Don’t expand light rail until you fix existing system

With all the talk of expanding the light rail system, my thoughts would be that maybe it would be best served to get the light rail system that you currently have working better (“Maryland faces challenging road ahead on transportation,” Sept. 15).

We often take the light rail for sports, concerts and many other events held in the city. We have found that it doesn’t run even close to the schedule posted online. The Maryland Transit Administration does not take into consideration what events are going on that particular day or weekend and plan accordingly knowing more people will need to use the system. We have waited 45 minutes to get from Cromwell Station into the city and just as long to get out. No MTA employees are around to explain why it’s taking so long.

With multiple events or even a sold-out sporting event, there are never enough train cars to accommodate the number of people who will utilize the system. Safety is also an issue when only one or two cars show up to pick up a large number of people. People pack onto an already crowded train because they know if they do not get on this one, they don’t know when the next one will come along because the trains do not stick to a schedule.

If one of these trains were to be involved in an accident, there would surely be mass casualties with people standing in the aisles, sitting and standing on the steps. So, please, let’s consider fixing what you have and making this work for the people using it before you expand it and have the same issues but just in a different location.

— Linda Scott, Glen Burnie

Let’s not forget Ravens play a children’s game

I love seeing the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Commanders, even the Dallas Cowboys win. But watching individual or small group celebrations by players for doing what they are paid to do? Makes me realize professional sports are just entertainment like a film or a concert. Children’s games (“Ravens’ defense played ‘lights-out’ in prime-time blowout against the Bills,” Sept. 30).

War, the environment, public safety, education, medicine — these are adult concerns, and, in the case of war, we ask boys and girls, many not old enough to buy alcohol, to lead the charge. Yet our heroes are these athletes getting paid 100 times what someone in military service makes. America’s priorities are lopsided.

— Brian Muldoon, Laurel

President Harris won’t force abortions on anyone

I have good news for Ed Whitesell of Arbutus, the author of the recent letter to the editor, “Can Harris be a president to Americans who oppose abortion?” (Sept. 28).

Yes! With Vice President Kamala Harris as president, everyone can follow their beliefs. That’s truly fair — and very American. With a pro-abortion rights position, everyone can be accommodated. Those who need an abortion will be able to do so.

And, Ed, you do not have to get an abortion if you are opposed. Personal decisions are made by each American. This means respecting everyone’s beliefs.

— Susan Goodman, Towson

What fuels Harborplace opposition? Building height and character

I am writing in response to the recent commentary, “The time is now to transform neglected Inner Harbor” (Sept. 29). It seems the authors misunderstand the position of those opposing the MCB Real Estate plan. Personally, my concern isn’t with redevelopment itself — it’s long overdue. However, the core issue lies in the proposal to rewrite the city charter to lift height restrictions for apartment towers and parking structures.

This fundamental change raises valid concerns about the impact on our community’s character and infrastructure. It’s frustrating to see proponents divert attention from this critical point, creating a smokescreen that obscures the real opposition. We must focus on preserving the integrity of our city while addressing the need for thoughtful development. Let’s keep the conversation focused on these essential issues.

— Kim Quinn, Baltimore

Can Alsobrooks handle the Senate?

I’m willing to accept that Angela Alsobrooks was unaware of the property tax issues associated with properties she owns in Maryland and Washington, D.C. But she has a college education to include tax laws. She’s a licensed attorney in both Maryland and D.C. She has been a Maryland state’s attorney. She is the current county executive in a Maryland county and is responsible for the administration of Maryland and county tax laws. And she signed her tax return each of the multiple years involved.

The concern is if she has this background, knowledge and responsibility, isn’t she responsible for how she files her tax returns? If she can’t handle this, how will she handle issues facing a United States senator?

— Richard T. Webb, Parkton