COVID lottery

Regarding “No major boost from the vaccine lottery yet, says Cooper” (June 19):

North Carolina is offering $ 4 million in designs to those who have or will get the COVID-19 vaccine. While I think everyone should do their part to stop this virus, the monetary incentive offers very limited chances. This is unlikely to make a big difference, and the money could go to better causes.

Why couldn’t NC officials use this money to provide a bonus for teachers, help small business owners, make necessary improvements to roads and internet access, or provide food for children? the poorest in the state?

If the state wants to reward people who get vaccinated, why not give $ 10,000 each to 400 people who get vaccinated? At least the odds would be better and it could help the financial needs of more people – and maybe more people would try to tackle it.

Joël Glassman, Cary

Raleigh restaurants

Regarding “restaurants have full dining rooms but are in desperate need of workers” (June 20):

The answer to the question “rethinking tips would help” is yes. But, not in the way Gray Brooks, co-owner of Durham’s Pizzeria Toro, plans to do.

The real answer is to rethink the ridiculous formula for paying servers. Brooks, and others in the business, should just bite the bullet and take the common approach in Europe where servers are paid a living wage and if the customer wants to recognize good service, around a euro can be left on the job. payment of the check.

Frankly, I’m likely to avoid sites that implement a system like the one Brooks provides. I wonder if that 20% service charge goes to the staff.

I would be more likely to attend an establishment that respects the staff and pays that worker a respectable salary.

John Dowd, Raleigh

Essential workers

I am a local home builder and work with people who often have undocumented family members.

According to recent reports, about half of small businesses in North Carolina are now worried about finding workers. There is a way to help.

North Carolina has over 100,000 essential undocumented workers who we cannot afford to lose. To support our workforce and our economy, the US Senate must approve the Dream Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

The Dream Act would help immigrants who came to the United States as children. The FWMA would support agricultural businesses across the country and the immigrant workers who operate them.

Last year, Senator Thom Tillis and his fellow Republicans thanked frontline workers in a video. Now he should help all the workers we need to stay. Before things get worse for our small businesses, the Senate must act.

Richard Gephart, Raleigh

Owner, Gephart Building Co.

New Police Chief

Regarding the “four main problems encountered by the new police chief” (June 20):

Addressing each of the top four issues cited in this article will require thought, skill and determination on the part of new Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. Above all, I hope the citizens of Raleigh can regain confidence that in situations requiring an armed uniformed officer or professional with crisis response skills, the person representing the city in those situations will be the caring, responsible and mature adult in the room. It is the least one can ask for and hope for.

Doug Jennette, Raleigh

Harnett Schools

Regarding “the North Carolina school district no longer requires masks for students” (June 13):

Wearing masks significantly reduces the spread of COVID. Vaccination is the best way to stop the pandemic, but only 28% of people in Harnett County are fully vaccinated, a far cry from herd immunity. With the circulation of the Delta strain more virulent, the outlook for Harnett is bleak.

Residents of Harnett County public schools are particularly threatened by the school board’s recent decision to make face coverings optional for everyone in its summer program, including students.

The virus will spread far beyond this community. As a compatriot from North Carolina, I urge all residents of Harnett County to get vaccinated to save lives.

I ask the Harnett County School Board to reconsider this fatal decision.

Alison Greene, Durham