Letters to the editor | Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020: Thoughts on various candidates
It’s not all farming anymore
Our district has seen significant changes in demographics in the past decade. For too long, politicians were fixated on the agricultural side of our district. They focused on farmers’ issues, at the expense of other equally pressing issues. Congressman hopeful Ted Howze has had the same narrow focus. His campaign message is outdated.
A significant percentage of constituents are workers who commute for hours to make a decent wage. Another group in need of support are the children of immigrants. Others are the homeless and the healthcare uninsured and under insured.
I agree that agriculture is an important part of the Central Valley’s economy, but living-wage jobs, immigration reform and affordable healthcare and housing are as critical to progress. Congressman Josh Harder had a broader vision and started juggling with all of these issues since he was elected. He aggressively sought the opinion of everyone, face to face, and helped everyone, regardless of political views.
Johnny Hernandez, Modesto
Working people deserve Goriel
Growing up in Modesto I have become accustomed to seeing cracked roads, trash in our city and side roads, and seeing our city on lists for top car thefts in the U.S. I have always wondered why we could not come together and fix these issues. The answer I have always received: “Well, that’s just Modesto for you,” or “That’s how things are.” I wish someone would stand up and say, “Today we will fix these issues that impact our community instead of being lazy and enduring it.”
Naramsen Goriel’s platform fits the bill. His platform wants to invest in our community and give us a Modesto we deserve. Modesto needs someone who will serve the hardworking people, not someone who will have the wealthy class of Modesto in their ear. Naramsen’s platform addresses what every Modesto resident complains about: Housing issues, affordable housing, economic investment, infrastructure, education, and safety for the community.
Andrew Issa, Modesto
Ah You votes her heart
I attended Davis High School and Modesto Junior College. My husband and I raised two wonderful children here and have always felt pride to be a native Modestan. One of the characteristics that I found to be extraordinary about Kristi Ah You has been her strong advocacy for the equality of all Modesto residents. Since the day I met her she has never wavered in her vision for the citizens of Modesto.
Kristi has been a champion for our public servants as well as the general public. She is an advocate for our local veterans, as well as improving our community homeless resources. Kristi has been an active City Council member and has always looked at city policy with her own eyes. She is not one to vote the popular vote “just because.” She takes all sides into consideration and does what she feels is best for our community.
Kristi has everything it takes to lead our city during these tough times. She is not afraid to make tough decisions and stand by them. She has my vote.
Mary Freeman, Modesto
Don’t believe him
Trump’s base includes Evangelical Christians. He promised them the federal and supreme court judges. “Promises made, promises kept” is their chant. Ironically, these pro-life people turn their backs when Trump systemically causes the deaths of thousands of citizens (by inaction to) the virus.
And, during this same time period he is closing down the United States Postal Service so that veterans will suffer because their meds and pensions are delayed. Non-veterans and seniors are also endangered by the same issues. Oh, and Trump is taking God’s name in vain by claiming that the Democrats removed “under God” from the pledge. Trump is lying — as always.
Ken Garst, Turlock
This story was originally published August 27, 2020 at 4:00 AM.