Letters are posted as we receive them during the week, and before they are printed in the paper, so check back frequently to see new letters. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor, use this postmarks submission form, or email your letter directly to mail@austinchronicle.com. Thanks for your patience.

Dear Editor,
    I thought it was odd that the Chronicle characterized Joseph Kopser, who is running against Mary Wilson in the Democratic CD 21 primary run-off, as the "moderate" in the race ["Chronicle Endorsements," News, May 11]. He seems to be a single-issue candidate, with the goal of eviscerating the fundamental 2nd Amendment rights explicitly protected in the Bill of Rights. Not only did he run an ad in the same issue talking almost exclusively about gutting those rights, but he also sent an odious campaign mailer saying if you want to exercise those rights, he'd like to force you to join the military.
    If that is what passes for a Democratic centrist in Texas in a marginally center-right district, don't hold your breath hoping for a Blue Wave.

Dear Editors,
    Some comments have surfaced during the Democratic race for House District 46 between Mrs. Cole and Mr. Vela ["Representation Matters," Feedback, May 11]. One citizen stated that color should not be part of the discussion in the race for this district. Perhaps this reflects the perspective of new vs. longtime residents of Austin.
    I am not black, but I hope that Austinites might at least try to appreciate the history of our city’s dismal treatment of our black community and neighbors (well-documented and evidenced by the great I-35 divide). HD 46 was a hard-fought seat through a long history of NO representation by the black community at city, county, or state levels. As Mrs. Cole pointed out, the same “tradition” is true for City Council and other County Commissioners.
    The HD 46 seat had been served well by a black minority representative because of the shared demographics (no matter what color skin, HD 46 is primarily people earning below the federal income level except for recent gentrified pockets). That was true up until the last session anyway.
    As I came away from a debate last Tuesday hosted by Texas Tribune, I had the impression that either candidate would fit the bill for what progressive Democrats want in their representative.
    Mr. Vela seems sincere and is a good orator and grassroots populist. He talked about his support for state-level issues such as immigration and school funding via legalization of marijuana, but also broad issues including some that reside at the federal level such as campaign reform and PACs, which may be outside a state representative's sphere.
    While Sheryl may share many of the same ideals, she demonstrated more experience in policymaking and collaborating with stakeholders to advocate for grassroots policy changes and initiatives. She emphasized that her energy and focus are on behalf of the direct concerns of those constituents living in HD 46 where she has lived many years.
    I cannot speak for anyone else, but I imagine that Sheryl is loath to think she might be the one to lose that seat. I agree with Nelson Linder – going back to NO black representation would be a disservice to our black citizens in HD 46 and a repeat of the disrespect Austin has demonstrated in the past.

Dear Editor,
    You say you want the Democrats to get better candidates – it is a little difficult to recruit people to run for office when all you, in the media, do is talk about how we cannot win, have not won, etc. We have had good candidates, do have good candidates, but you are not helping the mindset of Texans with your coverage. Our candidates are smarter, know the issues, have experience in business or civic sector and yet those who are total embarrassments to the state of Texas get elected! And the biggest embarrassment is the Ag Commissioner – and even my friends from out of state that are Republican agree. Texas is a great state, my family came in the 1800s and we need representation that have some decorum.