I trust our local election boards, and so should the NC legislature. | Opinion

NC elections

Regarding “Legislation would restructure state elections board,” (June 14) and related articles:

Our North Carolina county boards of election and the State Board of Elections provide fair and honest elections. The precinct workers in each county are highly trained and provide such a great service in their precincts. It’s my opinion that the proposed election law changes under consideration in the legislature are not needed. Trust our local boards to carry out the integrity of the election process. What is the real motive of the leaders in the N.C. General Assembly for this legislation?

Connie Mitchell, Rolesville

GOP power

Regarding “NC Republican supermajority poised to pass governor powers bill,” (June 13):

Our current political situation reminds me of political life under Jim Crow in southern states. In those years, there was a single political party, Democratic, and the agendas of governors were usually in lockstep with the legislature’s agendas. Corruption was a fact of political life, depending more or less on particular governors.

In North Carolina, Republican gerrymandering has made the Republican Party the de facto single party, with veto-proof supermajorities in both legislative houses. Senate Bill 512, which shifts power from the governor to General Assembly, further restrains the governor’s ability to push back on Republican legislative injustice, and diminishes the power N.C. voters once had.

Joe Burton, Raleigh

Wake tax increase

According to recently published studies, about half of Wake County residents are rent burdened, paying at or greater than 30% of their income on rent. Yet, our county commissioners have passed a tax increase. Rents will continue to rise as a result and this is compounding our affordable housing issues in Raleigh.

Many years ago, I was able to do a ride along with a Raleigh police officer as part of a leadership program with the Raleigh Chamber. Many of the officers I spoke to expressed disappointment at not being able to afford to live in the community where they worked. What a shame for commissioners to appear tone deaf on a major issue for our area. Let’s stop the tax increases.

J.D. Howard, Raleigh

Allowing ADUs

While euphoria about Raleigh and other Triangle communities soon being able to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) appears widespread, one should consider that the owners of these properties will suddenly become landlords and inherit all the problems that come with being landlords. That includes dealing with trash in the yard, parking problems, noise, guests who are not allowed, unpaid or late rent and evictions — just to name a few. Maybe cities should consider other options before taking this route.

Ben Owens, Raleigh

Sen. Tillis

I’m not a Republican but my regard for Sen. Tom Tillis rose several points after reading the June 10 article about the reasons for his censure.

Sissy Ashby, Raleigh

RINOs like Tillis

I want to graciously thank the NCGOP for finally having the guts to do the right thing and rein in these elitist RINO progressives like Sen. Thom Tillis who think they can get elected by real Americans, then run up to D.C. and brown-nose other politicians like Senate Leader Mitch McConnell.

Tillis sycophants are the people who told me, “We just have to vote for Tillis because he’s the only one who can win.” What did we win?

George Lea, Cary

Trump indictment

Regarding “NC congressional Republicans react to Trump indictment,” (June 11):

The Republican congressional delegation of North Carolina has it backwards. Their claim that the Trump indictment is the product of the weaponization of the Department of Justice for political purposes ignores the fact that the grand jury has determined there is probable cause to believe that former President Trump committed serious federal crimes. It is understandable that Republicans would come to Trump’s aid because they fear his ire and the loss of his base. But their support is merely political — not based on the merits — as evidenced by the fact that his supporters are attacking the process and do not deny that Trump committed the crimes he is charged with.

Barton Bloom, Clayton

US Supreme Court

A recent article from The Lever lays out a strong connection between Harlan Crow’s business interests and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ recent vote to gut the Clean Water Act. It’s yet more proof that special interests have corrupted our highest court and are influencing its jurists and their decisions in ways that are dangerous for regular Americans.

I’m angry about it and I want Congress to act.

I want N.C. Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis to co-sponsor the Judiciary Act of 2023 and my congressional representative, Deborah Ross, to co-sponsor a similar bill in the House. These proposals would expand the Supreme Court by four seats. I also want them to call for Clarence Thomas to resign. I have lost confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court is a fair arbiter of justice in this country that will uphold my constitutional rights.

Beth Bowman-Rodriguez, Raleigh