Letters to the editor | Friday, Aug. 21, 2020: Support for political races
Goriel has optimistic spirit
When I moved to Modesto, one of the first things I did was learn about our elected officials and candidates. Naramsen Goriel presents a refreshing, exciting alternative to politics as usual. He is an enthusiastic champion of revitalizing downtown. Housing First is an efficient, compassionate plan to provide people a pathway out of homelessness. I have found here a candidate with an impressive range of knowledge and an optimistic spirit.
A mayor should be a champion for our people. A mayor should be a responsible steward of our tax dollars. A mayor should celebrate diversity, build consensus and inspire innovation. Naramsen Goriel will be a mayor Modesto can be proud of.
Larry Bolton, Modesto
Ah You can make a difference
Kristi Ah You is my daughter and only child. She is running for mayor Of Modesto. I am somewhat biased because I’m her mother but I feel it is important to share the many attributes she brings to the table.
Kristi has been involved in the community for many years, actively participating in and volunteering for numerous city of Modesto organizations and events. She is insightful and discerning about the needs of our community. She believes she can make a difference and bring about changes even during the troubled times we live in today. Kristi has experience, knowledge and integrity.If these characteristics are important to you and you would like to see some changes in our city during the next four years, vote for Kristi Ah You.
Cheryl Patkoski, Modesto
Harder’s work attracts doctors
We are blessed with a legislator who actively improves our healthcare and education opportunities. This leader is Congressman Josh Harder (CD10).
From the get-go, Josh focused his bipartisan efforts to get more doctors to the Central Valley. His work could attract an estimated 10,000 new doctors in the next decade. He also voted to save our expanded healthcare coverage. Josh wrote both pieces of legislation long before the pandemic hit.
Josh is active in upgrading classroom technology and credential success for students. He and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) accomplished their Success for Rural Students and Community Act in a bipartisan manner. Josh holds local town hall meetings via phone to respond to our concerns. He brings in experts to answer questions about COVID-19, government programs and education. Josh is currently working on groundwater recharge support and innovation for farmers, local water storage and research. He is proactive. He is shepherding solutions to climate change.
Our success going forward, perhaps even our lives, need his bipartisan work in Congress.
Cindy Peterson, Turlock
Don’t blame the governor
Re “Another state health official resigns; it’s not a good sign for Gov. Newsom” (Page 2B, Aug. 12): I am surprised and disappointed at the inaccuracies of the Sac Bee Editorial Board’s piece attributing the failed coronavirus situation entirely to the governor’s office. While I’m not a fan of his, the article smacks of flawed journalism, something I don’t associate with The Bee. It blatantly sidesteps minor details as to the source of our surge, such as the many counties that threatened or actively ignored state orders to remain closed and began reopening in May. Or county leaders – including Stanislaus County’s – that said they would not enforce state regulations and would look the other way. Or business leaders demanding reopening at all costs – and many proceeding to do so even before allowed, again including in our county.
Unfortunate, for all of us who rely on journalism that should offer balanced reporting, even when writing an op-ed piece.
Claudia Walsh, Modesto
Trump wants all the power
President Trump assumes powers befitting a dictator.
1. He orders homeland security forces to cities where they are not wanted, overriding powers belonging to the states.
2. He orders a slowdown in mail delivery, controlling a means of communication across the nation.
3. He uses the attorney general and the Justice Department to reduce the sentencing of his friends and associates.
4. He attempts to put obstructions in the presidential election by discrediting mail-in ballots.
Leroy Egenberger, Modesto