OTHER VOICES

Hogan’s vote

I voted for Gov. Larry Hogan and I think he has generally done a good job as governor. But I think it is appropriate to challenge him on his recent “cop-out” in completing his 2020 ballot for president (The Capital, Oct. 16).

Hogan reportedly cast a write-in vote for Ronald Reagan. I’m a fan of Reagan, but there are many reasons he is ineligible to serve as President. He has already served two terms, he’s not running for president this time around, and he is also….. dead.

In the real world, there are only two people who have a chance to get elected this year. By casting a superfluous write-in vote, the governor has wasted his chance to have a voice, and arguably he has abdicated an important responsibility of citizenship. He has also sent the message that the two actual candidates represent equally bad outcomes. They certainly do not.

We all knowwhat the governor thinks of President Donald Trump. He doesn’t like him, and neither do I. So he should cast his vote accordingly. Why did the governor even seek public office if he is unwilling to take a stand on perhaps the most important issue of our time?

I’m voting for Joe Biden because, as a retired military officer and a life-long Catholic, I feel the president both threatens our Constitutional principles and undermines Christian values. Like many others, I believe that four more years of Trump would constitute a severe threat to our democracy.

I suspect the governor agrees withme, so I wish hewould say so.

Governor – listen to your heart. Say it with me: “Joe Biden for President!” JOHN RALPH Annapolis

Reopening plan

I am entirely perplexed at Board of Education member Melissa Ellis’s recent op/ed insisting that Anne Arundel County Public Schools proceed with reopening (The Capital, Oct. 16). She writes, “It is a virus that caused our schools to close, and only a virus should keep them closed.”

Firstly, who is arguing with her? As an Annapolis High School teacher, I have many concerns about the “plan” to reopen. At no point have I believed we should keep school buildings closed for any other reason than this pandemic. Ihave not seen or heard anything similar from any colleague or parent either.

Secondly, does she know something the rest of us don’t? We are still in the middle of a pandemic. Being tired of it does not change that. Struggling with virtual school does not change that. Reading alternative facts on strange corners of the internet does not change that either.

As of this writing, Anne Arundel County has an incidence rate of 12.08 per100,000— well above the reopening threshold provided by the health department.

Ellis is right that planning for reopening should occur beforewe reach the appropriate health metrics so that when we do, we can open as soon as possible. I suggest she and the board take her advice. Use this time to speak with your teachers, administrators, staff, custodial and cafeteria workers in a truly collaborative effort to develop a safe, clear plan to move forward.

Anything less is an insult to AACPS employees, and a disservice to our students. ERINLORENZ

Annapolis

Editor’s Note: Erin Lorenz is a former candidate for school board in District 6.