Measure H can rescue Modesto | Letters to the editor: Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022

Measure H rescues Modesto

Yes, Measure H is another tax, but it makes far more sense once you know the facts. One hundred percent of the revenue stays in Modesto, unlike the rest of the sales tax you are currently paying. Several of our surrounding communities have already approved a similar measure and it is working.

No, the sales tax increase is not specifically earmarked for fire and law enforcement, but approximately 90% of the city budget currently goes toward public safety anyway. An oversight committee will be established to monitor the use of these funds. That committee needs to be held accountable to ensure we get more badges on the street. We don’t need more overhead, administrators or new programs, which is too often the tendency when additional funds become available. If the funds fail to be utilized for improvement of public safety (more traffic officers, quicker response times) then that will be a failure of your elected City Council and you can vote them out of office.

So, if you desire safer streets and neighborhoods, you really should vote yes on Measure H. Otherwise, you will be voting for continued red light-stoplight running and other lawlessness.

Tim Hodgson, Modesto

Expect little from Measure H

Re “Faced with rising costs, Modesto asking voters to pass tax” (Front Page, Oct 23): Kudos to Kevin Valine for shedding light on the real issue facing taxpayers as they vote on Measure H. We have an expense issue, not a revenue issue, driven by generous retirement benefits negotiated in the 1990s (that are no longer available in the private sector). In addition to the pension issue, there are two other factors contributing to the structural imbalance.

As noted in the city’s most recent financial statements, certain retirees receive medical care for life. This has created an unfunded liability of approximately $30 million. Also, as Mr. Valine mentioned, should the investment returns of CALPERS fall short of their target, taxpayers are responsible for the difference. Currently, their target is 7.5%, a rate they have not achieved consistently and certainly won’t this year. Prohibitively expensive exit fees mean there is no escape from CALPERS.

The structural imbalance most certainly won’t be solved by this tax increase. Fundamental changes to retiree benefits won’t occur as elected officials, desiring support from public employee unions, are loathe to confront the issue. Look for revenue generated by the tax increase to fund current obligations and not have a demonstrable impact on increased services.

Jeff Burda, Modesto

Measure L not worth debt

No sane person would obtain a loan that would allow a bank to set terms (interest rate, years to payoff) at a later date, but Measure L asks voters to do just that. Modesto City Schools wants to borrow $198 million and have taxpayers pay it back at an unknown interest rate and time. Existing bonds for the same purpose won’t be paid off until 2027. Measure L funds are to be used only for school improvements, but there is no guarantee that by manipulating the budget, there could be more general operating funds available for salary and benefit increases for school administrators.

Another item proposed is a new football stadium. How does that improve test scores or learning conditions? Taxpayers could be paying for these bonds for as many as 40 years. Anyone over the age of 50 would likely be dead by the time these bonds were paid off. If we truly care about our children (and their children), we would stop burdening them with our debt and vote no on Measure L.

John Stoner, Modesto

Goriel is a true leader

I met Naramsen Goriel in kindergarten at Stockard Coffee Elementary School. He was always the leader on the playground and he’s still the same leader as a candidate for Modesto City Council.

Naramsen has sacrificed his time and helps coach basketball for nonprofit organizations, cleans up local parks every month, attends church events, organizes, volunteers and still keeps a full-time job. I don’t know why The Modesto Bee hyped up his opponent, who has lackluster ideas and always agreed with Naramsen during The Bee debate. Naramsen actually had a homeless plan and mentioned streets that haven’t been paved or fixed in decades, while his opponent dabbled in word salads.

Vote for Naramsen Goriel. He’s the true leader who was born and raised in Modesto.

Sargon Eshaba, Modesto

We can count on Williams

I enthusiastically support businessman and community leader Jeremiah Williams for election to District 5 of the Modesto City Council. Jeremiah has a long record of community service in Modesto and beyond. Throughout the years, he has served in many nonprofit organizations, including the Latino Community Roundtable, which I founded in 1997. Having worked with Jeremiah on community matters over the years, I know he will make an exceptional council member.

