Editorial: Duke should pay for ash cleanup

Duke and stockholders should pay for the cleanup. That is the cost of doing business.

— Danny Patterson

John Hood: NC education needs choice, competition

If you truly cared the least bit about the education and future of N.C.’s 1.5 million schoolchildren, you would drop this “choice” scheme and look at the research. Private schools and charters do not afford better educational outcomes than public schools.

The research proves that. Of course, you have to accommodate for demographics, which point out another huge lie in your choice narrative.

— Bill Sorenson

Letter: Pay attention to group’s new project

Since when did trying to keep kids in school become a partisan issue? Disagree with the program’s objectives or approaches if you will, but whether or not President Barack Obama happened to be for or against this program has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the program advocates effective strategies for discipline.

— Gayla Bucher

The implementation of restorative practices has not “backfired” in every place. In fact, many school districts and communities have seen dramatic reductions in negative behaviors. If implemented correctly with the appropriate and necessary emphasis on holding young people accountable for their actions, restorative practices work.

— Karen South Jones

I truly believe the problems we have in schools today can be connected directly to uninvolved parents. They have schools raising and feeding their children. They could care less if their children are disruptive or threatening in any aspect of their daily lives.

— BroomHilda Young

Letter: School board must focus on quality

The children in Rowan County deserve a good education before new bricks and mortar.

— Jayne Cascadden Lingle

Thank you for pointing out what should be obvious but seems to have been forgotten in all of the recently proposed plans pertaining to our schools.

— Renee Coates Scheidt

Vietnam veteran who died alone gets final tribute in Salisbury

It’s absolutely awesome that everyone gave this man the honor that he earned and deserved. I hope we can do more for our veterans before they take their last ride.

— Joshua Mounts

We have to do better for the people who have served our country in times of war and peace.

— Douglas Jacobs

Community mourns after Wilks’ sudden death

This is such a terrible loss for the community. My heart goes out to her family. Thank you for sharing her with us for the time we had her. She made a difference in our community that will be long lasting.

— Edward Norvell

Her leadership will be missed in our community.

— George W. Benson

Josh Bergeron: Insight into consumers’ views …

It’s a shame times are changing and too quickly for my taste.

— Larry Craver

Letter: Never too early to get ready for 2020 elections

On that note, the Rowan County Democratic Party is also reaching out to folks who are Democratic or left-leaning independent/unaffiliated voters. Although Rowan County is considered a “red” county, the Rowan County Democratic Party maintains a year-round party headquarters and is very active in its advocacy of progressive values

— Karen McGee Puckett

Johnson finds calling teaching Bible history in south Rowan area

This proselytizing does not belong in public schools.

There are plenty of churches available.

— Chris Coleman

… How competitive sports can teach important life lessons

Both my daughters run track at South Rowan High. They enjoy working with Ester and the coaching staff there. Ester brings a wealth of knowledge to the program.

— Donna Rymer

Family promises to continue late Latasha Wilks’ legacy

I am saddened to learn about this loss to our community, and I wish Ms. Wilks’ survivors peace and comfort during this difficult time.

— Jeff Morris

Guest columnist: Solar deals making Duke bills higher

What a nonsensical article. Solar is the lowest-cost energy. Duke has repeatedly been found to subsidize its own uneconomical coal plants (and associated environmental disasters) at the ratepayers expense. The legislature is right to force this monopoly to accept more clean energy.

— Frank Dekker

Government intervention is causing higher prices for consumers. Yet, people think more government intervention in health care would be a pretty smart idea.

— Eric Shock

Forgive me if I, one of the people Duke wants to bear the cost of cleaning up its coal ash, am suspicious that they are concerned about my wallet.

— Chris Coleman

Guest columnist: Agree with the left    or be destroyed

This is 100% true. Civil conversations are few and far between anymore.

— Rita Goldin

It seems that Robert Barber is leaving the county and does not care about the community that he is leaving behind. Maybe he should offer the land to the community for a fair price and establish a local museum.

— Billie Kline

I am not sure about a Dollar General, but a Harris Teeter and a farm-to-table restaurant would be great.

— Loujeania Baker