Latest Trump administration Helene aid for NC is great, but comes months too late | Opinion
Unconscionable
While I applaud U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s announcement of more aid for Western NC Helene victims, this begs a question: Where have you been for the last nine months?
After the heart wrenching News & Observer and Charlotte Observer stories about loss and hopelessness of so many families, it appears obvious that the aid will come too late to help thousands salvage their homes and livelihoods.
I find it unconscionable that our Republican-controlled Congress has forsaken these people for so long. What? They are not wealthy, so they don’t count?
David Johnston, Raleigh
How dull
The new Lichtin Plaza at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh has no water feature. How sad. Think of the magnificent fountain at Lincoln Center, the stately fountain in Cary’s downtown park and the massive fountains of Greensboro’s downtown park that conjure visions of Niagara Falls.
People are drawn to water. We flock to swimming pools, lakes, rivers and beaches for recreation. People flock to San Antonio’s Riverwalk for conventions. All of these natural and man-made luxuries have a common denominator — water.
Historically, Raleigh has built fountains in various locales only to abandon them. Remember the fountains at City Hall, the Convention Center, the Fayetteville Street Plaza, the Go Raleigh bus depot? All gone. Can you think of a city fountain anywhere? How lucky for the residents of Kansas City, the City of Fountains. I reiterate, how sad that the new Lichtin Plaza lacks a showpiece fountain. How dull can we be?
Joel Adams, Raleigh
Political auditor
Before Republicans stripped the governor of oversight of election boards and handed it to State Auditor Dave Boliek, he stated he would “leave the political party affiliation at the door” and would simply do what was best for the state.
Now, he hires Dallas Woodhouse, the former head of the NC GOP, in a new position of “election liaison” in the state auditor’s office. So much for taking the politics out of this. How many taxpayer dollars are being spent on this position? Who will audit the effectiveness of this position?
Brad Bradshaw, Raleigh
Act now
I lost my mom to breast cancer. I know the importance of health insurance. Without insurance, we would be in financial ruin. Comprehensive health insurance means getting checkups, cancer screenings, treatment and follow-up care. It can mean the difference between life and death.
I’m using my voice to move forward cancer policies that ensure a better tomorrow for many. I recently met with Congress for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network seeking support for federal cancer research programs, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act and health care tax credits before they expire at year’s end.
If Congress allows these credits to expire, this could affect more than 1 million North Carolinians and 4 million nationwide who will become uninsured. Now is the time for Congress to act.
Regan Dermu, Apex
Tragic story
I mourn the killing of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. No one should experience such a horrible death. Iryna should be here today. She should be living her best life after she fled from war-torn Ukraine. She should be enjoying the magic of being young and full of hope in a country that offers opportunities to live out one’s dreams.
However, I can’t think of Iryna without thinking about Decarlos Brown Jr., the person charged in her stabbing. His story is tragic. His family deserves sympathy and prayers. Many state and national lawmakers are using this tragic case as a political battle axe and an opportunity to demonstrate a “tough on crime” posture. However, rarely has vigilante justice cloaked as policy ever worked the way lawmakers think.
What we need is more investment in mental health services.
Michelle Laws, Chapel Hill
Gun license
It seems like we have a shooting every day. I have wondered about doing something other than sending thoughts and prayers to survivors. I suggested to friends we might require a gun license renewal every year or two like driver’s license renewal. I was told this would be too expensive and cumbersome to be effective. If we save the life of one child or any person, it will be well worth the trouble.
Lyman Ferrell, Chapel Hill
This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Latest Trump administration Helene aid for NC is great, but comes months too late | Opinion."