Letters: Lawmakers should keep their noses out of railroad sale

Ohio lawmakers should keep their nose out of the business of Cincinnati selling its railroad to Norfolk Southern for $1.6 billion. If the sale went through, Cincinnati could invest the money at 5% and get $60 million per year without touching the principal. That's more than twice the amount of rent they are receiving now ($25 million per year).

There is also another benefit. If Norfolk Southern had an accident causing injuries, it is common knowledge that the injured sue everyone in sight. That's the "deep pocket" theory, and Cincinnati would have to defend themselves, causing legal expenses and maybe other expenses. Come on and get it sold!

Chuck Deuser, Cold Spring

North College Hill Schools in survival mode

I found the front-page feature on North College Hill Schools both heartbreaking and heartwarming. When I first heard NCH was going to a four-day school week, I thought here goes yet another cure-all strategy, the district spouting platitudes such as academic excellence, college readiness and a model educational strategy.

Here, the district seems to be in practical survival mode. The superintendent, Eugene Blalock, is just trying to help and save his teachers who are exhausted and losing their plan bells due to a lack of substitutes. Mondays off will give teachers time to prepare adequately for the week ahead. Mr. Blalock’s comments showed a genuine concern and support for teachers and students.

This story contrasts sharply to the Cincinnati Public Schools feature that appeared a few days later. It seems its superintendent, Iranetta Wright, is on an ego trip and hasn’t a clue how to put the input and welfare of her administrators and teachers into her formula for success.

Linda Ball, White Oak

Xavier president has waded into troublesome waters

Xavier President Colleen Hanycz waded into troublesome waters when she invited Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters to campus. I thought being a first-time judge was a demanding, full-time job, especially with Ohio's complex docket. In addition to his record of supporting the death penalty (even with a firing squad) in contrast to Jesuit values and the right to life, he is running for election in 2024. Will XU invite his opponents to campus as well, to provide a "marketplace of ideas?"

I challenge President Hanycz to also invite UC Law School's Innocence Project to XU to report on their work to release 40 wrongly convicted, innocent persons who collectively served more than 700 years behind bars in Ohio.As a UC Law School grad, Justice Deters may welcome them.

Ellen Frankenberg, Springfield Township

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Letters: Lawmakers should keep their noses out of railroad sale