Seattles record-breaking minimum wage and more:Letters to the Editor Jan. 11, 2025

Emerald pay dayAs usual, Seattle’s Democratic leaders have outdone themselves in mandating the minimum wage be $20.76/hour (“Seattle eateries eaten up,” Jan.9).Yes, some people will make more money, but many more will make no money because no day-to-day business will be able to pay such a high hourly wage.Many small businesses will close, more will become unemployed and unemployment benefits will increase.

What is hoped to be gained will be grossly offset by everything that is lost.Edward J.Roell, Hillsdale, NJMetro mathRep.

Mike Lawler says the MTA chose to build Second Avenue subway stations twice as large as needed, adding another $1 billion to the project (“Boss: Just grievance politics,” Jan.8).He’s wrong.

I was one of those engineering consultants involved with station designs of the new line, so I know first-hand he makes a specious claim.How might he know what’s needed, especially given he’s an accounting finance wonk?Each new station was designed to current station emergency and normal conditions guidelines, notably the latest National Fire Protection Association standards that govern pedestrian holding and movement standards, should a fire and smoke condition prevail.If Lawler is comparing these new stations to other substandard stations in the system, he is wrong.

The system’s other 200-plus stations are narrow, dingy and potentially unsafe, having been designed and built over 100 years ago.Steven Scalici, Staten IslandMethadone is OKIn response to your Editorial, “Finally Fix ‘The Hub’ ” (Jan.5).I want to clarify that methadone clinics provide lifesaving treatment — medication, counseling and other services — to people suffering from addiction.

It is damaging to conflate methadone clinics, of which there are eight in the Bronx (not “dozens”) with “drug-fueled depravity.” It perpetuates the shame that prevents many from seeking evidence-based treatment that can save lives.Of the 2.5 million people suffering fr...