DJS is in crisis. Where is Moore?

Given the long-simmering issues with the Department of Juvenile Services that have recently become more apparent, is it unreasonable to ask Gov. Wes Moore to take a break from his endless promotion of Kamala Harris and his own national profile? There are plenty of individuals and organizations to carry out the task of trying to elect the Harris-Walz ticket. We need some focus here and now (“Severn teen is arrested in Columbia killing; Howard leader frustrated with DJS,” Oct. 17). The taxpaying citizens of Maryland thank him in advance for his cooperation.

— Robert T. Kean, Canton

Moore needs to take action on DJS

If I were Calvin Ball, I would be in Annapolis at Gov. Wes Moore’s door, demanding the removal of Vincent Schiraldi (“Severn teen is arrested in Columbia killing; Howard leader frustrated with DJS,” Oct. 17). Oh, I’m sorry, the governor is in some other state campaigning.

— Lyle Rescott, Marriottsville

Who is backing the Piedmont Reliability Project?

Landowners, preservationists and local politicians have all expressed disapproval of this project in overwhelming numbers, yet the developer seems to continue on as if it were business as usual (“Baltimore County Council to vote on resolution condemning transmission project,” Oct. 15). Exactly who is backing this effort within Maryland state government to ensure that tech companies have enough voltage to do their AI in Virginia?

— Peter Neus, Hollywood

Rodricks didn’t need to mention Trump in nursing column

It was distressing to read Dan Rodricks’ article on what really is a nursing crisis beyond a shortage of these important health care providers (“Dan Rodricks: Federal agents and Maryland board bust a bogus nurse scheme,” Oct. 17). But with faked degrees, it does make one wonder additionally about how they passed their state licensing exams. That should have been explored more.

But I am aghast at the relevance of mentioning Donald Trump in the column. He has nothing to do with the nursing issue, and it continued a pattern of Rodricks mentioning Trump in nearly every column. Rodricks should do himself a favor and stick to the issues.

— Michael Ernest, Catonsville

Why I’m voting no on Harborplace ballot question

After struggling for weeks with how to vote on Question F, the Harborplace ballot question, I’ve settled — sadly — on no.

I salute David Bramble, the West Baltimore native whose company is seeking to redevelop Harborplace, for the investments he’s already made here and for cheering on his hometown (“Baltimore’s Harborplace ballot question votes will be counted, high court rules,” Oct. 10). And I don’t think my view about the proposed redevelopment has to do with my being white and Mr. Bramble being Black, even though Mayor Brandon Scott has suggested racism as a source of opposition to the plan.

Instead, my doubts have centered on a comparison made by a supporter (“Projects Like MCB’s Reimagined Harborplace Will Jumpstart Baltimore’s Renewal,” Feb. 21). The Bramble/MCB Real Estate project, he wrote, would be a High Line for Baltimore — a signature attraction that would spark massive activity.

A project like New York City’s High Line? In important ways, it is not. The High Line’s tremendous success has much to do with its unexpectedness — an elevated swath of meadow and woods nestled among densely packed buildings. It offers a 1.45-mile walk through a kind of wild garden punctuated by art and a few amenities. It began as a grassroots effort. It fits almost anyone’s idea of a park — a green space for public recreation.

The Bramble proposal, on the other hand, features five new buildings, sharply increasing commercial space and including two very large, luxury high-rise apartment towers that would cast their afternoon shadows over the waterfront. It would use land now dedicated to the public Inner Harbor Park for those buildings and associated parking.

Yes, some attention has been paid to the marine environment of the harbor with floating wetlands and native plants as part of the plan. But from depictions, the overall effect seems much more Harbor East and upscale suburban shopping center than anything that distinguishes Baltimore or makes visitors say, “Special place!”

Despite the hard work put in by Mr. Bramble and others, the plan for the transformation of our public harbor has a long way to go to truly serve our city for the long haul.

— Bess Keller, Baltimore