Privilege, schools and safety
TABC privilege
Regarding “TABC agent avoids charges” (City/State, Friday): It is a shame that bartender Allen Frick was just doing his job and loses his job because a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agent lied.
When agents come into a bar or restaurant, I believe they are trying to catch you doing something illegal.
Since Frick did everything right, the agent decided to lie about it. Allen should be offered his job back, and the agent should be fired.
Joanne Geller, Richmond
Help the families first
Regarding “30 Houston-area elementary schools receive failing scores” (Chron.com, Thursday): Improvement here starts with helping the families meet basic needs such as stable employment, secure housing, and mental health assistance. Kwatrain Royal, posted via Facebook
Children can’t excel alone
The headline should read, “Society and parents receive failing marks.” Schools do about everything they can not to be on this list. No school or student wants to be here.
Denise Heffler Jensen, posted via Facebook
For appearance’s sake
Regarding “Vendor linked to bribery scandal returns” (Front page, June 6): I was surprised and disappointed that Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle would even consider undertaking the action attributed to him in the Chronicle story. In politics the best way of avoiding an implication of unethical behavior is to do nothing that would create even the appearance of wrongdoing.
Regrettably, the story presents convincing evidence that Commissioner Cagle is indeed sponsoring a vendor with a tainted ethical past for county contracts. After admitting to the sponsorship, he then offered an unconvincing rationalization of his action.
Also, it was especially disheartening to read that discredited former Commissioner Jerry Eversole, who Cagle was appointed to replace, would even attempt to become involved in county contracts.
There is a way to remedy Cagle’s lapse of judgment. As a fellow Republican, I call on Cagle to immediately remove his sponsorship of this vendor and to return the political contribution received from him. Cagle’s constituents deserve no less. Don Sumners, Houston
Airport safety, security
Regarding “Austin’s airport might let nonflyers eat, shop” (Business, Friday): “Hey, honey, let’s ride out to Bergstrom for dinner.” The absurdity of that thought sends shivers down my back.
Allowing non-ticketed patrons into an overcrowded airport is a terrible idea. Total greed is the only moving factor here, and the fact that the airport only plans, for now, to allow 25 non-ticketed patrons inside the airport is even more evidence of the absurdity. How much profit can be generated by such a small number of folks? How much would it cost for the added parking and security their presence would require?
Safety and security should be the main issue at any airport.
Richard Brinlee, Deer Park