Mosby should not be entrusted with state gaming

As a concerned citizen of Maryland, I am writing to express my apprehension regarding the potential appointment of Nick Mosby to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission (“Gov. Wes Moore nominates Nick Mosby to Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission,” Feb. 25). While I understand the complexities involved in making such appointments, I urge the authorities to reconsider the implications of appointing former Baltimore City Council President Mosby to this esteemed position.

The role of the state Lottery and Gaming Commission is crucial in overseeing the regulation and integrity of gaming activities and ensuring public trust and confidence in the system. However, Mosby’s recent history raises serious concerns about his suitability for this role. It is well-documented that he was taken to court for failing to pay his taxes, an issue that fundamentally undermines the trust required for a position involving oversight of significant financial operations. This lapse in financial responsibility could erode public confidence in the commission’s ability to manage lottery and gaming affairs with the highest standards of accountability and integrity.

Furthermore, the mismanagement of the finances of his ex-wife, former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, adds another layer of doubt regarding his financial prudence and judgment. A position on the commission demands the utmost integrity, transparency, and financial acumen. Appointing an individual with a track record of financial mismanagement could potentially jeopardize the credibility of the commission and, by extension, the trust that the citizens of Maryland place in our state institutions.

In light of these considerations, I respectfully request that alternative candidates be examined who embody the qualities of integrity, responsibility and fiscal management essential for this role. There are undoubtedly many qualified individuals who possess the skills and ethical standards necessary to serve our state effectively and honorably.

Gov. Wes Moore’s supposed commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Maryland’s citizens is well publicized in the media and it is in this spirit that I appeal to the authorities. Let us ensure that individuals appointed to positions of public trust reflect the values and principles we hold dear.

— Dennis Betzel, Baltimore

Why can’t Van Hollen and others condemn Hamas?

I stand with Bobby Zirkin (“Where’s the outrage over Hamas’ murder of hostages?” Feb. 24). The former state senator’s forceful calling out of the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas and the lack of response by our congressional delegation should open our eyes and disgust us.

Zirkin is right on target in calling out U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen whose stances on most issues baffles me. I am given to wonder how Van Hollen was elected.

— William T. Define, Lutherville

Trump continues to turn his back on Black Americans

In a recent column, (“Armstrong Williams: Trump hosts Black History Month reception at the White House,” Feb. 21), Armstrong Williams paints a very rosy picture of President Donald Trump’s efforts on behalf of Blacks, but the reality is clearly different. Trump boasts that he has done more for Blacks than any president other than Abraham Lincoln, but other than support for historically Black colleges and universities, there is little to back up this claim.

Trump has opposed renewal of the Voting Rights Act and has continued to support restrictions to voting access which will disproportionately impact Black voters. When looking at take home pay adjusted for inflation and rates of unemployment and home ownership, Blacks did better under President Joe Biden than under the first Trump administration. Trump’s recent elimination of federal diversity initiatives will certainly have a negative impact on Blacks in the federal workforce.

For years, Trump has trafficked in race-based stereotypes of Blacks beginning with his denial that Barack Obama was a U.S. citizen. His administration is now sending out mixed messages as to whether federal agencies will continue to support Black History Month activities. Even on the day of the Black History Month reception at the White House, Trump took the occasion to summarily fire General Charles Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, not based on his lack of qualification but apparently because he represented diversity in the military.

Trump did see an increase in support from Black males in the last election, but fortunately, 85% of Black voters were not buying what Trump was selling and voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.

— Beryl Rosenstein, Pikesville