Letters from November 28, 2021

Build a light rail in Gainesville

Since I’ve been here in Gainesville I’ve seen a remarkable change in traffic flows; unfortunately the situation seems to be getting worse. Based on the vision, mission and core values ​​of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, I believe the organization would be the right choice to take on the challenge of leading the push to build a light rail system in Gainesville.

I envision a light rail system strategically placed along the Newberry Road and University Avenue corridors to be the most effective route. Suggested main locations:

• Starting on University Avenue and Northwest 13th Street in Gainesville (University of Florida)

• End stop 250th Street in Newberry (Oak View Middle School)

• Go northwest on Fort Clarke Boulevard / Northwest 23rd Ave (Santa Fe Community College)

• Through Oaks Mall / Eighth Street and NW 34th Street.

By starting at 13th / University Avenue, the system would significantly reduce (if not eliminate) the heavy traffic flow in the areas near UF, giving much-needed security for students, faculty, and staff.

There are many positive benefits to Gainesville in having a light rail system. I want to work with others to make this happen.

Anthony Charles, Gainesville

The epitome of courtesy

Alachua County’s School Committee Chairman Rob Hyatt is a liberal Hubert Humphrey Democrat. I know because I’ve known Rob for 57 years. The November 19 letter to the editor, “Wrong choice for the chair,” could not have chosen a more unworthy target for the race card to be thrown at.

The writers representing a Facebook group should do their homework. There is no “longstanding tradition” to hand over the school management from the chairman to the deputy chairman. The vice-chairman has not been appointed chairman for various reasons.

Hyatt and two other members have voted Tina Certain out of chair not because she is black as the authors suggest, but because she is not qualified to lead. She was definitely anything but “collegial” during her tenure on the board. She regularly insulted and criticized other board members personally and publicly. It has ironically illustrated the worst, abusive, divisive habits of the far right that have tainted the political landscape.

Contrary to what its critics claim, Hyatt is and has always been the epitome of integrity and courtesy. He follows the facts and his conscience and does what he sees fit. I am honored to call him my friend, and the children of Alachua County are fortunate to have his service.

Gary Nelson, Gainesville

Therapy needed

How did anti-democratic personality disorder normalize? In the not too distant past, when a defeated politician lied about elections, citizens who genuinely loved their country corrected every deception.

If a congressman tried to disenfranchise millions of voters, responsible members of his own party would move forward to reprimand him. Senators who repeated propaganda from abroad for political reasons actually risked losing public office. Whenever state legislators tried to suppress access to voting, concerned voters could immediately see the threat to their own interests.

Had a former governor sacrificed thousands of lives for selfish partisan gain, the voice of any person in good conscience would have been raised in righteous indignation. If an unscrupulous television entertainer had declared war on the majority of American citizens every night, no one with a hint of patriotic sensibility would have been the least bit amused.

Fortunately, rigorous therapy with more honesty, understanding, and much more democracy could remedy this debilitating condition.

PD Smith, Williston

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