Letters to the Editor

November Election

Workplace safety is a critical and often underappreciated issue.

A 2024 BlueGreen Alliance Report has documented that the Biden Harris 2021-2024 administration has significantly increased OSHA inspections, strengthened protective regulations for mining, heat stress, COVID-19 and exposures to silica and other hazardous chemicals.

In contrast, the 2017-2021 Trump administration cut the number of OSHA inspections and weakened standards for many workplace chemical and physical hazards.

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota (2019-present) has an excellent record on workplace safety and health. Some of his workplace safety accomplishments include an excellent Minnesota ergonomic standard, improved refinery safety, better COVID-19 protections and the requirement of all Minnesota business with over 25 employees to have joint management safety and labor committees.

The Minnesota 2021 occupational death rate was 27% lower than the national average. Tim Walz has also supported other pro-worker legislation in Minnesota including expanded family leave and daycare and free breakfasts and lunches for schoolchildren.

I urge voters to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and other politicians who support safer workplaces.

Luke Curtis, MD, Greenville NC

Hopefully, the American people will look beyond the two-hour debate we just witnessed.  Presidential candidates should stand the same test as any job applicant. In particular, the candidate should have a proven and lengthy track record of successes. We have a clear vision of President Trump’s track record.

As to Vice President Harris, she cannot simply dismiss herself from what transpired while serving alongside President Biden. Make no mistake that the two are glued at the hip. With America in two wars, our borders more porous than ever, possibility of a recession and families struggling with inflation; the American people need to do due diligence when selecting our next president.

They need to set aside personalities and instead look at track records while in office. They need to answer Ronald Reagan’s question when he ran for president, “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?”

Lastly, I would refer voters to a comparison of how the two candidates stand on the top issues of most importance to America, published by PBS/WHYY on Sept. 10.

Matt Drozd, Lt. Colonel (retired)