more careless, and we found ourselves in some dangerous situations.
I believe that the Texas Department of Transportation should make it mandatory for all newly licensed drivers to watch a short presentation on motorcycle safety and awareness. I honestly don’t think people realize that when we choose to ride, nothing is protecting us, as a car would. We’re exposing our bodies and enjoying the freedom that riding gives us.
T. M. Nichols, Kaufman
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