Brown’s visit a sign we’re on right path

It was nice to see Gov. Jerry Brown come to Modesto this week to promote passage of Proposition 1, the California Water Bond.

It was even nicer to see the array of politicians who gathered there with him. That both Republicans and Democrats were front-and-center was downright symbolic of what our state is becoming: a pragmatic, can-do state striving to get past purely partisan politics. That the Valley is the template for this approach doesn’t surprise us.

That’s not to say Democrats and Republicans should always sing from the same hymnal. Not by any means. Perhaps the only redeeming aspect of our too-often contentious two-party system is that each side holds the other accountable. It’s an important function of democracy. But it can go too far. That’s what we see in Washington, D.C., where each party tries to paint the other as incompetent (when they’re being kindest), dishonest (when they get warmed up) or downright traitorous. And nothing gets done.

Those same opportunities exist here in California. This year, the Legislature was wracked with improprieties, from a senator accused of working with gun-runners to another being investigated by the FBI. If opposing politicians are zeroing on these targets, they’re keeping it local and not blaming the entire Democratic Party. That’s appropriate.

By concentrating on the tasks at hand, we’ve been able to get things done – especially when the parties work together. Highlighting those efforts, after all, was the purpose of Brown’s visit. Joining him in lauding the water bond were Republicans Jake Wenger from Modesto Irrigation District and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, who will chair the Republican Assembly caucus, along with Democrats Adam Gray and Cathleen Galgiani. Senators Tom Berryhill and Anthony Cannella weren’t on hand, but they were instrumental in getting the bond to the ballot, too, and both are working to promote its passage.

It was good to see them work together to promote it.

Salute to veterans and Honor Flights

We’ve enjoyed the stories about the World War II veterans – men and women – being honored by the Central Valley Honor Flights. Knowing that these defenders of freedom feel appreciated is worth whatever it costs to get them back there. So we tip our hats to Foster Farms, which helped cover a significant portion of the $1,500 cost for each veteran. It was a noble gesture. And we were touched by the comment of veteran Kenneth Lowe who, after being applauded by visitors also viewing the World War II Memorial, said “I didn’t expect all this.” Unexpected perhaps; but well deserved.

Glad city saw the light

We approve of the Modesto City Council’s decision to give the contract to replace 9,500 Modesto city streetlights to Tanko Lighting of San Francisco. Yes, it’s a bright move (no, we could not resist the pun). First, they city will save $2 million on replacing the hardware and bulbs, going to LED fixtures instead of the more expensive high-pressure sodium lights. Then the city will save roughly $568,000 a year in energy costs because LED lights use so much less electricity. Smart move on both fronts. But Tanko is noted for reusing street lights, thus “reducing the waste stream” from old street lights, according to the company’s website. And that’s a good idea, too. So far, Tanko has replaced 150,000 street lights in cities, mainly in California but as far away as Massachusetts. So Modesto’s project is not small, but the company knows the drill.

This story was originally published October 31, 2014 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Brown’s visit a sign we’re on right path."