Keith Carlson, who recently passed away, was a good man who
saved tax dollars
Dear Editor,
This letter is to express my sentiments to a man for whom I have
great respect. It was with great sorrow I read in the Free Lance
about Keith Carlon passing away.
Keith Carlson, who recently passed away, was a good man who saved tax dollars
Dear Editor,
This letter is to express my sentiments to a man for whom I have great respect. It was with great sorrow I read in the Free Lance about Keith Carlon passing away. I got a job with public works in 1970 working for Keith. I was recommended by Jack Rianda, a superintendent at the time, then approved by Mr. Carlon. In my interview and difficulty with my English and my accent Mr. Carlon, without question and kindness, tried to help me with the words in filling out my application, led me to believe the good person that he was in welcoming me to the department.
With the years I worked there, I started to learn his knowledge, great engineering, intelligence, common sense, sense of humor, very conservative, always directing us in the way to get the job done with the short budget he had to work with. Supervisors always have been tight with this department. They had no clue what cost to maintain our roads. Mr. Carlon would instantly press the board for more revenues keep it to himself directing the department to get it done with the little he was allowed.
Maintaining a gravel pit, always a good pile of gravel in case we need it, having the crew screen gravel to cover oil and mix our black top. All this saves the taxpayers half of the cost rather than if they had to get all this material from a private corporation. To me the county lost a remarkable man who retired so young with so much to give.
Keith could have been a great help to anyone who would need his expertise. Instead he retired feeling that he had enough. I didn’t see him for 20 years. When I knew he was living in a rest home, I went to visit him and I found a frail man with the same personality and clear mind. When I introduced myself, he immediately recognized me. He didn’t forget my name. I joked “I should be easy to recognize for the bad time I gave you.” With a great smile, he said “you were a good employee.” That’s the kind of man he was. These are the things you never forget. We would enjoy a good conversation.
I went time to visit two more times and I wasn’t so lucky. I found him asleep. I say this was a man that was completely forgotten. He deserved better than he got. I worked for the department for another five years after Mr. Carlon retired. I observed that when the liberals who took over, showed no appreciation for what Mr. Carlon had done to save taxpayers’ money.
With all my respect, Keith, I wish I had written this when you could have read it. As a taxpayer and your employee, I thank you for the years of service and your dedication to your job. You deserve a recognition that I doubt you ever got. I would also like to thank you for what I learned from your expertise. Keith, God bless your soul, and I pray that you find the peace that you have been looking for.
With all my respect.
Amadeu Lima, Hollister
County Democratic committee endorses term-limit change, against gaming measures
Dear Editor,
The San Benito County Democratic Central Committee is urging voters to get to the polls on Feb. 5 to help choose our next president. If you are registered to vote but have not registered as a member of any political party, and wish to vote for one of the Democratic candidates in the presidential primary, you may request a Democratic Party ballot and vote for the candidate of your choice at the polls.
Local Democrats want to remind you that there are seven propositions for voters on the ballot as well. These propositions include initiatives on transportation, community college funding, term limits and Indian casinos.
We have decided to remain neutral on Proposition 91, the transportation funds measure.
We are in support of Proposition 92, which sets community college fees at $15 a unit, and limits future increases. This proposition guarantees that a portion of the state education budget goes to the community colleges. Our community college system educates 2.5 million students a year. It is in need of continued support, and we believe that Proposition 92 will help guarantee that support.
We are also in favor of Proposition 93, which modifies term limits in the Legislature, allowing members to serve a total of 12 years in either the Assembly or Senate (or a combination of both). Current law restricts individuals from serving more than six years in the Assembly and eight years in the Senate (for a total of 14 years). We believe that this modification of term limits will improve our legislators’ ability to perform their roles, instead of worrying about which office to run for next.
We oppose Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97, the Indian gambling initiatives. We don’t agree that there is a compelling need for further slot machines in California, and we think that there are unanswered question regarding environmental review, labor practices and corruption of the political process that should halt further casino expansion until they can be settled.
We urge you to exercise your right to vote on Feb. 5. We believe that every vote counts, and everyone who can vote, should vote. We’ll see you at the polls!
Susan Logue, secretary, San Benito County Democratic Central Committee
