Letters – John Creuzot, Tiger Woods, Commercial Property Taxes, Chick-Fil-A, Eric Johnson

Hike taxes but release criminals?Re: "Balance Reform With Risk — If DA doesn't prosecute petty criminals, will they resort to greater crimes?" Sunday Editorials. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot plans to reduce bail, prison and probation for lesser offenses. I applaud dismissing charges for a victimless crime like marijuana, but how is it a good idea not to prosecute real crimes like criminal trespass and theft?Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings is lobbying the Legislature to allow a huge property tax hike to hire more police. I don't see the point of arresting criminals just for the DA to release them. Taxpayers will soon need that money for security systems and weapons of self defense.Ken Ashby, DallasCreuzot is on the cutting edgeRe: "DA to ease up on minor offenders — Goal is to move away from 'criminalizing poverty,' Creuzot says," Friday news story.Anyone who cares about fixing our broken criminal justice system should be applauding Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot's far-reaching and ambitious plan for reform. For too long, existing policies on bail, probation, fines and fees have done more to target the poor rather than protect public safety. This issue goes beyond courts and jails: Criminalization of poverty results in deep-seated problems in education, health care, housing stability and more.By refocusing efforts on violent crimes and being judicious in exercising the authority of his office, Creuzot sets Dallas on the right path to ending an unjust and costly culture of mass incarceration. Dallasites should be proud to see their district attorney working to make their county a better place to live and helping to keep their state on the cutting edge of criminal justice reform.James Cadogan, Washington, D.C., vice president of Criminal Justice, Arnold VenturesLegalizing theft and moreRe: "Abbott is critical of DA's new guidelines — He tweets that Creuzot's policy would lead to 'wealth distribution by theft,'" Tuesday Metro & Business story.So John Creuzot has pretty much legalized theft of personal items of less than $750 in value and essentially OK'd everyone driving without a license by declining to prosecute those breaking laws against those crimes. At least that helps solve the long lines for driver's licenses. Why get one? If you need an ID, just apply for a Texas Identification Card instead and drive anywhere you want in Dallas County.Larry Spradling, North Richland HillsSave your strengthThe next time the Dallas Morning News Editorial Board wants to wax philosophically about why no businesses will open stores in South Dallas, save your remaining dignity and don't insult our intelligence. Rather, call the district attorney. Doh!Biff Loeder, Dallas/Medical DistrictYep, a comeback for the agesBack in September after Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship in Atlanta, I wrote, "With all due respect to Woods, only 30 golfers teed it up last week. Only when Woods wins a tournament that has a full field of 125 will it be a comeback for the ages." Well, the other day the field was less than 125, but it was the Masters. Welcome back, Mr. Woods, and congratulations on your "comeback for the ages."Jeff Foster, CarrolltonCommercial property valueRe: "Coalition: Owners don't pay 'fair share' — Activists say schools, governments suffer because of reductions," Tuesday Metro & Business story.A few months ago, The Dallas Morning News published an article about the sale of the AT&T tower. The business writers at The News speculated that it sold for $250 million. (Commercial properties are not required by law to disclose sale prices unlike residential properties.) I checked the appraised value on Dallascad.org. It is valued at a little over $20 million.Knowing that the Legislature was planning on passing tax reform, I emailed my state senator with the information I had obtained. He replied in a letter that commercial property value is based on other criteria than simple sale price. I wasn't aware of thatBarbara King, DallasLet the customer chooseRe: "As city eyes reversal, others debate airport Chick-Fil-A's," Saturday Metro & Business section.Let me see, San Antonio and other cities and airports have decided to rethink their decision to exclude Chick-Fil-A from doing business. Our elected or appointed officials were not put there to determine on my behalf whom I can or cannot do business with. Their job is to provide a safe, pro-growth business atmosphere. The consumer will determine whether or not that business stays open. Don't believe in their work ethic? Don't do business with them and they will close. Simple! You need to quit with all of the "We know what's best for you" mentality and let business take care of itself.John Eggen, WilmerGood call on District 14Re: "We Recommend — Blewett for Dallas City Council, District 14," Monday Editorials.I don't generally agree with The Dallas Morning News' political philosophy, but you nailed it on your District 14 recommendation. Enough of the incumbent.Greg Tomlinson, Dallas/Turtle CreekJohnson would be a great mayorI support State Rep. Eric Johnson for mayor because I know he can be a transformational leader.The son of a former Dallas police officer, Johnson is a product of the very best of this community — great schools, his church, the Boys & Girls Clubs and many individuals who encouraged him to reach his full potential. But this Dallas native is not a city insider who belongs to one faction or another. He is not beholden to the usual way of doing business at City Hall and he has never been afraid to take on entrenched interests. He listens to all viewpoints while always staying true to his principles.Johnson is a uniquely qualified to be mayor at this time. His rise from modest circumstances in Dallas is inspiring; his record is accomplished; his style is unifying; and his expertise is unrivaled. I've seen the impact that great leaders can have in this city. Eric Johnson is a great leader for Dallas.Mary Poss, Dallas, former Dallas acting mayor, mayor pro-tem and City Council member Nowitzki for mayorNow that Dirk Nowitzki has retired, why doesn't he run for mayor of Dallas? He would be perfect and loved by all.Ruth Pack, Dallas  Continue reading...