Letters: Orchestra made us listen to political ad. Let Nan Whaley debate empty chair

We didn't pay to hear Jon Husted

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is an underappreciated community treasure. Its performances last weekend of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" were brilliantly done, with exquisite solos by all three of the visiting artists.

More:Letter: Dead at 58, beloved Columbus musician David Niwa already missed

The orchestra played with passion and percussive drive. The Columbus Symphony Chorus' and the Columbus Children's Choir's welcome collaboration rendered the choral sections fully and beautifully. All deserved the prolonged standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience.

More:FirstEnergy text messages say Lt. Gov. Husted pushed for more money for nuclear plants

CSO hit one wrong, discordant note by giving candidate for Lt. Gov. Jon Husted time to speak before the concert on Friday, providing him a forum in an election year, and presumably the orchestra's blessing.

Audience members paid to hear the orchestra, not the politician. It was out of place to subject them to a political ad. It's inappropriate for the orchestra to make such an endorsement.

Mary Jo Kilroy, Columbus

Cheers for 'Carmina Burana'

Bravo to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra on their season opener with the performance of "Carmina Burana."

What a celebration of sound.

The collaboration with Columbus Symphony Chorus and the Columbus Children’s Choir created a powerful performance. The soloists, Ashley Fabian, Arthur W. Marks, and Ethan Vincent were magnificent.

Thank you all and looking forward to the rest of the season.

Beth Whitted, Bexley

An empty chair would be better

Thank you for the column, "Debate commission dodge is bad for voters," and article, "DeWine cheating voters by refusing to debate Whaley," in the Oct. 2 Dispatch.

I believe the debate commission should schedule the debates and provide two chairs with names attached. If both parties show up, have the debate. If only one attends, let them have the full time to explain their positions and contrast them to their opponent’s.

I suspect both parties would attend.

Gary Poehlein, Dublin

No one deserves my vote

I believe that every politician, including Mike DeWine, has the right to decide whether or not to participate in debates just as every voter has the right to choose their own candidates.

More:It's an outrage Mike DeWine won't debate first woman nominated for Ohio governor| Opinion

I am sure our governor, endorsed by Donald Trump, realizes that no matter what he does, all Trump supporters will vote for him and no one else will. In today’s Ohio, that will guarantee reelection.

I personally decided years ago that I will never vote for any Republican candidate.

Sadly, these days, most Democratic candidates don’t deserve my vote, either.

Paul Nevai, Upper Arlington

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Disabled-inclusive sports matter

My peers that are within and aligned with the disabled community in Columbus have long recognized the importance of adaptive and inclusive practices in sports and it is time to make these practices visible.

More:Athletes break 'taboo' through adaptive rugby

Athletes who are looking for a place to discover or participate in adaptive activities need only look to Columbus-based Adaptive Sports Connection, to see an example of disabled/abled inclusive activities that have been going on for 30 years.

As a disabled cyclist, yogi, and kayaker, I can speak to the transformative ways that community activities designed to be adaptive reflect anti-ableist practices in Columbus.

Accessible environments and equipment modifications such as adaptive kayak launches, hand-cycles, pre-activity access checks, and staff trained in creative and flexible solutions provide the ability for those of all ages and abilities to participate.

More:Adaptive Sports Connection provides equipment for people with physical and cognitive disabilities

As a form of transformative justice, being able to watch, participate, and share in sports without fears about disclosure or access is necessary and powerful.

Recognizing inclusive and adaptive sports recognizes the bodies that are historically and presently isolated, othered, and estranged, providing new multifaceted narratives for sports.

Megan Amling, Columbus

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Jon Husted had no place at concert. Let Nan Whaley debate chair