Entice energy industry to curb carbon [The Palm Beach Post]

Flood insurance is about to go through the roof. Now more than ever, we are in desperate need of climate action from both parties that will attack the issue instead of put a Band-Aid solution after every weather event worsened by climate instability.

Instead of letting the taxpayer foot the bill, we should encourage our legislators to support policies like the revenue-neutral Baker-Shultz Carbon Dividends plan. This plan takes advantage of existing industries such as the energy sector and incentivizes the companies to find a profitable market solution that will gradually reduce their carbon emissions. With a carbon price and the right incentives in place, we can make significant strides in the technology needed to innovate out of further climate risk, without burdening the everyday lives of Americans.

Melissa Tellez, Loxahatchee

Several mayors of Delray Beach penned an open letter expressing concern about the city commission decision in August to give 180 days' notice of lease termination to the non-profit rental tenant at Old School Square, which operates under the same name as the city-owned campus. Change is in the wind as the cultural arts campus moves in a different direction from the group that has operated the site for 32 years, operations mostly subsidized by taxpayer revenue.

Among some of the suggestions from the mayors is that a public charette be held to discuss the direction of Old School Square. Firstly, the city will need to issue a request for proposal for a company to moderate the proposed charette. Secondly, over the course of 32 years, the city has funded charettes to benefit the non-profit tenant. At this juncture, how can objectivity be guaranteed since such event will be stacked with the choir of the non-profit tenant whose lease was terminated?

In 2018, the non-profit tenant operating the campus had to return a $240,000 grant to the Florida Cultural Endowment Funds because they were unable to meet the requirements to raise $360,000 in matching funds. Hence the Community Redevelopment Agency approved early issuance of $225,000 to the non-profit tenant because of their shortfall. Had this been me failing to meet the requirement of a state grant, I would have been criminally investigated, charged, denied bail and a trial; and sent to prison because of the 32 year-history of mayors enabling a culture with a separate set of rules for the Old School Square non-profit tenant, allowing concessions, and another set of rules for everybody else. There's always been a two-tiered system.

Lori J. Durante, Delray Beach

Federal prosecutors stated at a hearing that Paul Hoeffer allegedly threatened to riddle Nancy Pelosi's head with bullets and cut her head off. He allegedly threatened Kimberly Foxx that bullets would rattle her brain. He allegedly threatened (U.S. Rep.) Alexandra Ocasio Cortez that he would rip her head off. Hoeffer was arrested and released on the same day. His bond was only $100,000 bond. I wonder who put up the bond. Why would this man be released? Red flags are waiving every where. Many will wonder why Magistrate Judge Shaniek M. Maynard did not remand him into custody. I hope that the judge will not regret that decision.

Kay Jones, Greenacres

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