Issue 1 would propel city into new energy era

I respond to the Dispatch articles about Issue 1, such as the Sept. 9 Dispatch.com article “City’s power aggregation consultant’s pay may remain secret.”

I’m proud to join the Sierra Club and other environmental leaders endorsing “Yes for Issue 1” on the ballot. I support Issue 1 as one of the Ready for 100 volunteers who asked Columbus city council members, at their meetings, to make a commitment to 100% renewable energy. Columbus residents can vote yes for an aggregation program that will directly lead to the development of new solar and wind generation in Ohio.

By switching from fossil fuels to clean, reliable, affordable renewables, we will have cleaner air and water for our kids and grandkids.

It’s exciting to know this future can be reached without raising prices or taxes. Independent research by the EPA shows programs like Issue 1 can actually save up to 20% on our bills.

Rachel Wagner, Columbus

Think of this Kentuckian when you cast your vote

Hi, Ohio. On Nov. 3 (or before), I will cast my vote for president. I am dismayed that it won’t count! I will likely vote for nothing. You see, I live in Kentucky and, from all evidence, Kentucky will vote heavily for Donald Trump, and my vote for Joe Biden will be lost in the Electoral College.

I am writing to you, Ohio, to encourage you to vote for me, in a sense. You are in a precarious position as a battleground state and the results of your election will likely determine the final national result.

Please, represent me as you place your vote for Joe Biden. We need you and we need Joe.

Harry Clarke, Lexington

Chance meeting provided smile of a lifetime

Reflecting on the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg reminded me of 1969 when I was pregnant and working as a speech pathologist in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Teachers had to take a leave when they started to “show.”

Last summer my husband and I were in the Laguardia Airport. Walking toward me was a little lady wearing a big kerchief and holding the arm of who I assume was a body guard. As I got up closer, I saw that it was Justice Ginsburg.

I instinctively said “I love you!” She gave me a big smile.

Rosalie Immel, Columbus

Would school accept different slogan on shirt?

While I applaud the principal and staff at Dublin Scioto High School for taking a principled stand on the issues rocking our nation today (Dispatch article, Sunday), I have to wonder if other staff members or students wearing T-shirts that featured the phrases “faith is real,” “all lives matter,” “citizenship counts,” “traditional marriage is sacred,” “the unborn rights are human rights,” “kindness is everything,” and “civil dialogue is essential to democracy” would be equally welcomed.

As long as schools teach that good people can have opposing views on many controversial subjects, yet still be good people and patriotic Americans, I am all for high schools carefully and sensitively treading where many dare not go.

Though I disagree with many of the decisions that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg reached, I do greatly admire this Lioness of Justice’s courage, tenacity, work ethic and her ability to see another person’s worth beyond their political views. That Ginsburg, whose good friend was Justice Antonin Scalia, her political polar opposite, could have such warm friendships with her fellow justices is a tribute to her and a shining example that we would all do well to follow. American democracy would be the better for it. Jim Slone, Grove City

Felons in Florida pay for their crime with their vote

This is a simple request to those who have much. I could name you here but so often, you do not need someone to call out your name because some of you simply do what seems to be right. Please, there are people who have been charged and are serving time for committing felonies.

In Florida, it is not good enough that these people have served the time placed upon them. Though their slate should be declared clear because they “served their time,” the story of oppression does not stop. Now they must pay the fines and whatever fees they owe in order to be able to vote.

Please, those of you who have financial power and ability, pay their bills. Offer real freedom to those whom we too often simply discard. That would be a true public service.

F. Allan Debelak, Columbus