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Letters to the Editor
October 31, 2009
Why Neglect Palms When Felling Oaks?
Not too long ago, the city’s main thoroughfare was systematically closed, block by block, to allow for the removal of so many of our beautiful oaks that had been destroyed by Hurricane Ike.
Why, when the streets were clogged with dump trucks, cherry pickers, bobcats and chain saws, did we not trim our routinely neglected palm trees?
Stephen Jones
Galveston
Editor’s note: Controversy arose in July when island attorney Buddy Herz claimed that Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas had welched on a promise to appoint him to the board of trustees at Galveston Housig Authority, a claim the mayor refutes.
Herz The Right Choice For GHA Bboard Seat
Galveston is at a crossroads with regard to the public housing issue.
Irwin “Buddy” Herz has stepped forward and offered his expertise and time to set a course for the public housing that will shape Galveston’s future for the next 50 years or more.
Herz is not in favor of creating an environment that will certainly lead to poverty-stricken ghettos, much like we have had during the past several decades.
Galveston couldn’t find a more qualified resident than Herz to serve on the Galveston Housing Authority board.
He has stepped forward before when Galveston public housing was in shambles, and has served on the GHA, solving some very serious problems within the authority.
We can absolutely rely on his experience and hard work to shape the future of Galveston’s public housing in a way that will best benefit all the residents of our island.
I’m calling on Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas to live up to her word and seat Herz on the GHA board. All of Galveston will win from her decision to place him on the board.
Don Ciaccio
Galveston
Cheers For Lutheran Pena’s Church Honor
In addition to celebrating Oktoberfest through the efforts of First Lutheran Church, our community ought to also be celebrating the re-election of Carlos Pena as vice president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This is Carlos’ second six-year term and clearly reflects the trust ELCA’s 10,500-plus churches place in him.
He has been a wonderful blessing for us and we ought to be sure to recognize him on his selection as the lay head of this international church.
As the rabbi at Galveston’s Temple B’nai Israel, I regard it as a privilege to have him as a friend and a pillar in our community.
Jimmy Kessler
Galveston
Editor’s note: Several people have written strikingly similar letters about climate change recently.
Protect Wildlife Before Iit’s Too Late
Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to wildlife — changing, shrinking and destroying habitat, forcing wildlife to migrate or adapt, or even threatening their very existence.
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change warns that, if we don’t take strong action to address global warming soon, 20 to 30 percent of the world’s plant and animal species will be at increased risk of extinction by 2050.
Fortunately, something can be done.
This summer, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to both reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that trigger climate change and take steps to safeguard natural resources and wildlife threatened by the climate changes already in motion. Now, the Senate is moving on similar legislation recently introduced by Sens. Barbara Boxer and John Kerry.
However, reducing carbon emissions is not enough. Any comprehensive climate and energy legislation must dedicate 5 percent of the funding generated to safeguarding fish and wildlife and the natural resources on which we all rely.
Our senators should know that their constituents expect nothing less.
We can’t wait. The proof is there for all to see. I ask everyone to help protect these species before they are wiped out forever.
Sue Grossman
Houston
Lobby Senators About Saving World Wildlife
I urge everyone to contact our senators and convince them to support the funding that polar bears, walruses and other imperiled wildlife need to survive in a changing climate.
Annette Pieniazek
Houston
Congress Must Back Words With Action
The U.S. House of Representatives did something really good this summer.
It passed legislation to reduce greenhouse gases that worsen climate change, and it began to safeguard natural resources and wildlife threatened by the damage already done.
Now the Senate is working on a similar bill, recently introduced by Sens. John Kerry and Barbara Boxer.
While this is all in the right direction, they have not provided for funding to back up the legislation. We need at least 5 percent of the money generated to help save fish, wildlife and the natural resources this is designed to protect.
We expect Congress to back its mouths with the money.
Lynn Killam
Houston
Add Media Message To Climate Campaign
I request that The Daily News utilize its media influence to accurately report the environmental dangers we all face and to help encourage change.
Rodney Derbigny
Sugar Land
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