TNT letters: Slowing growth in Proctor, Ruston; rethinking policing; perils of homeschooling
Police use of force
In the wake of recent increases of police brutality, and the subsequent rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, it is time that we take a different approach to community safety. Although many believe these instances are a matter of a few bad apples, it is important to unveil the systemic nature of these abuses of power.
Due to the historically racist roots of the American police department, and our other socially constructed institutions, we have an internalized bias: whether explicit or implicit. As recent studies have shown, these biases have translated into disproportionate rates of force used on people of color. In order to combat this, and work towards real change, we must shift the focus to healing and transformation.
Attempting to improve current police functions will only widen the societal divide; instead we should implement a new system. Restorative justice works to address harms caused and emphasizes healing through conversation, inclusion, mutual understanding and respect, and, perhaps most importantly, accountability.
Creating a safe and productive space for community members and police to share their stories would open the door for genuine accountability to be taken, which would enable individual healing and the reparation and transformation of our communities.
Rebecca Pacheco, Tacoma
Home schooling
Re: “Tacoma schools considers replacing snow days with remote learning” (TNT, 11/11/2021)
Can we all now agree that home schooling your child is the same as what all parents were forced to do with less than stellar results last school year? There is more to school than the three R’s. It is learning from others. It is learning social skills, such as how to get along with others and how to handle peer pressure. It is learning how to deal with authority figures other than your parents. In short, it’s about learning how to live and learn and survive in society. And, oh yeah, students also learn history, literature, social studies, math and science, too.
John Whitmore, Gig Harbor
Developer tax breaks
Re: “Tacoma’s tax breaks for apartment developers get a makeover” (TNT, 11/11/2021)
As reported by The News Tribune,, the Tacoma city council recently approved changes to the multifamily tax exemption incentive. This MFTE program incentivizes the construction of multifamily housing, which has in part contributed to the rapid development of Ruston and Proctor. Part of the newly approved changes is an elimination of an eight-year MFTE for “high opportunity” areas, which currently includes Ruston and Proctor. I commend council members Hines, Hunter, Thoms, and Walker for their support of the changes, as I am concerned with the rapid development in these “high opportunity” areas.
Just recently construction has begun on another large apartment building in Proctor, and Ruston has changed dramatically with the construction of the point Ruston complex. These developments have their benefits, but there are certainly downsides as well, such as increased traffic congestion, parking scarcity, and a high cost of living.
These developers certainly do not need tax incentives when they are clearly doing so well. I hope these new municipal code changes can combat this issue effectively, and I am glad to see it’s an issue our council members want to address.
Calvin Christoph, Tacoma