YOU SAY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Good riddance to UT’s Powers

Re: May 23 commentary, “Struggles should not define Powers’ contributions as UT president.”

Departing UT President Bill Powers’ tenure was marked by increases in tuition and administrative payroll; unsatisfactory and flat graduation rates; continued litigation over discriminatory “holistic” admissions practices, which Texas A&M has avoided; a sleazy preferential admissions scandal that brought UT into national disrepute; and contentious dealings with his superiors — both the chancellor and the Board of Regents — that led to his forced resignation. Yes, he oversaw a successful fundraising drive, but he also tried to count donated software licenses in violation of applicable accounting standards. UT Austin was an outstanding institution before Powers arrived; it is silly to credit him with “helping the university become a nationally recognized campus.” Given his impudent attitude toward the Board of Regents, which funded the medical school you credit him for, the honest assessment is that UT Austin improved during his tenure despite his mediocre performance.

His legacy is one of cronyism, needless controversy and chronic lack of candor — as established by the Kroll report. Good riddance.

MARK PULLIAM, AUSTIN

Time to stand up to gun extremists

Re: May 26 article, “2 gun rights bills expected to get final votes in Texas.”

Why carry a weapon openly in public? A gun is specifically created to shoot to kill or wound. Why do we need to show off our weapons? To in- timidate others by conveying how tough we are? To serve as a “don’t mess with me” symbol? To be more ready to defend ourselves should another gun-toter confront us or our families? To save us from the government? Whatever the rationale, the gun culture in this country has become extreme beyond any practical purpose. Intimidation by its proponents is ubiquitous. Even the NRA had to back off after initially questioning the tactics of open carry advocates at the start of the legislative session.

Those dreaming of the glory of the Wild West should know even Dodge City and Tombstone had laws regulating concealed and open carry of guns. Stand up to these extremists. What are they going to do, shoot us?

Abbott fails to see irony in his actions

Re: May 23 article, “Abbott leads state charge against new foe: local control.”

Evidently our governor does not see the irony in having been an attorney general who boasted that his job was to sue and fight the federal government at every opportunity; now the champion of small government wants to override and revoke local governments’ obligation to protect the interests of their residents. Gov. Abbott now sees his job as making state government every community’s neighborhood bully.

JAN REID, AUSTIN

Lawmakers’ only principle: control

Re: March 22 commentary, “State lawmakers aim to weaken local control.”

When the Democrats controlled state offices, Republicans were in favor of the principle of local control since it gave them some chance to go get something passed. Now that the Republicans are in control, they are against local control and have passed laws stop it. So much for principle; the only principle that politicians believe in is control.

TERRY NORTHUP, LLANO

How would Abbott react to orders?

Re: May 23 article, “Abbott leads state charge against new foe: local ordinances.”

Since the governor wants all counties and municipalities to uniformly toe the line despite different local needs and preferences, I wonder how he’d react if Obama required all states to sign up for the Medicaid expansion instead of allowing them to opt out?

BILL SHAW, AUSTIN

Skip district, go directly to cops

Re: May 24 article, “How Texas schools shield teachers accused of sexual misconduct.”

Thank you for publishing Julie Chang’s article. It is of invaluable service to parents. The Austin Independent School District doesn’t only protect its predators, but also its thieves and its bullies. To all parents, my advice is that they skip the district bureaucracy and file charges directly with the Austin Police Department. This will increase not only chances of obtaining justice but also of helping kids who are already or will become victims. And to the district administrators or coaches who will respond to this article — or my letter — with indignation and self-serving excuses, I ask that you include in your arguments a public oath to put the physical, emotional and academic welfare of children ahead of your predator, thief or bully colleague’s career welfare.

LAURA ARBILLA, AUSTIN