UAW strikes could cause lasting damage to auto industry

UAW strikes could cause lasting harm

The United Auto Workers is striking at various plants at Ford, GM and Stellantis.

A prolonged stoppage or unreasonable settlement will be the end of the U.S. auto industry.

Whatever the settlement, it won’t satisfy every member of UAW. Animosity will lead to poor performance by workers.

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In recent years, the Big Three have produced quality products; in past years, quality left much to be desired. I and many others will not buy a vehicle produced by the automakers during this time period.

The end result will be a great benefit to Toyota, Tesla and others.

Felix Ascolese, University Park

82-year-old seeks help as bills loom

I’m a female senior citizen, 82, marbles intact. My financial situation is worse every month, with monthly Social Security $2,630, and rent $1,800.

I fall further behind each month, with a looming electrical shutdown. I drive seldom to save gas.

I carefully pay my rent to avoid becoming homeless.

If my rent goes up, I am out of luck.

I am over the monthly maximum of $2,500 for public aid programs. Their websites are misleading and confusing, with phones staffed by people who don’t care or don’t know.

No. 5 in survey: Sarasota ranks among Florida's most expensive cities

The waiting lists for low-income housing are 250 people per apartment. Every application costs $85 for a background check; I can’t afford it.

I have tried unsuccessfully to find work. I have a two-inch stack of job applications for receptionist and administrative assistant positions.

First: Everyone wants someone experienced in the specific job and industry applied for. How can you get experience if no one will give you a job?

Second: Age. It is never mentioned, but recruiters Google you and up comes name and AGE! It cannot be removed; I’ve tried.

I need help quickly and don’t know where to turn. Suggestions welcome.

Marilyn Preiss, Bradenton

Keep Venice City Council election clean

Thank you for your story Sept. 20 about the upcoming Venice City Council election and the new Venice Clean Campaign Pledge.

In recent elections, residents have been bombarded with massive numbers of negative mailers and sleazy personal attacks on various City Council candidates by out-of-town special interest groups.

It didn’t used to be this way. These are nonpartisan elections and many of us are sick of the political dirty tricks.

So I am delighted to see a local civic group launch a Clean Campaign Pledge.

If Venice voters unite behind this and reward candidates who sign the pledge, we can send a clear message that we want more civil, responsive local politics.

Suzanne Herbst-Ecker, North Venice

Conflict of interest in grant funding

I read “Sarasota County Commission goes against advice and cuts funding to dozens of nonprofits,” in the Herald-Tribune on Sept. 22. While the county did make major cuts in funding for some programs, Teen Court of Sarasota will receive more money.

Under funding changes proposed by Commissioner Mike Moran and unanimously approved, the Teen Court will receive $252,703, versus $74,000 last year. Moran’s wife works for the organization as chief operating officer.

I have a question. How many elected officials have spouses in a lucrative position, attracting major funding for their organization?

Some elected officials are not watching out for the mental and financial well-being of Floridians.

So many here are living “hand to mouth.” We need to stabilize the cost of living.

There is a lot of blame to go around, from county commissioners to state representatives in Tallahassee and right up Interstate 95 to Washington, D.C.  The court system is also to blame.

How many officers receiving public grant money are enriching themselves rather than the needy?

Elizabeth Sullivan, Braden River

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Selfish UAW strikers put America's auto industry at risk