Letters to the editor | Friday, June 3, 2022: Endorsements for Stanislaus races
Self doesn’t deserve vitriol
Many of the political mailers I’ve received this election season are Chad Condit’s nasty hit pieces about Jessica Self, full of lies and cheap shots, attacking her for doing work as a public defender — which is required by the U.S. Constitution and serves some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This barrage of attacks speaks volumes about his character, or lack thereof. Imagine having a platform like that and squandering it on petty, mean-spirited attacks.
For all their vitriol, Chad’s mailers might actually backfire. It’s telling that Jessica’s job is the only “scandalous” thing he’s able to find about her, and that he isn’t aware of her lengthy record of service to our community — more than I can list here — while he hasn’t lifted a finger in decades to help with anything but promoting his family name.
If you want a lackluster, out-of-touch Assembly member who stands for nothing, has no record of accomplishments, and spends an inordinate amount of resources attacking others to try to make himself look better, vote for Chad. If you want a principled leader with great ideas who will continue to fight tirelessly for all, Jessica Self is your gal.
Lisa Battista, Modesto
Opponent should repudiate attack
We received in the mail another hit piece aimed at Jessica Self, who is running for state Assembly, District 22. The ad was paid by “True to the Central Valley, supporting Chad Condit for Assembly 2022, sponsored by Californians for Jobs and A Strong Economy.” We couldn’t find any information about either group.
Was Condit aware of this despicable ad? He should publicly repudiate this ad. Everyone in this country is entitled to legal defense. That’s in the Constitution. As a public defender, Jessica Self represents those who don’t have the finances to hire expensive attorneys. It’s not her job to determine guilt or innocence. She should be commended, not vilified.
Buda Kajer-Crain and Tom Crain, Modesto
Condit will defend our water
We have voted and sent our ballots in. I voted for the candidates I thought would serve our local area the best.
I was very pleased to have voted for Chad Condit for state Assembly, District 22. I was impressed by his candidate statement in the voter’s sample ballot. He will protect our water rights, which has serious implications for our economic well-being. Our agriculture and farm economy is dependent on a constant supply of water. The agriculture economy is still king, for the whole Central Valley.
Please read all the candidate statements in the sample ballot mailed to you.
Daniel Marsh, Modesto
Madrigal for fresh perspective
There are many reasons I support Tony Madrigal’s candidacy for the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, a prominent one being that he is Latino and would be a welcome voice on this board. He would represent people like me as no one currently on the board cares to. Census data shows that nearly 48% of this county is Hispanic. Tony comes from a family of farm workers and blue-collar laborers, so he understands our circumstances and those of our parents and grandparents.
Having suffered through three terms of the current supervisor, I am ready for someone like Tony to be a hands-on representative of his entire constituency. Tony Madrigal will bring a more inclusive, fresh, dynamic and committed public service perspective to my supervisorial district.
Frances Lopez, Modesto
Top-two primary stinks
I have been disenfranchised since 1996 when the state accepted the results of Proposition 198, creating an open primary. The good news is that on June 26, 2000 the U.S. Supreme Court declared it to be unconstitutional. So, what has happened since? Democrats have to have their way, so they began their end around the Constitution. Senate Bill 28 created a modified open primary. Then on June 8, 2010 Proposition 14 created a top-two open primary system. This, too, is unconstitutional and needs to go back to the Supreme Court.
The only fair system for a party to get their candidate on the ballot for an election is the closed primary system. Politicians in California continue to abuse the system for their own benefit. You are saying, “What’s new?” Right?
Charlie Leffingwell, Modesto