Letters to the editor | Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020: Injustice runs rampant in Stanislaus County

What constitutes a crime?

Certainly not driving without a license or insurance — even though violators are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Certainly not theft, drug dealing, or a public wrong by an elected official.

Vagrancy, curfew laws for minors, trespassing and driving under the influence for repeat offenders don’t meet the criteria either. Traffic infractions are not on anyone’s radar. A felon in possession of a firearm doesn’t seem to qualify as a crime unless they are caught in the act of committing another crime, though mandatory background checks seem to be working. Rape may or may not make the grade depending on the DA’s wording of the charges, the make and model of the suspect and how the plea deal goes.

The use of deadly force on a fleeing suspect, even when the backseat of the patrol car is filled with a multitude of alternatives, is not considered a crime. Punishment through training.

We need a new courthouse like a blind man needs a telescope. It seems the only crime in Stanislaus County is the injustice the public has to endure.

Harder seeks common ground

I am proud to have the privilege to work with Congressman Harder. He has always made himself or his staff readily available to discuss any topics, issues or concerns. As congressional liaison for letter carriers in District 10, I have sat down and spoken with Mr. Harder or one of his staff on several occasions to discuss the future viability of the USPS.

Rep. Harder has done a wonderful job of getting out in the district to hear the voices of the Valley by holding 18 public town hall meetings. Additionally, he has assisted families in the Central Valley to the tune of $500,000 paid by the VA, IRS, Medicare and other federal agencies.

But what I like best about Josh is that he doesn’t really play the partisan politics game. He understands that on every issue, there is always common ground. He uses that common ground to get what’s best for the majority of his constituents. That’s why my congressman is a breath of fresh air and exactly the kind of person we need to represent us.

Best Stanislaus judge candidate

I believe that Colleen Van Egmond is uniquely qualified for Superior Court judge. She is an extremely skilled lawyer, very intelligent, well-schooled in the law, and an extremely honest person of great integrity.

Years ago, I witnessed several established and successful older male lawyers request that Colleen manage a large law firm in Stanislaus County. This proved to be a great decision as her management skills have ensured strong financial security. She diligently, compassionately and efficiently manages the firm better than no other while at the same time handling a full-time litigation caseload including trials and arbitrations.

Colleen has proved to be tough, but at the same time fair with compassion. She is decisive, but patient. Colleen has the demeanor we expect of excellent judges. Given my experience as an attorney for over 55 years and in serving as a mediator and arbitrator for the last decade, it is my opinion that Colleen Van Egmond is the most qualified candidate.

“Union only” raises costs

Re “What Modesto voters must know about Prop. 13 on March ballot” (Page 1B, Feb. 16): The Bee is right — there is a fair amount of misinformation, but The Bee contributes to this.

First, the amounts school districts can borrow nearly doubles; this will inevitably raise property taxes in order to pay back the increased bond debt. Second, they conveniently added a “project labor agreement” to the bond, making them “union only,” shutting out 80% of California’s work force. This is discriminatory and will most certainly raise construction costs.

Proposition 13 should get a “no” vote.