New group takes first step toward fiscal responsibility in Stanislaus County | Opinion
Fiscal responsibility
“Stanislaus taxpayers form watchdog group in light of troubling StanCOG report | Opinion,” (modbee.com, July 27)
Both sides of the political aisle are notoriously free with our money. Many elected officials would not run their own household budgets the way they run budgets with taxpayer dollars.
Fiscal responsibility is vital if we, as a community, are going to take care of our own and support individuals who need a helping hand. It is possible to be fiscally responsible as well as socially responsible.
The newly formed Stanislaus County Taxpayer Association lends itself to fiscal responsibility in local government — an area of responsibility sorely lacking in government today.
Leslie Shaw Klinger
Modesto
Trump’s actions cause distress
“Trump job approval rating hits new low — largely due to one group, poll finds,” (modbee.com, July 25)
According to the Declaration Of Independence, we, the people, have the inalienable right to peace and tranquility in our home. Yet President Donald Trump is causing people emotional distress. He is harassing us with his constant language of hate and division.
We are worried about the future of our children and grandchildren. We live in fear of economic disaster and nuclear war. Trump’s lack of knowledge in these extremely important issues is of deep concern.
Rita M. Yamaguchi
Atwater
No more forever chemicals
“CA must stop using forever chemicals that harm our health,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 11, 2023)
Cookware is the poster child for the use of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
California has already phased out these “forever chemicals” in multiple products, including textiles and firefighting foam, but not in cookware.
Senate Bill 682 would phase out PFAS in cookware and other products where safer alternatives exist. The independent scientific and medical community support SB 682 and swift action to reduce exposures to toxic PFAS.
Unfortunately, cookware manufacturers who make both PFAS (Teflon) non-stick pans and PFAS-free alternatives are trying to block passage of the bill. They claim Teflon is safe, contrary to the conclusions of California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control and independent scientists. The claims ignore significant harms from the production and disposal of Teflon and the generation of PFAS microplastics.
Katie Pelch
Senior scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council
Elder protections needed
“Sacramento grand jury finds 97% of financial elder abuse cases not prosecuted,” (sacbee.com, June 5)
Recently, a bipartisan group of attorneys general warned Meta that their platforms are enabling scammers to rob seniors through fake online advertisements. As a nurse and caregiver for over 35 years, I’ve seen the heartbreaking fallout up close.
Most of these cases often aren’t even investigated, let alone prosecuted. Everyone — tech, telecom, AI, banks, law enforcement and government — has a role in preventing these crimes that disrupt lives. No single entity can tackle the systemic problem alone. It will only worsen as scammers become more sophisticated.
We need greater investment in elder protections: social workers, trained law enforcement and public education campaigns for caregivers and families. Seniors deserve dignity and safety — not to be at the mercy of internet con artists.
Paige Nees, RN
Rolling Hills Estates