No on Modesto sales tax bump | Letters to the editor: Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022
No on Measure H
As a resident of Stanislaus County I do not get to vote for anything that has to do with Modesto, but I live, work, and spend my money here and I think the city needs to rethink this tax. After listening to those in favor of Measure H, I urge residents of Modesto to read very carefully the ins and outs of the measure.
The sales tax increase will go into the General Fund which the city can use for any legitimate government purpose. The citizens oversight committee will be appointed by council members to meet at least semi-annually to review expenditures and revenue — after the city has spent the money. Makes me wonder. Before you vote on raising the sales tax ask how they really plan on using the money.
Measure H will cost you, the taxpayer, more money when times are already tough. Just say no.
Lisa Dovichi-Braden, Modesto
Goriel for Modesto council
As a young member of our community, I’m truly concerned about where we are headed. I see politicians on a national and local level acting in a way that makes me nervous for the issues that young people like me will be inheriting soon. With these concerns in mind, I urge all voters to not only think about how the results of this election will affect them, but also how it’ll affect the new generation of voters.
I strongly encourage you to vote for Naramsen Goriel for Modesto City Council. Naramsen will fight for a better future for Modesto. While getting to know Naramsen the past couple of years, it is clear that he is in this not for personal gain, but because he loves our community and has the ability and drive to help bring us together.
Keira Bird, Modesto
MID endorsement gaffe
I am often befuddled by the political endorsements of The Bee. The recent endorsements of MID candidates is a perfect example. The endorsements for divisions 3 and 4 have a ring of objectivity, there is clearly some room for debate and further research. However, a mockery of objectivity screams from The Bee’s support of Janice Keating for Division 2. I have yet to converse with anyone who can speak kindly of Keating. She was a cancer as a councilwoman, a true Trumpster.
The heritage of Republican whiteness continues to infest a greater quality of life for all.
Tim Buchanan, Modesto
Bublak, mayor of the people
The Turlock mayoral race is an especially crucial decision for our community.
I have known Amy Bublak for over 30 years, as a friend, fellow police officer and as a politician. We haven’t always agreed but that’s OK. She never tried to exercise influence over me while she was a member of council or as the mayor of Turlock. She worked toward increasing public safety staff and supported me in bringing modern technology to the police department whose radio-communications, records management and computer-aided dispatch systems were over 20 years old. Amy traveled to Washington, D.C., on her own dime to try to get us money for our body camera system. She stayed true and did not support new taxes (I disagreed with her), however with Measure A passing, she collaborated with council and brought balanced budgets which included roadway repairs and staff pay increases. She saved Turlock millions of dollars on the surface water project.
She is a mayor of the people with no hidden agenda and a friend to all our culturally diverse community. My wife Isabel and I endorse Amy Bublak for her second term as mayor of Turlock.
Nino C. Amirfar, Turlock
Esquer for Turlock mayor
Re “Keep Bublak as Turlock mayor” (Letters, Oct. 2): I could not disagree more with Larry Rumbeck who states that Turlock’s economy turned around under Mayor Bublak’s leadership. Turlock’s economy is better in spite of Bublak, due to COVID funds and Measure L monies.
Bublak was the only leader in the county to vote no on Measure L, nor did she support Measure A, which has enabled the city to hire more police officers and to fix roads. The mayor has done nothing with $15 million in affordable housing funds to help with the homeless crisis. How much has it cost to pay out contracts for the three city attorneys and five city managers under Bublak’s watch?
Please elect a new mayor — former Councilman Gil Esquer. He knows how to manage money, work with staff and get things done the first time.
Myrna Wachs, Turlock
Abram listens and cares
Cassandra Abram has the intelligence and integrity that is needed to get Turlock back on track. As a former patient, I am elated to hear she is running for Turlock City Council.
The city of Turlock has faced a number of setbacks, one of which is due to council members placing their self-interests above the needs of the community. Cassie Abram has continuously put her patients first, and I believe she will continue to put the needs of those she serves above all else.
Cassie is conscientious and thorough, and I wholeheartedly trust her with my health. As an eye doctor, she takes the time to genuinely listen to her patients. She truly cares about the concerns of others and will go above and beyond to find a solution whether it’s working late or consulting with other professionals. I believe these admirable values will carry over into her role as a civil servant. I trust Cassie’s integrity in making the best choice for our community.
Loni Silveira, Turlock
Bixel will be proactive
We need leaders who are proactive on issues like reducing homelessness, realistically fixing our roads, improving the quality of our public safety, and more. I know that Kevin Bixel will do that for Turlock City Council District 1. Just like his day job working in emergency operating rooms in local urgent care facilities, I know Kevin will lead with laser focus on the goal at hand: to keep our city a safe, affordable, and family-focused place to live for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
Matt Theis, Turlock
Zipser for TID
I am supporting Wayne Zipser for Turlock Irrigation District Division 2. Wayne grew up farming with his parents in the Ceres community. Wayne has farmed, managed farming operations, been a businessman and community servant in the Ceres-Turlock area and for the last 19 years as executive director for the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. Wayne has a history of partnerships and working together as an advocate for farmers, consumers and our community. He was an organizer of the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, a monitoring program to protect our rivers from harm and improve water quality.
We are fortunate to have a person with Wayne’s character, integrity, work ethic, experience and dedication interested in this position. Throughout his career Wayne has shown foresight, innovation and leadership with a strong knowledge of water, farming and community issues. As a TID director Wayne will protect our water resources and fight to keep farmers, working class families, and small businesses with affordable, safe and reliable water and power.
Stan Sinclear, Ceres
Carlson for Turlock school board
Turlock Unified is extremely lucky to have a board president as caring and competent as Lori Carlson. As a recent graduate of TUSD, I have been able to work with her as a student, and have seen firsthand the improvements she has helped bring to the district’s schools. She has remained dedicated to student learning, even as the district faced a pandemic and intense polarization. Leading a school district through an era of extreme turbulence is no easy task, but she managed to do it in a collected, respectful way.
Lori Carlson has remained responsive to concerns of students, staff and families. I always felt welcomed to address the board, and that my concerns as a student mattered and were taken into account. It’s extremely important that the school board maintain a connection with the broader community, and with Lori Carlson in trustee Area 2, I have no doubt that the board will continue to respect and listen to all residents.
Micah Littlepage, Turlock
Jackson puts students first
Experience and a true stake in the outcome are what matters on the Turlock school board. That is why I and many current and retired teachers are supporting Mary Jackson for the Area 4 trustee position.
Mary graduated from Turlock High and is a product of our Turlock schools system. She worked as an investigative reporter. She knows how to research problems and make sense of them. Mary has lived a life of community service as she also served on the Turlock City Council. I can assure you Mary does her homework and she is prepared to make educational decisions.
Mary is a TUSD parent. She has (family) who are now attending Turlock schools. Mary has served four years on the TUSD board. She served during a period of uncertainty. She always put students’ safety and health first. She always promoted digital education so our students could continue to make educational progress during the pandemic. Being a school board member isn’t political for her, it is personal.
Eric Julian, Turlock