The impact of Mort Meyerson
Re: “A symphony’s closing notes — Meyerson, who orchestrated industry’s rise, content to watch from wings,“ by Sarah Hepola, Tuesday High Profile.
For years I’ve considered anything written by Cheryl Hall or Dave Lieber to be must-read. It’s now evident that Sarah Hepola has ed that esteemed cohort.
Her profile of Mort Meyerson was fascinating. While it’s sad to learn of Meyerson’s failing health, Hepola told the story with incredible sensitivity, while also documenting that his impact on our community goes well beyond our world-renowned concert hall, which bears his name.
Excellent storytelling.
Todd Whitthorne, Coppell
Wanted: More cowboys
Mort Meyerson has a wonderful business mind and talent, and when Meyerson laments today’s billionaire class, I agree.
We don’t have any cowboys anymore — those that follow their own path; grow their idea, product or service; stand in front of what they’re offering; and see the customers love them for their independent, honorable and strong personalities.
I miss Ross Perot, Herb Kelleher, Texas oilmen and the original Mark Cuban. These men couldn’t care less about media opinion. Nothing was going to stop them and their goals for success, philanthropy, good deeds, customer service and product growth.
Today, the would-be business cowboys are corralled. They are corporatized, afraid to opine on anything for fear of hurting business or personal reputations. We need examples of entrepreneurs, leaders and people to look up to. These risk-takers are needed in America.
Here’s to Mort Meyerson! He was not a yes-man, and he often suggested the right fork in the road for Ross Perot and his EDS posse to take.
Jim Hairston, Dallas
Alleyway impediments
I would like to inform you of an issue in the alley behind my house and other alleys in the city. There are bumps and potholes in the alley, and this could be potentially dangerous for cars as well as trash and recycling trucks. Some tax dollars should go toward smoother alleyways and roads for citizens of Dallas to drive on.
Although I am only 13, I can tell this is clearly an issue in our city.
Bond Doyon, North Dallas
ing dollar night
Re: “Gemini Drive-In’s delights: Bikers, cops and roller skates,” Monday news story.
The story about the Gemini took me back. Back in the mid-1950s, there was a drive-in theater in Grand Prairie called the Downs. We were in high school, and we looked forward to dollar night. We would cram the car full, and once we got to our parking spot, everyone would pile out and run for the metal lawn chairs arranged behind the snack stand. There we would eat our popcorn, drink our sodas and watch the movie.
On other occasions, when regular prices were in force, the unscrupulous among us were known to secrete engers in the car trunk with firm instructions to stay quiet while the visible engers were paying. Money was never an abundant commodity in those days.
There were a lot of good things about the old days, and one of them was the drive-in theater.
J.R. Krystinik, Dallas/Preston Hollow
Paxton candidacy concerning
Re: “Early polls show Paxton pulling ahead,” Monday news story.
Regarding the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, polls show Attorney General Ken Paxton to be ahead of incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. In my view, it will be a disaster for Republicans if Paxton wins this primary.
Cornyn has been a consistent, levelheaded voice in the U.S. Senate for many years and knows how our national government works. Paxton has had many adverse issues arise in his past and has always taken a far-right position. In May 2023, the Texas House impeached Paxton. After evidence was presented that Austin developer Nate Paul bribed Paxton and facilitated Paxton’s alleged extramarital affair by creating a fake Uber , the Texas Senate acquitted Paxton.
If Paxton wins this primary, all of his issues will be emphasized in the general election, making the Democrats the likely winner.
Thomas Howell, Dallas/Lake Highlands
Tax credits for solar s
When we retired, we chose to invest in our home rather than watch energy bills climb with the summer Texas heat. Solar s made financial sense — a 15-year payback despite reasonable Texas rates.
The 30% federal tax credit made our $25,000 investment possible. Our summer bills are about $200. Without solar, they would hit $400-$450. Those savings will help fund our family reunion in California.
We planned heat pump upgrades this year using the Energy Department Section 25c federal credits and state rebates. A dozen states have implemented the rebates, but Texas has dragged its feet. Now, Congress is threatening federal incentives entirely. Texas offers us no state incentives. Our provider increasingly discourages rooftop solar. Federal credits are our only energy-independence , helping retirees invest in energy-saving upgrades without depleting retirement s.
That’s why the U.S. House proposal to eliminate these credits after 2025 is so frustrating. The credits and rebates reward investment and help families manage fixed budgets. Even if the House won’t, Sen. John Cornyn should defend commonsense policies like these credits.
Chuck Hendrickson, Flower Mound
Two bills, different approaches
Re: “$338B spending package wins age,” Sunday news story.
The property tax relief bill was ed by both houses of the Texas Legislature and now must be approved by the voters.
Meanwhile, the bill for school vouchers has been jammed down our throats. Are the vouchers constitutional? Why didn’t Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick let the voters decide the vouchers’ fate?
I guess the Duncanville Independent School District is no longer considered as strong as it was when Gov. Greg Abbott went through the system. Maybe public education should be placed in the forefront and not treated like a stepchild.
Dan Schimek, Arlington