Modesto’s General Plan 2050 needs a complete redo | Opinion

A complete redo

“Modesto growth plans raise questions from Salida residents,” (modbee.com, Feb. 19)

Modesto’s General Plan 2050 needs a complete redo. Residents need a plan that reflects their desires — not those of outside interests, land speculators or developers. Thus far, the process has been a few meetings mostly attended by specific interested parties. Recent meetings presented plans that reflect a “cover the earth” mentality void of local history and lacking correlation with an aging population.

Residents pay the bills, after all. We have council members who represent us. Why are electeds not at the front of this process advocating for what citizens at large want?

We need to make plans that reflect an aging population and realistic projections. We need discussions that reflect past voter responses that have rejected nearly half of the requests for sewer expansion; discussions about an aging population that will impact existing housing capacities as the first baby boomers become 80 this year; about the impacts of sprawl upon our water and sewer rates; and existing traffic congestion locally and regionally.

Denny Jackman

Modesto

Downward spiral

“Map Shows Worldwide Fight Over Democracy,” (modbee.com, Sept. 11, 2025)

Our elected representatives have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, protect democracy and make America a better place to live. Many have failed in their obligation.

Every day, our democratic freedom, well-established governmental departments and other critical governmental branches that keep America strong are being stripped away by our president. Our colleges and other institutions are being held for financial ransom if they do not comply with President Donald Trump’s terms.

Deaths have occurred due U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. When midterm elections come, be sure to vote for candidates who will protect future generations from this downward spiral.

Ken Westervelt

Modesto

No more drilling

“Will drilling more oil in the US help gas prices go down? Not exactly, experts say,” (modbee.com, March 11, 2022)

I disagree with the assessment that we should allow more oil drilling in moderation. Oil drilling shouldn’t be in California.

We need to mitigate climate change.

The longer we wait, the more irreparable the world is left for future generations. I want California to have lower gas prices, but if we don’t make changes now, we won’t have a sustainable future.

Jacob Laurence Tubbs

Fresno