Hey, Rep. Esmeralda Soria, we need real action to lower gas prices now | Opinion

Soria’s shortcomings

“Health care, jobs, workers’ rights: Fresno-Madera Assembly candidates address Latino voters,” (modbee.com, Feb. 26)

Rep. Esmeralda Soria may have opposed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s refinery storage mandate, but that vote means little without real action to lower gas prices now. In the same session, she voted against removing gasoline from the cap-and-trade program, which could have cut prices by 30 cents per gallon.

Worse still, she voted to let future changes to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard take effect, adding 54 cents per gallon to the cost of gas. We need leaders who will lower costs, not stand by while prices rise.

Alexander Harper

Harper

Support Measure G

“Oakdale will renovate police building. Second project helps pedestrians near high school,” (modbee.com, June 9, 2021)

A medical doctor and a teacher will tell you without equivocation that a healthy and safe environment is of paramount importance when it comes to a child’s ability to learn. This is why many folks in the Oakdale School District are joining together to support Measure G, a facilities fund that will provide critically needed upgrades, renovations and other fixes to buildings and classrooms where our kids go to learn.

Some of our schools date back to the ’40s — some have heating and A/C problems, while others have sewage and electrical issues that need fixing. The majority of state school budgets simply do not cover facility maintenance. Districts count on school bonds with matching state funds to keep pace with facility maintenance, building expansion and new facilities.

Oakdale’s past school boards have made excellent use of facility funds. The board will continue to be excellent stewards of your money.

Chet Mahida, MD

Mike Tozzi, retired Stanislaus County Superior Court Executive Officer

Oakdale

Integrity

“Can Donald Trump get gasoline prices under $2 a gallon?” (sacbee.com, Oct. 26)

The economy and immigration are rightly major concerns among voters, but weight needs to be given to our credibility, international image and diplomacy. What sort of clout will we carry if our leaders routinely spout exaggerations and even outright lies? How credible and reliable would our dealings with other countries be?

Inflation has gone down substantially from the previous high under the current administration and they are working to further reduce the high cost of living. The border situation is also something they are aware needs attention — to humanely stem the influx while remembering that we are indeed a nation of immigrants.

Yes, we need to remedy these conditions, but not at the cost of our honesty, civility, integrity and international relations.

Jean Sillman

Davis

Support Camp Lejeune Act

“Financial relief finally coming for Camp Lejeune toxic water victims,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 23, 2014)

I served in the Marine Corps from 1968-70, including at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

During my two years at Camp Lejeune, Marines were unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals in the groundwater that supplied the base. Every day, we drank and showered in water that was toxic and poisoning us.

Like so many others, I have suffered health problems because of Camp Lejeune. I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s that continues to progress.

Congress must pass the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Since the original act of 2022, the government has settled hardly any cases. The new bill would give us the right to jury trials.

Many Marines are frustrated by the government’s inability to help those who served. We deserve access to the care we need. We deserve justice. I urge our congressional delegation to support the Corrections Act to deliver fair settlements.

Charles Fadel

Diamond Springs