Perman: University System of Maryland will lower costs

We know that the state of Maryland faces a challenging financial outlook in the coming year and the University System of Maryland is prepared to do its part (“Moore’s budget: Tax overhaul includes cuts and increases for Marylanders,” Jan. 15).

The USM is committed to reducing costs across our universities while still offering the same high-quality, affordable education that Marylanders expect from us. Creating value and innovation for our state has always been a top priority and that won’t change with this coming budget cycle.

Our economy depends on the strength of an educated workforce that can create the path to our future and leave no one behind. We appreciate Gov. Wes Moore’s investment in our world-class universities and remain steadfast in our mission to make a college degree accessible to everyone in Maryland who wants one.

We support Governor Moore’s budget proposal and look forward to working with his administration for the good of Maryland.

— Jay A. Perman, M.D., Baltimore

The writer is chancellor of the University System of Maryland.

Baltimore Sun columnist had some serious skills

It is a rare combination — a keen eye for observation, curiosity for how and what makes things work, a strong sense of justice and the voice to call out, the determination and grit to chase down the details, a wry humor of our human idiosyncrasies and an artist’s gift of creative presentation in word and deed — that make me miss the columns by Dan Rodricks already.

Thanks, Dan, for sharing so much with so many for so long (“Dan’s decency, humility will be missed most of all,” Jan. 14).

— Gina DeLeonardis, Windsor Mill

The unclear line between abortion and child murder

It was interesting to read the article about the tragic murder of the pregnant woman by her boyfriend (“Man pleads guilty to fatally shooting 19-year-old pregnant girlfriend in North Baltimore,” Jan. 13). The case concluded with a guilty plea for her murder only. Yet Baltimore States Attorney Ivan Bates proclaimed that “justice is served for both Ms. [Jaymyra] Burrell and her unborn child.”

This, of course, raises a number of questions. Were double murder charges brought, but the charges for murdering the child dropped as part of the plea bargain? Or was her pregnancy not yet “viable” and therefore Maryland law could not be used to bring a second murder charge? In any case, a Maryland law enforcement official seems to acknowledge this unborn child was a life with rights that deserve protection.

How ironic that our new state constitutional amendment, as well as current law before the amendment, would allow any woman or doctor to snuff out this life under the guise of reproductive freedom. This is another illustration of the need for us to step back and seriously consider the question of when does life begin when we decide on both abortion policy, as well as criminal law. Science and our human nature that grieves for the loss of this unborn child supports the notion that unborn children are just that — children.

— L. G. Connor, Ellicott City

Sun should give that naturalist a contract

More engaging and enlightening Maryland nature writing from Master Naturalist Carl R. Gold, please (“Appreciating Baltimore’s ancient trees in Cylburn Arboretum,” Jan. 13)!

— Clinton Macsherry, Ocean City