Be careful what you wish for, Alpena.

Given all the Donald Trump signs in the area, I wonder if the proud owners of those signs realize that their candidate for president wanted to disband the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during his presidency and has his sights on completing his goal if elected again. If in doubt, read Trump’s Project 2025 plan, which explicitly calls for getting rid of NOAA.

Aside from NOAA’s critical role in meteorological forecasting, like for hurricanes, they also conduct oceanic and Great Lakes research. The NOAA shipwreck museum and research lab and collaborative research with state universities, DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Service infuse dollars and intellectual talent into the community. NOAA’s departure from Alpena would be devastating.

Alpena dodged the bullet the last time Trump was in office. It’s almost certain that, given a second chance, he will kill NOAA. Are Trump supporters in Alpena willing to bear that responsibility?

JOSEPH LUKASIEWICZ,

Greenbush