‘Old lady’ asks the old men in Legislature to ‘man up’
Waiting for a reply
Regarding “Proposed abortion ban brashly ignores all Texans’ rights,” (A3, May 5): I thank Erica Grieder for her sensitive and informative article concerning the assault on reproductive rights currently being proposed in the state of Texas. As an older lady, I have seen several cases over the years of a man abandoning his woman when an unexpected pregnancy occurred. Then, the lady was left to handle the situation by herself. So, before the old men in Austin push this attack against women any further, this old lady asks if any of them ever failed to “man up” and accept the consequences of his actions. I will await their reply.
Mary K. Schultz, Houston
Support aviation jobs
Regarding “Getting off the ground,” (A1, May 4): As someone passionate about aviation workforce issues, I know firsthand how many jobs are needed now and the workforce needs of the future. Houston is home to over 500 companies and institutions involved in aircraft or space — of the largest aerospace manufacturers, 10 have a presence in Houston. We need more people training to go into the aviation industry.
Remember when “drone operator” wasn’t even a job category 10 years ago — in another 10 there will be other aviation job categories currently unknown.
Growing trends needed in aviation workforce include: advanced air mobility, supersonic, sustainable aviation fuel, unmanned aerial vehicles and urban air planning. We need mechanics, researchers, pilots and so much more!
Retirements are impacting the aviation workforce. The Aviation Technical Education Council estimates that 30 percent of the workforce is near retirement age, new entrants are only 2 percent of the workforce annually.
TSU’s Aviation Management Program and Pilot Program of 83 students is barely scratching the surface — I personally look forward to their expansion with the right support. (Full disclosure: I am a donor to the program.) Other public institutions such as Lone Star Community college, Texas State Technical College and more recently Stephen F. Austin State University see how important aviation is to their programs.
We need plenty more aviation workforce programs locally. Let’s not get behind. Let’s keep moving forward to bringing well-paying jobs and opportunities to all. Our great universities and city can help lift us and lead the way.
Shelly Lesikar deZevallos, president, West Houston Airport
Requiring the vaccine
Regarding “‘Herd immunity’ likely out of reach in U.S.” (A1, May 4): My freedom ends when exercising it causes you harm. Employers ought to require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Also, as a public health issue, legislatures ought to require the vaccination.
Jim McMahon, Spring