Everything will be on the line in November | Letters to the editor

As I wrestle with the absolutely astounding level of political support for Donald Trump, I am completely confounded. I ask only that everyone ponder a few following questions.

Is the immigration problem at the Southern border more important than our democratic way of life?

Is inflation more important than the rule of law?

Is the age of our president more important than the truth?

Is banning books more important than equality for our precious children?

Make no mistake.

Everything is at stake in the November election. Put aside your emotions. Stand up for the preservation of America. Vote against Trump.

Charles Terban, Hollywood

The benefits of immigration

It’s time to cut through the noise and tell the truth about immigration.

Our economy and community are both stronger because of it. Some leaders would have us think it’s a zero-sum game when our country takes in immigrants. That’s not true at all.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the U.S. economy will grow by an extra $7 trillion over the next ten years, thanks in part to immigration.

We do not have to wait for the future to see how immigrants are strengthening the U.S. economy. In 2021 immigrants paid $525 billion in taxes, money that helps support our nation’s schools, Medicaid and Social Security programs. Immigrants support our communities as consumers and taxpayers.

Don’t believe it?

Even Trump’s appointee as Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, recognized the massive contributions that immigrants make in a recent 60 Minutes interview.

“I will say, over time, though, the U.S. economy has benefited from immigration,” Powell told CBS News’ Scott Pelley, “and frankly, just in the last year, a big part of the story of the labor market coming back into better balance is immigration returning to levels that were more typical of the pre-pandemic era.”

Let’s give credit where credit is due, stop the anti-immigrant rhetoric and end the zero-sum mindset. Immigration truly is essential for our economic growth and for our communities’ prosperity.

Tracey Dare, Miami

Buz Oldaker for mayor

Last Monday’s candidate forum at Jarvis Hall in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea made it abundantly clear which of the three candidates is most qualified with the professional training and experience to serve as mayor.

Buz Oldaker has been a dedicated public servant, serving on the town commission for the past eight years, and was the chair of the planning and zoning and board prior to his election and service as vice mayor. He was director of the Broward League of Cities and has served on other key boards, including the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization and the 28-city Solid Waste Authority, working now in Broward to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan to reduce pollution and protect our beautiful beaches.

With a master’s degree in finance and experience as the deputy treasurer of the New York Metro Transit Authority before moving here 30 years ago, Buz is an able advocate for our town. He has worked tirelessly to make sure we have no debt, excellent administration and exemplary public services.

Buz listens, and he knows what the people of this town want. Residents don’t want change or the over-development that has plagued neighboring cities. That’s precisely why Buz is running for mayor — to keep our small town the gem that it is.

Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea