I think former Detroit police chief is pandering with pro-Trump op-ed | Letters to the Editor
Former Detroit Police Department Chief James Craig’s opinion piece raises some interesting questions, such as what Craig ever did for our community, and what post in a future Trump administration does he hope to snare by pandering to a candidate who has made no secret of his scorn for our county’s inner cities and those who live in them? ("I was Detroit's police chief. Joe Biden has failed our community," Detroit Free Press, May 19, 2024.)
The answer to the first question is easy. James Craig was disqualified from the gubernatorial ballot due to false signatures, and was never certified as a police officer in Michigan while serving as Detroit's police chief, despite promises to do so. His claims of falling crime rates were disputed by the FBI.
As for former President Donald Trump, the co-conspirator in the Michigan fake elector scheme, you’ll see him on the campaign trail in Michigan only at places such as Freeland in Saginaw County or Grand Rapids. His 2016 promise to restore manufacturing jobs in Michigan was completely forgotten after his election, while under the Biden administration, Michigan has added 24,000 manufacturing jobs.
Sheldon Leemon
Huntington Woods
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Detroit needs to invest in current residents
A native Detroiter born and raised who now lives in a suburb of Detroit, and works in Detroit, I have witnessed the transformational growth of Detroit.
Yes, the growth goes back before the largest municipal bankruptcy in history. Detroit has managed to right the ship in many ways and it's great to see our national image improve.
However I feel there are many longtime Detroiters who feel left out in all of the great news that stems from Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, etc. The gentrification makes many feel as though they are left out.
Detroiters need to feel more development and reinvestment in the neighborhoods. We need continued improvements on the school system, parks, roads, new business; investment in our youth with better schools and expand after school programs and summer enrichment programs.
Help parents make ends meet with more opportunities in and around their neighborhoods, bring more diversified companies to Detroit.
We are tired of dispensaries, gas stations, liquor stores and churches. Detroit has too many right now. Attract home developers and create a new stock of quality built communities. Help the average Detroiter feel like the city cares about them.
We are headed in the right direction, but more needs to be done in the average neighborhoods in Detroit.
David Greenwood
Farmington Hills
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How climate change could affect Michigan farming and fishing
People in rural areas aren’t too keen on the idea of solar farms in their communities, whether it’s because they think it’s an eyesore or because they don’t see the value in renewable energy. But, they might be more receptive to it if they knew the impact climate change could potentially have on farming and fishing. After all, everybody needs to eat.
While climate change could lead to a longer growing season, it would also mean that farmers would need to provide more irrigation. Increases in heavy precipitation could harm crops through increased erosion, depriving crops of nutrients, as well as cause increased runoff. With warming water temperatures, runoff could deplete oxygen levels in lakes and rivers, killing fish and affecting the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry.
If we want to preserve Michigan’s farms and fishing for future generations, then it’s clear that clean energy is a must.
Luke Daniels
Rochester
I agree, young people need to be more scared of Trump
Letter writer Richard French is absolutely correct when he notes that so many American young people do not seem to be concerned about "the real world" and the quality of their lives with regard to the presidential campaign. ("Young people: Life under Trump will be dark and chaotic | Letters to the Editor," Detroit Free Press, May 19, 2024.)
Many young people are not voting for President Joe Biden due to the Israel-Hamas war. I think they are outweighing other issues that may directly affect their lives. Not voting for Biden helps Donald Trump. Are these young people really unaware of the damage that Trump would do to our democracy?
One must consider all of the issues. Real life is not clear cut but very complex. Surely college educated people know this.
Frances L Potasnik
Saline
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Donald Trump, climate change, Detroit gentrification | Letters
