Readers weigh in on candidates, Turlock’s Measure B

Denham listens only to ‘Big Money’

There are several things to consider if you plan to vote for Jeff Denham (U.S. representative, District 10). First, does he really support immigration reform, or is he trying to please the voters knowing his party would never let it pass?

Second, though polls indicate a majority of Americans want to reduce the influence of “Big Money” in politics, he stated in a response letter to my wife “that individuals, corporations, and labor unions should be able to use their general treasury funds as they deem appropriate.”

Third, he believes the EPA is a “bloated, over-extended federal agency with the capacity to greatly harm our recovering economy.” Maybe we should trust that all companies will do the right thing. Too bad we didn’t have an agency as strong as the EPA watching over Wall Street. It might have changed what happened in 2007.

Finally, he voted not to fund the government (fall 2013), which cost the Valley an estimated $7 million in income. Your vote and my vote mean very little to Jeff, because I believe he is only listening to “Big Money.”

Ed Tabacco, Riverbank

Eggman out of ideas, resorts to lies

Over the past several months, Democrat Michael Eggman has kept up a steady stream of attack ads filled with blatant lies about our congressman, Jeff Denham. Eggman claims Denham took pay during the period when the government ceased operation last year – in reality, Jeff donated it to local veterans in our area. Eggman claims Jeff Denham is hurting Valley women – in reality, he crossed party lines to vote for the Violence Against Women Act and supports equal pay for equal work.

I’m looking for a representative who will be honest. Eggman’s smear campaign is a sure sign of someone out of ideas. As a candidate with no experience, maybe he never had any in the first place!

Royena Cartwright, Modesto

Endorses one of each party

I have always avoided endorsing candidates for partisan public office, but this year is different. I have been so impressed by the abilities of Assemblyman Adam Gray and Sen. Anthony Cannella to work for our local citizens in the true spirit of public service and bipartisanship, that I am pleased to endorse both for re-election. We’ve got a good thing going; let’s keep it.

Council member Tom Faria, city of Los Banos

For Measure B and its chief foe

I appreciate Turlock mayoral candidate Gary Soiseth’s willingness to ask the tough questions raised by Measure B. Although I plan to vote in favor of the initiative, I appreciate Gary’s efforts to bring the details and fine print within Measure B to the forefront of public discussion.

Gary has already demonstrated he is a bold leader by questioning the impact Title 3 could pose to Turlock in particular. No other candidate mentioned the need to secure a guarantee for the $40 million for roads over seven years, nor the possible negative impact of Title 3. I respect Gary for recognizing that raising our sales tax to 8.1 percent is a serious decision.

Turlock needs a leader who will ask these questions before making decisions that directly affect its citizens. Gary will provide the leadership that Turlock needs.

Jesse Marchant, Turlock

Make state pay for better roads

I am unable to support Turlock’s Measure B. I fully understand the poor conditions of Turlock’s roads as I drive on them every day. However, this is not the real solution. Kiplinger’s Magazine says California is now the heaviest taxed state in the nation. We also have the highest gasoline tax at 71.29 cents per gallon (our neighbors? Arizona, 37.4; Nevada, 51.55; Oregon, 49.47). And ours will go up another 16 cents (or so) on Jan. 1 as AB 32’s cap-and-tax provisions are applied to gasoline.

The gas tax was implemented to build, maintain and improve roads. With the highest gas tax, California roads should be the best. Those who have been here awhile remember when they were. But our Legislature now ignores its own law and uses road taxes we pay for other spending.

Turlock is not the only city with bad roads. Virtually every city in California has them. Instead of asking us to tax ourselves even more, local and county governments should demand our state government use road taxes as legislated. Either lobby for it or litigate it. We live in a spend-happy state, and this unsuitable behavior should be corrected, not further enabled.

Jim Ludlow, Turlock

The value of leadership

Jim Price, Atwater mayoral candidate, says: “It’s about leadership.” But smearing of Mayor Joan Faul as an “extortionist” doesn’t make a reasonable person want to follow him. Check out an old book by Jim Collins that lists the five levels of leadership, from least effective (1) to the most effective:

1. The Boss: People follow because they have to. No one takes this person seriously unless they have to. They create hostile work settings and high turnover.

2. The Coach: People follow because they enjoy this leader. … This person motivates and coaches people.

3. The Giver: People follow because this person has contributed across the organization. They sense positive attitudes, movement and the potential for success.

4. The Trainer: People follow because this person is investing in them and helping them become better. These people create long-term growth.

5. The Treasure: People follow out of a deep respect created over years. They like the qualities and characteristics this leader represents.

So, Atwater, take your pick, a Boss or a Treasure.

Eric Lee, Atwater

This story was originally published September 29, 2014 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Readers weigh in on candidates, Turlock’s Measure B."