I’d rather tax dollars go education, science, health
I am responding to the guest commentary written by physics professor Tyler Engstrom and to letter writer Carol Walters, both published in the Tribune recently. As a retired UNC English composition instructor and program director who worked mostly on grant-funded programs for 23-plus years, including the Arts and Sciences Advising Center and the COSMOS Math-Science Upward Bound program, I firmly agree with the need for and value of taxpayer funded support of higher education.
Professor Engstrom is not “whining” as Walters asserts! Instead, he is explaining objectively and factually the need for research experiences and internships in science departments. I knew many talented students in physics, chemistry, and biology who benefited from these experiences, over and beyond any that could be funded by the regular UNC budget. Yes, UNC prepares high school teachers — and also many leaders who enter and contribute to essential health and business fields. These students cannot really “learn” science without direct involvement in research experiences! Indeed, it is through such experiences that students avoid the one-sided opinion teaching that Walters decries and learn critical and innovative thinking.
Personally, I’d rather see my tax dollars spent on education, science, and health programs such as Medicaid, which the current administration also seems eager to cut, instead of tax cuts for U.S. billionaires and giant corporations. Raising tuition is out of the question, and I don’t believe UNC faculty deserve a 25% cut such as Harvard’s president has volunteered to accept. Since DEI programs are no longer allowed to help first-generation college students, tax-funded grants are essential for access to the well-rounded education of our future community leaders.
Phyllis Endicott, Greeley
Catalyst and public safety tax are a bait and switch
Now that is the way to get a potential sales tax approved. The article in the Greeley Tribune on Sunday, May 18, 2025, explains the Greeley City Council is exploring a potential 0.5% sales tax increase to fund public safety.
Public safety is very important and most support funding public safety. The article states it could generate $12 million to $14 million in additional revenue. Wow, deja vu. That number as best that I can recall is the amount per year for any year the Catalyst project doesn’t generate revenue that the city is obligated to make sure that the reserve funds remain whole. And those annual economic-development payments of $12 million would increase by 2% annually.
So basically this is a bait and switch. Borrow against 46 public buildings using COPs for the Catalyst project, no city vote necessary (when that money could have been used for public safety). Then guilt the city residents into an additional tax for public safety. Because I’m sure the vote would be no additional tax for the Catalyst project. Pretty slick. Then money spent on polling.
Has the City Council lost confidence? Or has the City Council lost public trust?
Lori Williams, Greeley
Who are the ‘we’?
In response to Jody Hott-Kulp’s comments in the Greeley Tribune on May 14, 2025: If she is representing a group as the source of her article, she should put the names of all who she represents in the letter. Did she mean “we” as in Republicans, “we” as in Christians, “we” as in Americans, or “we” as in subjects?
Bias and sin are different. Bias is subjective whereas sin is objective. I personally would never lay anything at the president’s feet.
I assume Hott-Kulp believes in God because of her reference to God. I prayed to God in the Lord’s name, and this was his answer. President 47 asked me how he could become an emperor. God’s reply was, “Stop being a Christian.” So, the president did! He chose the name Napoleon and was eager to share his creed. Blessings.
Bob Grimes, Windsor
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