<\/p>\n
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate and Texas State Rep. and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.<\/p>\n
El\u00edas Valverde II Tony Gutierre\/The Dallas Morning News, AP<\/p>\n
Our civic character\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the midst of the U.S. Senate race, I recently posted a photo with state Rep. James Talarico \u2014 a simple moment of civic engagement. What followed was a wave of comments so hostile and personal that it made me question what we\u2019re becoming as Texans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Disagreement is part of democracy. Cruelty is not. The attacks weren\u2019t about policy or ideas; they were about Talarico as a human being. That should concern all of us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
Texas has always valued spirited debate, but we\u2019ve also valued respect. When political identity becomes a license to dehumanize neighbors, we lose something far more important than an election \u2014 we lose our civic character.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019m 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Do your job, please \u00a0<\/p>\n
Re: \u201cHuffines launches review of fluoridation,\u201d Thursday News story. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
I paraphrase, \u201cthe 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.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n
Please do your job, Mr. Huffines, and refrain from political grandstanding. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fluoride is fine\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
Yes to Irving ISD bonds\u00a0<\/p>\n
Re: “Hard choices in Irving ISD bond election,” Thursday editorial.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I am writing to express my full support for the upcoming Irving ISD bond proposals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This bond addresses critical repairs and updates across our campuses, permanently fixing systemic issues rather than wasting resources on temporary patches. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
A phased rebuilding approach \u2014 reconstructing one to three schools every few years \u2014 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I encourage you to consider the long-term benefits and join me in supporting this vital investment in our schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Research the candidates\u00a0<\/p>\n
Re: “The bedrock is eroding,” by Holly Barber, Thursday Letters.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
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\u2019t enough. Be clear about what you are voting for. \u00a0<\/p>\n
As a poll worker, I take an oath to assist voters when asked. I often hear them say that they don\u2019t recognize the names on their ballot while they are voting. It is our privilege and responsibility to vote with care.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gather information about the candidates. Be clear about their positions on issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vote411.org is a credible source prepared by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters. Read the candidates\u2019 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Another good source of credible information is the nonpartisan opensecrets.org website that publishes the candidates\u2019 sources of campaign funding. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Vote like our democracy depends on it because it does.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Joan M. Ridley, Old East Dallas \u00a0<\/p>\n
Questions about data centers\u00a0<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve heard via Gov. Greg Abbott\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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? \u00a0<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hopefully, reasonable and responsible data center regulations will be developed, written and enforced to preserve nearby neighborhoods\u2019 quality of life and property values.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Like watching cable TV\u00a0<\/p>\n
Re: \u201cVote ‘no’ on Prop A,\u201d by Steven L. Nordseth, Thursday Letters.\u00a0<\/p>\n