Letters to the editor | Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Why can’t Modesto leave Wood Colony alone?
Wood Colony can’t determine own fate
A lie doesn’t become the truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become good just because it is accepted by the majority. However, in voting the majority wins. Mayor Brandvold and the Modesto City Council may ask the citizens of Modesto to vote in November concerning an urban limit line. What is rarely ever mentioned is that those most affected are not allowed to vote concerning their own fate.
The new proposed ULL will not protect 1,164 acres of prime Wood Colony land. This is land that the mayor intends to use for a business park. Wood Colony is primarily composed of farm people. Many have been here for generations and don’t want the city moving west of Highway 99, where they call home. Wood Colony residents are big supporters of Modesto. We eat at Modesto restaurants, go to Modesto doctors, support Modesto schools and have Modesto addresses. But we cannot vote with Modesto concerning our own land.
I don’t think this is at all right, but that is not why I am writing. My goal, for those who can vote concerning this, is to learn the issues and support the residents and farmers in Wood Colony.
William Heinrich, Modesto
Just leave Wood Colony alone
Since 1995 the fate of Wood Colony has swayed in the wind. We who live out here on our properties are generally in favor of nondevelopment. The three landowners who wrote in promote the premise that they are protecting the vast portion of Wood Colony but that is not true. The MAC boundary was for future generations to have a say in our extended community. But the original Wood Tract Area was much smaller in size and this encompasses most of it.
Within this proposed ULL line are the last few remnants of the historic homes and landmarks of the Wood Colony District members, including their graves. This proposal would surround the Wood Colony Cemetery with business parks and commercial, and put pressure on surrounding properties to alter farming operations.
I guess it just gets down to what you consider is a good job. Farming, which feeds the world and provides good jobs, or other enterprises which provide good jobs. It also gets down to the farmers who live here on the best farming soil in the world, and want to farm, and the developer-farmers who don’t reside on their farms and want to make a bigger buck.
Lori Wolf, Modesto
Poking Epstein conspiracy theory
Hopefully they will keep a better eye on Ghislaine Maxwell than they did on Jeffrey Epstein, because the same people want her dead.
Charmaine Dennis, Modesto
Sylvan trustee bids adieu
Since 2007 it has been my privilege and pleasure to serve on the Sylvan Union School District Board of Trustees. At the public meeting on May 12, I announced that I will not seek reelection when my term ends this year.
Operating a school district requires many different people in diverse roles. It’s a constantly shifting challenge even in the best of times. With a public health crisis and an economic crisis the situation is as difficult as ever, especially for our most vulnerable. School issues are always multifaceted and require patience, strong listening skills and openness to options.
Our community includes many individuals with outstanding qualities that would benefit a local school district. I hope some of these good people will consider the challenge of running for office when the filing period opens July 13.
I count myself blessed to have worked in a district with such incredible people. I’ll be cheering on the next person to serve the students, families and staff of the Sylvan district.
David Collins, Modesto