Welcome to a new, weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column. To read last week’s responses, scroll below this week’s topic.
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s topic is:
Earth Day Thoughts
Yesterday, Earth Day was recognized world-wide—a day to reflect and shed light upon environmental issues and initiatives.
Our questions to you:
What do you think is the biggest threat(s) to our Chesapeake Bay watershed and what can or should be done to correct the problem(s)?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Last week, we asked you about Police Reform: Needed or Not? and you responded! Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
I do not agree that policing needs reform. I completely disagree with these reform bills.
In nearly every case, the police officer was engaged with a non-compliant citizen that had a multitude of legal issues (outstanding warrants, convicted of previous violent acts, illegal weapons, drugs, etc.) that resulted in the situation escalating to an unfortunate conclusion.
Changes that MUST occur:
1) Police officers MUST get out of their buildings and out of their cars and start walking the neighborhoods they patrol so they get to know the people they were hired to serve and protect. They need to knock on doors and introduce themselves. This will establish a more personal relationship that will turn into trust and not fear.
2) Politicians and the media MUST stop vilifying the police. They are not the enemy.
3) There will be some police officers that are not a good fit for this line of work and will need to be held accountable. Annual certifications will not achieve the desired outcome, but instead, feedback from the community will. However, any citizen that makes a false claim about a police office MUST also be held accountable. Again, this is about forming a trust relationship between the police and the community they serve.
Scott Delcore, Davidsonville
Absolutely need to require classes for all police to be taught the necessary skills of communication and when to use a gun and when to use a taser.
Madonna Vitarello, Frederick
