Letters to the Editor

Want to submit a letter to the editor? Submit your letter of 250 words or less via email to opinion@tylerpaper.com with Letter to the Editor in the subject line or visit www.tylerpaper.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

Vote no to Proposition 12

On Nov. 7, Texans statewide will vote on 14 proposed constitutional amendments. Such amendments usually pass, often because their ballot wording makes voters think there are no local effects.

However, the amendment’s stated purpose, drafted by the same legislators who put it on the ballot, may have far-reaching impacts.

That is the case with Proposition 12, which would abolish the county treasurer’s office in Galveston County. Why should voters in any other county care what happens in Galveston? Because if they succeed in getting rid of the county treasurer in Galveston, they may try to do it in your county. It has already worked in nine Texas counties.

The county treasurer gives the people a voice in how county funds are spent. Shutting down the office means eliminating transparency, accountability and the separation of powers provided for in the Texas Constitution. It squashes the people’s voice.

Passage of Proposition 12 could have a chilling effect on the people’s voice in your county someday soon. They deserve to know the whole truth about how dangerous it is before going to the polls.

Terri Williams

Polk County Treasurer

Don’t ban books at Tyler library

As a parent in Tyler, I want to express my concerns about the recent attempts to ban books from our local library. My 12-year-old daughter, who has autism and ADHD, finds solace and knowledge in books. They are her bridge to understanding the complex world we live in, and the library has been her sanctuary.

On Monday, when she inquisitively asked about Henry VIII and his six wives, the library staff helped her find the perfect book. Books have been her source of education and comfort, allowing her to navigate the world at her own pace.

I am troubled by the efforts to ban books driven by a small vocal group. Our library is meant to cater to the diverse needs of our community. While we may not all agree on the content of every book, personal choices should remain personal. No one should decide what books my family can access.

Censorship has proven to be costly and a waste of public resources, with legal challenges stemming from biased viewpoints. Removing books sets a dangerous precedent for government censorship, undermining our commitment to freedom of expression.

I implore our City Manager Edward Broussard to reject any attempts to ban books. Let individuals and parents decide what they can read and believe. It’s crucial to safeguard our right to access information and ensure the library remains a place for all.

Lauren Barnes

Tyler