Want your kid in private school? Then pay for it Let’s discuss pensions and Phoenix’s matching share

All the arguments I see about extending access to Empowerment Scholarship Accounts center around an idea of “school choice,” but that seems to be the wrong framing of the issue with state funds involved.

The more relevant choice is what kind of public schooling taxpayers, and not just those with school-aged children, want the state to provide. The provision of free (or subsidized) education was never intended as a privilege to convenience parents and fulfill their every desire for choice; rather, it was instituted as a public good that would hopefully result in a more educated, productive and responsible citizens regardless of background.

I do not want to see my taxes funding non-state education for the children of parents who somehow feel entitled to it. I want my tax money to be spent on the “general and uniform public school system” provided for in the state constitution.

I want it to be the best it can be! But, if some parents don’t like it, they can spend their own money on their children’s private education — after pitching in their share for the public good, just like everyone else. — Trevor Cook, Tempe

Schools should be pro-choice, and so should their funding

Regarding the letter on “pro-choice liberals.” I’m a “pro-choice liberal” and I agree that you should be able to send your children to any school you want. Just do it on your own dime.

Conservatives want the government to stay out of their lives except when it comes to hand-outs for private schools. Just trying to make sense of it.

— Marty Groth, Scottsdale

Stop shining media spotlight on the rare jaguars in Arizona

It is nice to know that rare jaguars are being seen in Arizona.

But, why do the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the media insist on telling the entire world, including prospective poachers, where they have been seen?

These are rare animals that must be protected. Broadcasting their whereabouts puts them more at risk. — Ellen Van Riper, Phoenix

Re: the article “Pension costs still crippling Phoenix” (Thursday). Why is there never discussion about the decades that the city of Phoenix never paid its share of matching funds into the Public Safety Retirement System?

For years when the system was over funded the city reduced its contributions and used the money for other purposes. Can’t help but wonder what the financial position of the fund would be today if they had made matching contributions?

— Robert Cantwell, Phoenix

Clinton would have gotten tougher treatment than Trump

USA Today’s headlines read: “Trump inspires Dow to 21,000.” Congratulations, Mr. President, for your first and foremost accomplishment since attaining office.

What a fantastic way to get started by helping mostly those who don’t need help. Both President Trump and White House spokesman Sean Spicer quickly took 100 percent credit for this achievement.

I’ve been thinking about the high point of President Trump’s address before Congress on Tuesday. This seemed to focus on honoring U.S. Navy SEAL Ryan Owens who was killed in Yemen during a botched commando raid.

Had this incident occurred on Hillary Clinton’s watch what would have been the outcome? Another Benghazi?

— Bill Seay, Glendale

Strike up the band, I’m ready to march with this ‘Parade’

What a pleasant surprise I had when I opened up the Sunday edition of The Arizona Republic — you brought back PARADE!

I was really disappointed when you quit carrying it so I hope you continue to provide it. Thanks again!

— Karen Heisler, Chandler

If Laurie would only put her name on the ballot she’d get my vote

Laurie Roberts should run for secretary of education (public education that is).

She has a common-sense approach to how our tax dollars should be spent in our public schools to provide first-class education for all the children who attend our public schools.

The voters in rural Arizona elected Diane Douglas (where is she hiding?) and there have been no improvements during her tenure, only infighting with the state Board of Education.

— Patricia Abraham, Mesa