York chief should know American flag is red, white and blue: Letters

Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read

York chief should know American flag is red, white and blue

March 22 − To the Editor:

Displaying support for first responders is fine but changing the colors or design of the flag us a violation of U.S. Code Section 700 which states, “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be fifty stars, white in a blue field.”

This seems to be very much self-explanatory.

Sheila Nudd  

Hampton

York police recently added a new black American flag design on their cruisers to fit their color scheme, but one Selectboard member believes the symbol is associated with "take no prisoners," something she said should not be on the cruisers or representing the department. Police Chief Owne Davis is reflected in the window.
York police recently added a new black American flag design on their cruisers to fit their color scheme, but one Selectboard member believes the symbol is associated with "take no prisoners," something she said should not be on the cruisers or representing the department. Police Chief Owne Davis is reflected in the window.

Taxpayers shouldn't fund work to enrich private developer

March 22 − To the Editor:

I’m hoping there is more to the recent story, “Gonic Mill owner wants to build housing. Two dams must be removed first.” According to the article, it sounds like this private landowner wants taxpayers to foot the bill of removing obstacles so he can fatten his wallet. Are we really supposed to believe this guy cares about the plight of people looking for a place to live? When is this stuff going to stop? Why are taxpayers in Rochester continuously on the hook for things private businesses should be responsible for? How does enriching these people help the average taxpayer?

Fred Leonard 

Rochester

Urge EPA to take strong action to reduce soot pollution

March 18 − To the Editor:

Particulate matter, or soot pollution is a major problem in much of the U.S. This pollution is primarily caused by the burning of coal and diesel fuels, and greatly impacts the air quality of the U.S. The U.S. currently ranks 16th in the world for air quality, a shockingly low ranking for a country that certainly has the means to protect its citizens. This poor air quality, and soot pollution in particular, has been linked to grave illnesses and health risks such as asthma, heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, and countless others. Furthermore, this pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color and low income communities. It is particularly harmful to children’s development.

The U.S. knows of the dangers of soot pollution, but has neglected to change their standards for years. The EPA has not reviewed its soot standards since 2012. This year, finally, the EPA is reviewing these rules and altering the standards for soot pollution. However, these newly proposed standards still do not reflect the science. Now is the time to tell the EPA to take strong action, and encourage them to update their standards in agreement with the science behind soot pollution. We know that stronger soot standards save lives, and we know the goals we must hit to protect our communities. I urge you as

Cheryl Patten

York, Maine

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York chief should know American flag is red, white and blue: Letters