AFS Cinema
FEEDBACK
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 [email protected]. Thanks for your patience.
AISD vs. I-35
RECEIVED Tue., June 3, 2025
Dear Editor,
Everything has sucked lately. While my kids' schools are cutting STEM programs, summer strength and conditioning camps, and bus stops (while also forced to install security vestibules and perimeter fences) – not to mention fretting over being closed altogether – I learned from you that the city magically found $400 million for a roof on I-35 nobody wants ["Round One of I-35 'Caps' Fight Ends in a Draw," News, May 30]. What the fuck?! I need you to make it make sense for me, pretty please with sugar on top.
Everything has sucked lately. While my kids' schools are cutting STEM programs, summer strength and conditioning camps, and bus stops (while also forced to install security vestibules and perimeter fences) – not to mention fretting over being closed altogether – I learned from you that the city magically found $400 million for a roof on I-35 nobody wants ["Round One of I-35 'Caps' Fight Ends in a Draw," News, May 30]. What the fuck?! I need you to make it make sense for me, pretty please with sugar on top.
Ian Ragsdale
Reply to this | Comments »
Scram, STAAR!
RECEIVED Tue., June 3, 2025
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your excellent article ["Educators Hate It, So Why Is Texas Keeping the STAAR Test Alive?" News, May 23] on this miserable and ineffective way to grade our students and schools. And even more thanks for including Louis Malfaro's comments and insight. Louis has been a tireless advocate for the rights of teachers and students in public schools, both for the 25 years I taught in AISD, and the 15 years since.
Thank you for your excellent article ["Educators Hate It, So Why Is Texas Keeping the STAAR Test Alive?" News, May 23] on this miserable and ineffective way to grade our students and schools. And even more thanks for including Louis Malfaro's comments and insight. Louis has been a tireless advocate for the rights of teachers and students in public schools, both for the 25 years I taught in AISD, and the 15 years since.
Diane Young
Under His Eye
RECEIVED Tue., June 3, 2025
Dear Editor,
Regarding Flock cameras and the article "Emails Reveal Improper Use by APD of License Plate Reader Program," [Daily News, June 3], there are additional concerns that these cameras and license plate scanners may also be used to identify people seeking abortions. There was a case in Texas where Flock data was used for this purpose [according to a May 29 report by 404 Media].
Regarding Flock cameras and the article "Emails Reveal Improper Use by APD of License Plate Reader Program," [Daily News, June 3], there are additional concerns that these cameras and license plate scanners may also be used to identify people seeking abortions. There was a case in Texas where Flock data was used for this purpose [according to a May 29 report by 404 Media].
Christina Destefano
For Shame!
RECEIVED Sat., May 31, 2025
Dear Editor,
I've been in Austin a long time and I've always appreciated the Chronicle and really want to continue supporting the paper, despite how hollowed-out the coverage has become (particularly in recent years). I understand the difficult realities facing print journalism. That said, it is shameful that the Chronicle didn't cover the recent health issues of local Austin musical legend Erik Hokkanen. There is a GoFundMe open for his extensive medical costs. There should be a massive feature on Erik, his virtuosity, and his impact to generations of musicians in Austin. Yet, we haven't seen this feature, and, shamefully, the Chronicle did nothing to report on his major health scare. To me, this illustrates the hollowing-out of the local music coverage at the Chronicle... and this needs to be reversed ASAP.
I've been in Austin a long time and I've always appreciated the Chronicle and really want to continue supporting the paper, despite how hollowed-out the coverage has become (particularly in recent years). I understand the difficult realities facing print journalism. That said, it is shameful that the Chronicle didn't cover the recent health issues of local Austin musical legend Erik Hokkanen. There is a GoFundMe open for his extensive medical costs. There should be a massive feature on Erik, his virtuosity, and his impact to generations of musicians in Austin. Yet, we haven't seen this feature, and, shamefully, the Chronicle did nothing to report on his major health scare. To me, this illustrates the hollowing-out of the local music coverage at the Chronicle... and this needs to be reversed ASAP.
Scott Urbach
Fractured by Recapture
RECEIVED Fri., May 30, 2025
Dear Editor,
What a shame. This budget shortfall wouldn't be an issue if AISD didn't surrender $900M of Austin taxpayer funds in 2023 to the state of Texas via Robin Hood ["With 25,000 Empty Seats, AISD Enrollment Factors Into Massive Budget Problem," News, May 30]. With proper funds, we can pay teachers, which would maintain/increase enrollment through quality education.
What a shame. This budget shortfall wouldn't be an issue if AISD didn't surrender $900M of Austin taxpayer funds in 2023 to the state of Texas via Robin Hood ["With 25,000 Empty Seats, AISD Enrollment Factors Into Massive Budget Problem," News, May 30]. With proper funds, we can pay teachers, which would maintain/increase enrollment through quality education.
Craig Luthy