Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate and Texas State Rep. and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
Elías Valverde II Tony Gutierre/The Dallas Morning News, AP
Our civic character
In the midst of the U.S. Senate race, I recently posted a photo with state Rep. James Talarico — a simple moment of civic engagement. What followed was a wave of comments so hostile and personal that it made me question what we’re becoming as Texans.
Disagreement is part of democracy. Cruelty is not. The attacks weren’t about policy or ideas; they were about Talarico as a human being. That should concern all of us.
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Texas has always valued spirited debate, but we’ve also valued respect. When political identity becomes a license to dehumanize neighbors, we lose something far more important than an election — we lose our civic character.
I’m asking my fellow Texans to reject this behavior. Speak firmly, disagree passionately, but do not tear down one another. If we want leaders who govern with decency, we must model it ourselves.
Do your job, please
Re: “Huffines launches review of fluoridation,” Thursday News story.
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I paraphrase, “the horrors of the Texas comptroller meddling in affairs that have nothing to do with his job description should be criminal, and it is certainly a waste of taxpayer money.”
Please do your job, Mr. Huffines, and refrain from political grandstanding.
Fluoride is fine
Fluoride at levels used for tooth protection has proven safe and effective for decades. At a minimum, can we put decisions that affect all Texans on the ballot and away from politicians? Let’s listen to the experts (American College of Physicians and American College of Dentists) and not the fear-mongering politicians with no background in these decisions.
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Yes to Irving ISD bonds
Re: “Hard choices in Irving ISD bond election,” Thursday editorial.
I am writing to express my full support for the upcoming Irving ISD bond proposals.
This bond addresses critical repairs and updates across our campuses, permanently fixing systemic issues rather than wasting resources on temporary patches.
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A phased rebuilding approach — reconstructing one to three schools every few years — is a financially responsible strategy that avoids extreme tax burdens while modernizing our facilities. Advanced schools strengthen our local economy, support student success and protect property values.
I encourage you to consider the long-term benefits and join me in supporting this vital investment in our schools.
Research the candidates
Re: “The bedrock is eroding,” by Holly Barber, Thursday Letters.
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Thank you for printing this excellent letter about our eroding First Amendment. Our vote is the epitome of free speech. But just casting a ballot isn’t enough. Be clear about what you are voting for.
As a poll worker, I take an oath to assist voters when asked. I often hear them say that they don’t recognize the names on their ballot while they are voting. It is our privilege and responsibility to vote with care.
Gather information about the candidates. Be clear about their positions on issues.
Vote411.org is a credible source prepared by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters. Read the candidates’ unedited responses to questions. Take notes then print out your ballot and take that to the voting booth. State law requires you to turn off your cell phone.
Another good source of credible information is the nonpartisan opensecrets.org website that publishes the candidates’ sources of campaign funding.
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Before I vote, I want to know who or what organization is influencing the candidates. It is often a clue as to how they will vote on a bill once in office, regardless of campaign promises.
Vote like our democracy depends on it because it does.
Joan M. Ridley, Old East Dallas
Questions about data centers
We’ve heard via Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that all new data centers will be audited by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas with respect to their impact on the electrical grid, water usage and quality of life for nearby neighborhoods, prior to permits being issued.
I have inquired, but not yet heard what parameters will be measured with respect to minimum setbacks from private property, noise levels, vibrations and air quality.
Do we know what healthy levels are regarding these things? Will there be before-and-after measurements to ensure compliance? And how will the requirements be enforced during implementation?
It would seem that all data centers and their attendant noise and pollution should be required to be located at least 1/2 mile from residential neighborhoods, perhaps further for larger facilities.
Hopefully, reasonable and responsible data center regulations will be developed, written and enforced to preserve nearby neighborhoods’ quality of life and property values.
Like watching cable TV
Re: “Vote ‘no’ on Prop A,” by Steven L. Nordseth, Thursday Letters.
Nordseth writes that “Proposition A doesn’t give voters a clean choice. The academy is bundled with moving 911 and other projects into one $443 million package. Want the academy? You have to buy everything else, too.”
Reminds me of subscribing to cable TV. You only want a few choice channels, but they make you pay big dollars for mostly fluff that you don’t care about.
Jeremy Case, Dallas/Balch Springs