Letters for Aug. 13: Gov. Glenn Youngkin needs to show children respect

Names are very important. They identify us. We identify with them.

Many of us have a preferred nickname, just look at the obituaries. No matter what the age, we all like to be called with the name we identify with or prefer. Are children or young adults any different from us? Teachers help emphasize correct behavior: please, thank you, Mrs.

this and Mr. that. And in return teachers address the students respectfully (as they do to their parents).

Why should it matter if “biological Sally” wants to be addressed as “James”? Respect denotes that we give them the same courtesy that we give anyone else and address them as they wish. It is not a teacher’s job to monitor the sexual preference of their students (or their parents). Why then all this hullabaloo about needing parents’ permission to call a student by their requested name? Let’s show our children some respect, Gov.

Glenn Youngkin, and just let our teachers teach. As a conservative and the state director of Conservatives for Clean Energy, Virginia, I am concerned about rising energy costs and proposed energy policies that would jeopardize jobs, reduce our energy choices, and increase costs for everything from gas to groceries. Clean energy represents a great opportunity to embrace innovation and spur economic growth.

To that end, our team recently had the opportunity to visit Washington during the annual fly-in hosted by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions and the Conservative Energy Network to share my perspective on the changing energy landscape. Together, more than 50 clean energy advocates from across the country spoke with Republicans for policies to increase American energy production, reduce global emissions and support the U. S.

economy. We all want to protect our environment, and conservative leaders in states and districts across the country are embracing new clean energy technologies. Rep.

Jen Kiggans is working to advance common sense energy policy solutions. As a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus and House Natural Resources Committee, she plays an integral role in promoting American clean energy like solar and offshore wind. She understands that clean energy plays a vital role in not just our economic security, but our national security as well.

Congress needs to continue its focus on fostering clean energy solutions. We can develop American-made energy, promote innovation, lower energy prices and be responsible stewards of our environment. Kiggans understands the important role of clean energy in our nation’s future, and I trust that she will continue to work hard to advance balanced solutions that put the interests of Americans first.

Throughout Hampton Roads, there are pockets in many communities where residents lack access to a reliable source of health care, and many individuals and families face food insecurity. In fact, according to 2018 data, more than 1 in 10 households in Hampton Roads struggled with food insecurity. Berkley, in Norfolk, is a community where both of these issues are prevalent.

I know firsthand as both a resident of Berkley and also as the outreach coordinator for Bountiful Blessings food pantry. We work throughout the region to distribute healthy, nutritious food and promote healthy eating. This is increasingly difficult when communities don’t have easy access to resources.

Up until a few years ago, Berkley was considered a food desert, without a place to access fresh produce and groceries. In 2021, the Berkley Supermarket opened, beginning to reverse this course. However, more must be done to get Berkley on a better, more sustainable path.

One recent initiative that has started to make a real difference in the community is a stand-alone health clinic operated by Sentara Healthcare. Located on the ground floor of The Banks at Berkley, the clinic offers comprehensive health services and several programs aimed at addressing food insecurity. This includes providing food and nutrition security assistance, and cooking and health education services.

Importantly, Sentara has made it a point to not turn any patients away from its clinic, even if they are unable to pay. Props to Sentara, and here’s hoping more organizations will begin to see the value in investing in communities like Berkley. Re “ ” (Your Views, Aug.

4): Oorah Col. James M. Pendergast for writing, “Virginia Beach’s rejection of Trails of Purpose’s application for a conditional use permit to provide mental health rehab for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder is the height of absurdity and hypocrisy on the part of the mayor and City Council.

” Shame on the mayor and the council. I’m a retired Navy captain and former hospital corpsman who saw the horrors of war close up. I want to thank ADA Coordinator Raymond Mattes with the city of Virginia Beach and the director of the city’s Public Works Department.

After numerous phone calls and several letters requesting Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks on Donation Drive, the work started on Aug. 3 will probably be completed in the near future. Thanks to the personnel who made this possible.

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