What I saw in 20 minutes in downtown Raleigh needs attention | Opinion

Downtown crime

I have been going to downtown Raleigh for 40 years. Recently, in a 20-minute walk with family at 5 p.m. from the Convention Center to a downtown restaurant and back, we saw drug dealing at Hargett and Wilmington streets and a woman randomly punched and knocked down by a homeless man. The next week there was a stabbing in Moore Square.

Downtown is the least safe it has ever been. Female friends worry about walking there alone due to harassment/crime.

We’ve seen what has happened to downtowns in Portland, Austin, Seattle, Baltimore, and even Asheville when political leaders do not support enforcing the law enough. Raleigh’s mayor and council members may be supportive, but they certainly aren’t doing enough. Raleigh will lose businesses and residents if this is not fixed. There are plenty of examples to know what’s coming.

Mark Molinaro, Cary

No Labels

The writer is co-chair of No Labels and a former NC governor.

Ned Barnett’s July 20 Opinion piece on No Labels was remarkable for its casual reliance on insinuation in lieu of evidence. One can disagree, but no one can say No Labels “refuses to specify what it stands for,” unless they didn’t bother to read past the introduction. The article mischaracterized No Labels as well as my record as governor, accusing me of falling in with the “right wing” while neglecting to mention our team’s landmark bipartisan policy and legislative achievements.

It’s our responsibility to earn Americans’ respect. But you owe readers intellectual honesty and professional diligence. This was a missed opportunity to inform readers of what No Labels stands for, what I stand for, and most importantly the choices voters can and should have in next year’s presidential election.

Pat McCrory, Charlotte

LGBTQ rights

As a LGBTQ person I’m deeply concerned about our state’s anti-LGBTQ bills. Growing up, I did not feel safe to be out and queer in my community, and it brings me great sense of betrayal and sadness to see our state becoming more hostile to trans and queer youth.

Our state’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill would make it difficult for young LGBTQ students to feel safe in school. It would require school employees to “out” LGBTQ students to their parents if they go by a name or pronoun different from their school records.

A vote against the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” is a vote to protect our LGBTQ students, as well as the educators who work tirelessly to create a safe, supportive environment for all children. I firmly believe we are a state of tolerance and diversity, but our legislature seems hell-bent on making it a terrible place to live for trans and queer people.

Nat Barron, Durham

Wake schools

As a Wake County public school parent, two recent inconsistent interactions with the school system gave me an idea. First, we received a letter informing our family that due to a bus driver shortage we could not count on reliable transportation to school. Second, we completed our application for a permit for our student to be able to drive to school, including payment of a $200 parking fee.

I have a gentle suggestion: if we have a bus driver shortage, why not waive the parking fee to encourage families to provide their own transportation?

Jay Hemphill, Wake Forest

NC tax cuts

The legislature continues to attempt to lower income taxes thinking it will save people money. Well, the only people who will really save anything of significance are the richest people in the state.

If legislators really want to save all the people some real money, they would reduce the state gas tax, which is among the highest in the country.

They also should bring back the tax free weekend to save parents money on school supplies, and should restore state tax deductions for those who save for college through the state 529 plan.

Joel Glassman, Cary

Ron DeSantis

Why would anyone believe Ron DeSantis’ statement that he will put an end to weaponizing government when he has weaponized the State of Florida against Disney and Bud Light because they spoke out against his war on wokeness?

Barton Bloom, Clayton