We deserve fair rates. It’s time for a new direction at Modesto Irrigation District | Opinion
Monez’s strategy
“As Turlock begins redistricting, concerns over council member’s residency continue,” (modbee.com, Oct. 28, 2021)
In 2014, voters overwhelmingly approved Measure A, district voting for the city council. In part, voters recognized the unfairness of historically having five white council members represent a city where more than four in ten citizens (43.1%) are Hispanic. The idea was to level the playing field; council members have typically lived in the city’s northern and southern regions, and district elections would assure residents from South and West Turlock a seat at the table.
In 2016, the first district elections put a Westside Hispanic on the city council — a Turlock first. But in 2020, Councilperson Rebecka Monez found another way to get on the council.
From the get-go, Monez’s residency has been questioned by citizens and both local newspapers. Her family lives in another district, in a home they own and presumably occupy full-time. But in 2020, Monez told The Modesto Bee that, due to a “difficult period” in her marriage, she had rented a room in District 2, just in time to run for council there.
Voters should honor the intent of district council elections and vote for an actual resident of District 2: Milt Trieweiler.
Jeani Ferrari
Turlock
Sanders’ support
“Who is running for school board in Stanislaus County,” (modbee.com, Aug. 14)
I asked friends on social media to compare incumbent Mary Ann Sanders and Jake Kilatchko, candidates for Stanislaus County Board of Education in Area 4.
In replies, people — including individuals who have worked with her — said Sanders, an educator, asks good questions at board meetings; is an active elected official; is someone who truly cares and represents others; and is a great leader.
Others said that she will do what’s best for our community’s students, and represents leadership that supports the freedom to learn without censorship or religious pressure.
It’s clear that many community members have been inspired to put children and their education first without being distracted by divisive rhetoric and politics. Please vote for Sanders.
Naramsen Goriel
Modesto
New direction needed at MID
“MID could raise electricity rates again in Modesto CA area,” (modbee.com, Nov. 11, 2023)
A neighbor recently said to me that we should be grateful that our Modesto Irrigation District electricity rates are not as high as PG&E’s. I think he forgot that PG&E is a corporation with shareholders and MID is a publicly owned utility.
MID ratepayers own MID. We deserve fair rates and a board member who is going to put MID ratepayers first.
It’s time for a new direction at MID, and that’s why I am voting for Chris Ott.
Chris Martini
Modesto
Trump the draft dodger
“Could Harris win over Republican voters during her Fox interview? What experts say,” (modbee.com, Oct. 16)
I don’t know why a veteran, especially those of us that served in combat, would support a draft dodger like Donald Trump.
Trump has the audacity to call those of us with Purple Hearts suckers and losers. He then goes on to defame prisoners of war by saying he didn’t like people who were captured. Trump is a draft dodging, veteran degrading man who secretly wishes he served.
Steven Grenbeaux
Modesto
A vote for decency
“Could Harris win over Republican voters during her Fox interview? What experts say,” (modbee.com, Oct. 16)
Donald Trump has spent a lifetime lying to his wives, business partners and, most recently, the American people. Still claiming to have won the last election in the face of a tsunami of proof otherwise he can, apparently, even lie to himself.
What do you think his campaign promises are worth? Vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz — a vote for decency.
Jack Heinsius
Modesto