Letters to the editor | Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020: Thoughts on local political races

Zwahlen for a fresh change

The November election for mayor offers Modesto voters a chance to hit the reset button. Three of the mayoral candidates are incumbents — Mayor Ted Brandvold and two councilmembers. They have spent the last four years contributing to the dysfunction and acrimony that has become the culture of Modesto city government. Plain and simple, city government is a mess. Rather than continue down the path of infighting, acrimony and finger pointing, it’s time for a change.

Fortunately, we have an outstanding candidate in Sue Zwahlen, an emergency room nurse for more than 40 years, who has eight years of experience serving on the Modesto City Schools Board and a lifetime of serving the community where she was born. Sue has a solid record as a pragmatic leader who brings people together to find common ground. Inclusiveness, compromise, listening and moderation are the hallmarks of her leadership efforts.

Modesto can’t afford four more years of gridlock. Let’s hit the reset button and vote for a fresh start for Modesto by electing Sue Zwahlen as mayor.

Mark Looker, Modesto

Church noise bothers neighbors

Rick Countryman is running for mayor of Modesto. If Mr. Countryman is interested in serving our community he may want to start closer to home. Start with noise pollution.

On Sept. 2., Mr. Countryman’s church, Big Valley Grace, held an outdoor concert. I live one half mile from Big Valley Grace Church and could not carry on a conversation on my own patio for the noise. The church received many calls from the neighbors about the noise. The church responded to the complaints by giving $10 Starbucks cards and an apology to those living behind the church. They acknowledged the noise was disruptive. They also said they would continue the outdoor venues which include Sunday worship services on the baseball field and Friday night football with speakers facing Pelandale Avenue.

I am just asking that you be a good neighbor. Come on Mr. Countryman — would you sell your peace and quiet for a $10 Starbucks card?

Connie Pinkston, Modesto

Warning on sinful voting

For a Catholic to vote for a candidate in any office that supports abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, gay marriage, the practice of homosexuality, and human cloning sins seriously. Catholics must vote with an informed conscience according to Catholic teaching. To vote contrary to this implies consent. Abortion and these other acts are intrinsically evil acts. By their nature they are evil. They can never be supported, and they would supersede all other issues.

If all candidates support the above issues, then the Catholic would have to vote for the person who most supports Catholic teaching in their stand on the issues. In other words they may support certain aspects of the issue that are consistent with Catholic teaching. If a candidate does follow Catholic teaching and would definitely not have enough support to be elected then the Catholic would be allowed to go to those who would be electable and vote for the candidate that most follows Catholic teaching.

It is clear that President Trump and Ted Howze follow mostly Catholic teaching. So it’s clear who a Catholic must vote for.

Dan Costello, Oakdale

Room for morals in politics

Is Mr. Howze sitting back and being quiet hoping people forget his horrendous postings on social media? He has lost support from many, including the GOP, but he has remained quiet while more signs go up in yards.

Our society needs to look to the words, behavior, and attitudes of all candidates and not the political party. The morals and values portrayed on his social media, whether written by him or someone connected to him, reflect poorly and are not representative of this district. His silence is an abomination and his values are a part of public record. Silence is acceptance of his social media postings and of his willingness to do nothing for we the people.

Bill Avey, Keyes