The astronaut who calmed me down

Apollo 9 Commander | Oct. 23

I was saddened to read of the passing of astronaut James McDivitt, who commanded the Apollo 9 mission, which was the first test of the lunar module in space. In August 1969, he awarded me a trophy for winning the National Safe Driving Championship (girl division) outside Detroit. I was so overcome at the moment that I burst into tears and Col. McDivitt was tasked with calming and soothing a 17-year-old’s emotions. I’ll never forget his kindness.

Deborah Jones Williams, Brandon

I love the SunRunner

SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first rapid transit system, makes history | Oct. 20

After reading PSTA CEO Brad Miller’s column, I decided to try Tampa Bay’s newest public transit option. Superb! Well-designed stations inform riders of the next SunRunner’s time-of-arrival. The buses are a lively blue-and-yellow, with “Mr. Sun” grinning on the exterior. The bus’ spacious interior has charging stations, discrete security cameras, clever bike racks and a video info board with the weather and the times to the next two stops. (Adding a system map would help.) SunRunner is comfortable, quiet and quick. I gloated at the traffic. So long, suckers! While there are arguments for and against Bus Rapid Transit, there is no faster way to motor from “Beach to ‘Burg.” SunRunner will be a catalyst for growth and perhaps even beloved.

Claude Walker, St. Pete Beach

Thank you, judge

Ruling voids voter’s arrest | Oct. 22

Thank God for a little sanity with Judge Milton Hirsch’s decision to void the arrest of one of the so-called felon voters. I believe that the will of the people to restore felons’ voting rights by passing a constitutional amendment has been twisted by the partisan Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis to conform to their will. A confusing voter registration system and a very convoluted rationalization of their authority by the Office of Statewide Prosecutor gave DeSantis great fodder for his party zealots, while trying desperately to find any sign of voter abuse this side of The Villages. Bravo, Judge Hirsch. I am looking forward to all of these bogus arrests being tossed soon.

Jack Parrish, Tampa