Election should not slow offshore wind development

A recent article suggested that a second Donald Trump administration may lead to a halt of offshore wind development in Maryland (“What a second Trump term could mean for Maryland’s environmental priorities,” Nov. 10). This would be an enormous setback for Maryland which is poised to become a leader in the emerging offshore wind manufacturing field.

U.S. Wind, which is developing an offshore wind project well off the Ocean City coast, has committed to supporting two manufacturing entities in eastern Baltimore County which will rejuvenate the steel industry on the site of the old Bethlehem Steel plant. Hundreds of full-time jobs will be created to build turbines for the Maryland offshore project as well as for projects being planned in other states.

Construction firms like mine will also benefit from Maryland offshore wind with hundreds of well-paid construction workers needed. If the Maryland project is delayed, those jobs could be at risk and we’ll lose the opportunity to be a key player in a fast-growing industry.

After years of planning, the U.S. Wind project has received federal approval, and construction can begin by 2026. The clean energy economy is growing fast and we must ensure Maryland takes advantage of the jobs and economic development it will bring. Now is not the time to reverse course on offshore wind.

— Teaera Strum, Baltimore

The writer is CEO of Strum Contracting Co.

Colleges are wise to worry about election stress

Stress has always been connected with elections. However, this time stress is related less to the results of the presidential election and more to challenges posed to the American character (“Are colleges’ responses to post-election stress healthy or harmful?” Nov. 14).

What do the results say about who we are? What we believe, our ideals and values? Here, presidential character, our national, international character, has been exposed and challenged. The words, actions, outcomes, associated with the election — including demonizing, accusing, distorting, humiliating — require colleges to actively, intentionally engage and enable students and others to look beyond the superficial election outcome.

Yes, this presidential election has created undue, unprecedented stress. Is it unhealthy to wrestle with questions of who we are or is this what America stands for? I think not. Thank you, colleges, for being concerned about our health.

— Michael Jothen, Phoenix

Trump appointments will mostly create chaos

Donald Trump has accomplished his goal of selecting cabinet appointees who meet the three requirements he needs: ignorance, incompetence and inability (“Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations,” Nov. 14).

The function of the government, the economy and national security will be diminished and place the country in a state of increasing chaos. The turmoil will ensue immediately. I fear for the health of and safety of my children and grandchildren.

— Herschel Budlow, Lutherville

Yara Cheikh should serve as interim county executive

A recent editorial in The Baltimore Sun captured the unsavory side of the Baltimore County Council (“Put public interest first in Baltimore County leadership decisions,” Nov. 8). The focus should, indeed, be in hiring the best person for the job of interim county executive. The best person for the job has expressed her interest. That is Yara Cheikh.

Cheikh is a tireless citizen servant. She is known and respected across county communities and by members of the County Council. She has advocated for education, especially capital improvement in aging schools. She is on the board of directors of the Baltimore County Public Library. The schools and libraries constitute 60% of the county budget and Cheikh is very familiar with the budget process. She also understands and has worked on the adequate facilities issues.

She has worked across party lines. A smart business woman, she possesses a skill set that will easily scale to oversee the county departments. Most importantly, Cheikh has vision sorely lacking in Baltimore County.

Ms. Cheikh has no political aspirations and that should allay the fears of those aspiring to run for county executive in 2026. The Baltimore County Council can assure residents that it has our best interests at heart by appointing Yara Cheikh as interim Baltimore County executive.

— Patty Nicholls, Loch Hill

ttWhich version of Trump is America getting?

There are two sides to Donald J. Trump. One side of him wants his second presidency to shore up foreign relations such as with Kim Jung Un of North Korea, aka “Rocket Man,” and address the border conundrum among myriad issues (“Donald Trump’s pivotal moment of leadership,” Nov. 10).

The uglier side of Trump is that he is a narcissist as well as a megalomaniac. That can be a toxic cocktail. He obviously thrives on the white hot spotlight and wants to take accountability for everything positive in his administration.

As Tom Petty sang, “The waiting is the hardest part.” We Americans wait with baited breath as to which path Trump will choose to lead our great nation.

— Patrick R. Lynch, Towson