Airport upgrades welcome

Roads and IAH

Regarding “Big expansion is planned for IAH’s international terminal” (Business, Oct. 18): I applaud the Houston Airport System’s efforts to upgrade Bush Intercontinental Airport to world-class status. Terminal D, especially, has always been pathetic and an embarrassment compared to other world-class airports. One thing I hope they address is the maze of ramps and terminal parking access by car. That road between terminals D, C, and E is one of the most confusing roads around. The existing signs are confusing and some look like you are not being directed to the correct ramp. Heaven forbid if you’re in the wrong lane and miss your ramp and have to make another pass because there is no easy way to circle back.

Adding piers for planes that can carry 500 people is fine, but they need to understand that those 500 people probably came in 500 cars that had to navigate that terrible stretch of the airport. Flying is stressful enough without having to deal with the mess before you even get to the terminal. Paul Gallagher, Spring

Houston crime

Regarding “Buzbee should stop fearmongering about Houston’s crime rate” (City/State, Sept. 29): I was disappointed to read Erica Grieder’s inflammatory opinion piece about me. Less than a week later, the FBI released data showing that Houston’s rate of violent crime in 2018 was, in fact, 6 percent higher than it was in 2015, the year before Turner took office. But I already knew that.

How? I’ve personally talked with over 25,000 people the past year and it continues to be a primary concern for Houstonians.

I contend that nonviolent crime has also increased despite the statistics. The FBI website itself acknowledges that the Uniform Crime Reporting Program contains only offenses known to law enforcement and is “the starting place” for law enforcement, members of the media, and the public at large seeking information on crime in the nation.

Crimes go unreported. People hesitate, or simply don’t report nonviolent offenses due to lack of response and/or an almostzero chance of the crime being solved. It’s not that the police don’t want to respond — quite the contrary. They have to prioritize calls and do the best they can with what they’ve got. They’re frustrated too.

Much of the crime in this city is related to gang activity. We have about 23,000 documented gang members in the city of Houston and only 2,300 police officers assigned to the patrol division.

For this newspaper to claim that I am a fearmonger is not only false, but irresponsible. I may not be the editors’ favorite candidate, but I support our police, the truth, and responsible journalism. Tony Buzbee, Houston

Addressing poverty

Regarding “Nobel-winning research reveals the truth behind poverty” (Business, Oct .16): The column by Chris Tomlin son highlights how applying the scientific method to anti-poverty programs provides a road map for the eradication of poverty.

The new Nobel economists have demonstrated that when causes of poverty such as disease, malnutrition, lack of education and financial opportunity are addressed properly, foreign aid programs work and are not a waste of taxpayers dollars, as the cynics believe.

The column is both a ray of hope and a challenging call to action. At this period in our history so fraught with negativity, violence and discord, and when the Trump administration has consistently proposed cutting funding for foreign assistance and domestic poverty programs as well, thanks for the reminder that ending poverty is a win-win situation.

When poverty drops, the economy is boosted for everyone. Let’s turn our attention to eliminating poverty globally once and for all. Claudia Morgan, Houston