Republicans like Tillis say let voters decide on Trump. They already did. | Opinion

Thom Tillis

Regarding “Tillis to file bill to prevent states from banning presidential candidates from ballot,” (Dec. 20):

Senator Thom Tillis and some of his fellow Republicans indicate that the voters, not the courts, should speak about this matter. Yet, when the voters “spoke” in 2020 and Trump lost, they asked the courts to speak — more than 60 times.

Terry Keith, Charlotte

HOA isn’t enemy

Regarding the “Hopes Foreclosed” series. (Dec. 14):

The writer is president of her HOA in Indian Trail and has served on the board 15 years.

While I can sympathize with those who lost their homes to HOA foreclosure, HOAs are not the enemy. Proceeding with a foreclosure is the last resort for an HOA board. There is a process that HOA boards need to follow prior to issuing a foreclosure notice and each step of the process gives the homeowner time to remedy their nonpayment situation. North Carolina’s 15,000 HOAs represent millions of homeowners. The 5,500 foreclosures from 2018 to 2023 is a small percentage of those millions. A suggestion for HOA boards: Work with owners having financial difficulties. It helps them and your community.

Gail Mercurio, Indian Trail

More HOA training

As a resident in an HOA development for 18 years, I have been amazed at what goes on in these types of living environments. My wife and I have both served on the board. Homeowners are entrusting thousands of dollars to folks with good intentions but poor preparation. I have seen people get on the board to get pet projects approved. I’ve seen neighborhood busybodies tattling on neighbors. My wife had her life threatened. It should be illegal for volunteers to serve without attending classes regarding what is and is not allowed. These boards have way too much authority, with very little understanding of what they are doing.

Eugene Francisco, Charlotte

New UNC leader

The writer graduated UNC-CH in 1963 and its law school in 1966, and is a former Charlotte mayor.

Regarding “New interim chancellor isn’t the right pick for UNC,” (Dec. 18 Opinion):

Most of the commentary critical of Lee Roberts, UNC-Chapel Hill’s new interim chancellor, relates to the fact that he might be “someone entrenched in Republican political circles.”

After the recent performances of the presidents of the University of Pennsylvania, MIT and Harvard before Congress, that may not be such a bad thing.

Seems to me that liberals on college campuses cannot imagine that anyone who does not think lockstep as they do can ever lead them, and it appears that many may not agree with such insular thinking.

P.S. My major concern: Lee Roberts came from Duke — now that may be a real problem!

Richard Vinroot, Charlotte

GOP and UNC

It is understood that Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving UNC-Chapel Hill because of the increasing influence of conservatives on the UNC Board of Trustees. The appointment of Lee Roberts continues that influence.

Roberts is a numbers guy in high finance with no administrative experience in higher education. The last thing UNC-Chapel Hill needs is a numbers guy who likes to run the show. I see a continuing leadership disaster coming with Roberts at the helm.

John H. Clark, Charlotte

Houthis rebels

Regarding “Tanker attacked in Red Sea, US military says” (Dec. 13):

Once again the U.S. barks but fails to bite in the Red Sea. Will it take a direct hit on one of our warships and hundreds of dead sailors to galvanize a response to Houthis rebels? With ultra sensitive surveillance technology, the U.S. should be able to determine when and where these aerial assaults are coming from within Yemen. The sites should be bombed as a direct response to any and all attempts to halt sea traffic in a vital shipping area.

Ed Carlson, Charlotte

My wish for 2024

It’s been a complex and difficult year for our state and the country. Hopefully we can all add “kindness” to a list of things that we want to accomplish in 2024.

Daryl Solomonson, Troutman