Letters to the editor | Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020: A smattering of political endorsements
Ah You understands Modesto
I wholeheartedly endorse Kristi Ah You for mayor of Modesto.
Kristi is a lifelong resident who not only grew up in Modesto but raised her family and nurtures her grandkids here. Kristi has been a local community activist her entire adult life, ranging from parent-teacher associations to Modesto City Council. As a local business leader and former small business owner, she understands the impact effective leadership can have on local commerce. Through her work as a councilwoman, Kristi has become involved in understanding those who are affected by homelessness and how the community can respond compassionately. Kristi has taken on hate groups and denounced activities that have targeted minority communities in Modesto. Her commitment to Love Modesto has demonstrated compassion and understanding of how diversity serves to expand our community.
In my opinion, Kristi represents the heart and soul of Modesto and is a greatly needed voice of reason.
Steven O’Conner, Modesto
Goriel can bring clarity
City and county leaders have failed to deliver a cohesive emergency public messaging campaign in response to COVID-19. They must set aside their destructive grievances and take effective actions based on the science and statistical information provided to them by their experts and professionals. We deserve a clear, unified message backed by supportive actions or this virus will further weaken our city and county.
The arguing over applying basic health and safety protocols, like wearing face coverings to protect yourself and others, is petty and dangerous. We are extremely vulnerable in Modesto and Stanislaus County because we have a higher percentage of at-risk individuals due to unresolved crushing social and economic issues.
Clearly we need new leaders who will bring us together, invigorate civic responsibility and strengthen our critical public health and safety programs. Someone who will focus on property use, housing, roads and zoning. Elect Naramsen Goriel for mayor of Modesto because he has a history of bringing people together to solve big problems. As a city commissioner he is aware of critical needs and will help create a more livable city that will be attractive to new businesses and better wages.
Trudy Silveira, Modesto
Countryman is a proven leader
I’ve known Rick Countryman for over 30 years and he’s got the proven leadership abilities to lead Modesto into the future. I am picking Rick to be our next mayor.
Juline Fulfer-Chavez, Modesto
Harder pushes affordable housing
As I cross our district, I notice the emblematic homeless camps and wonder, “How can this be happening in the U.S.?” No access to electricity and clean water — It’s no longer an issue of the mentally ill but also of students and families with children. Shelters and programs were provided to mitigate most situations but the problem remains.
Long ago, our congressman, Josh Harder, recognized that access to affordable housing is the only suitable solution. Once in D.C., he co-sponsored the Housing and Services Act which not only provides funding for transitional housing, but also addresses its causes by investing in mental health and providing job training opportunities for the homeless. Access to healthcare for the homeless is critical for their well-being. Yet, it was threatened when our previous congressman voted against about 100,000 constituents in his vote against the ACA.
Today, the threat remains from the Trump administration and its supporters. One such avid supporter is Josh Harder’s challenger, Ted Howze. Josh has been up-front on issues and will fight to preserve the progress we have made. By contrast, Howze does not even mention the homeless as an issue.
Eugenia Bentayeb, Newman
Fixing the gig economy
The problem is worker inability to access affordable health care without a full-time job. Keep that in mind when you vote in November.
Candice Carleton, Modesto