Outgoing District 5 council member Jenny Kenoyer also supports Jeremiah, as does the Latino Community Roundtable, Modesto Chamber of Commerce, The Modesto Bee and many other leaders and organizations. They support him because they know his work-related experience and impressive record of service will serve the city of Modesto. I encourage District 5 voters to elect Jeremiah to the Modesto City Council.

Dale Butler, Modesto

Dokoozlian for MID

What an opportunity we have for ethical, hard-working Modesto Irrigation District representation in Division 3 via candidate Nick Dokoozlian.

We have known this intelligent, disciplined community servant for many years and believe him to be the candidate to best represent the needs of MID rate payers. He understands the critical issues surrounding water here in California and in our area. His refreshing energy and ability to navigate sensitive issues such as water lead us to believe he is the best candidate.

Moya Amerine-Semone, Modesto

MID needs Gilman

I am supporting Stu Gilman for another term as our Modesto Irrigation District (Division 4) director. I believe he has been a driving force to keep the board more positive in their approach to all the issues. Stu’s leadership and positive attitude deserve a second term.

Edwin Genasci, Modesto

Esquer for Turlock mayor

Leading the city of Turlock is an honor and privilege that comes with the great responsibility of actually leading a community to a better future. Unfortunately for the last four years, Amy Bublak has chosen to be a mayor in name only.

Never leading on major issues, Bublak has continued her routine of letting others do the heavy lifting, taking the credit for herself, and then repeating the cycle. From investments in roads, drinking water, our library, and even public safety, she hasn’t supported one common-sense measure to fix Turlock’s needs, but hypocritically cuts the ribbons on the products of these efforts.

Turlock needs a leader who will take on the heavy weight of leading our city into a better direction, not an obstructionist playing political games. It’s no coincidence that not a single former mayor is supporting Bublak for a second term. Instead, we’re endorsing former Councilmember Gil Esquer. Gil is a person of integrity, character and a work ethic that is second to none. He is a consensus builder and will bring together all factions of the city to move us forward.

Gary Soiseth, Turlock

Yonan really listens

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to observe and evaluate the two candidates running for Turlock Irrigation District director, Division 2. David Yonan’s insight into our community’s needs and his willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to the public’s questions and concerns sets him apart from the other candidate. His agricultural background as an active farmer, as well as his finance background (37 years in banking), is absolutely what we need to represent Ceres. So, I express my support for David Yonan and my intention both to vote for him and to spread the word to others of the value of his abilities.

Lovepreet Kaur, Ceres

Jackson uniquely qualified

It gives me great pleasure to recommend Mary Jackson for reelection to the Turlock School District Board of Trustees. I have known Mary and her family for many decades. Mary is knowledgeable and experienced. Not only has she served a full term as a trustee, she also served with distinction as a member of the Turlock City Council. Her ability to navigate the political landscape, along with being a mother of students in the district, makes her uniquely qualified to continue serving on the school board.

First as a student, then a parent, and now a school board member, Mary has firsthand and lifelong knowledge of Turlock schools. Who better to represent us and the students?

George King, Turlock

No on abortion initiative

I urge people to vote no on Proposition 1 based on its wording and lack of restrictions.

Science has established that human life begins at the moment of conception, with DNA that is separate from that of the mother. Abortion ends that life. Yet Prop. 1 states a woman has the “fundamental right to choose to have an abortion.” I disagree that this is a fundamental right. After reading more about Prop. 1, I learned that California law currently allows abortions up to 24 weeks. However, Prop. 1 is written with no restrictions upon when or under what circumstances an abortion can be performed. This proposition’s limited language sets up potential for taking a baby’s life at full term. Also, Prop. 1 would change the California State Constitution regarding abortions. Finally, this would make California a sanctuary state where women from any state could have an abortion at the expense of California taxpayers, impacting our health care system.

Please consider all the ramifications before voting on Prop. 1.

Christine Jamison, Modesto