Vote ‘no’ until a fair election is held
Those supporting the proposed mosquito abatement tax have failed
to address either the program’s problems or the unfair political
practices this rigged election represents
– those are the real issues, not controlling mosquitoes, which
is a noble goal I support.
Vote ‘no’ until a fair election is held
Those supporting the proposed mosquito abatement tax have failed to address either the program’s problems or the unfair political practices this rigged election represents – those are the real issues, not controlling mosquitoes, which is a noble goal I support.One result of the election rigging is that the program does not cover the whole county. Another problem is that there is no sunset provision – the tax goes on forever – and it has a built-in annual inflation adjustment. That is no incentive to ever cancel the program, increase its efficiency, or reduce its cost. The county and city could fund this program right now without a new tax; it would cost the same as the proposed affordable housing study group and it would probably be a lot more productive. If you’re willing to pay for it, they will find a way to spend it – that I can guarantee.
The public hearing is scheduled the same day the ballots are due! The vast majority of all mail-in ballots will have been cast long before then. That may meet the letter of the law, but it certainly does not satisfy the intent.
Finally, to get around Proposition 13 requirement for a 66 percent approval, the county designed a senseless abatement area that leaves out much of the land and 10 percent of the population; additionally, the supervisors are stuffing the ballot box by voting “yes” for more than 300 county-owned parcels. Won’t the abatement cost for those public parcels include taxes from all county’s citizens (the real owners), even those who cannot vote – or is it that only a “select few” are paying to protect all this public property?
Either way I don’t think we should give up our rights to a fair election just to rid ourselves of mosquitoes – do you?
Marty Richman
Hollister
No outsourcing local news
After reading several articles about outsourcing newspaper coverage of local council meetings in Pasadena to India, I decided “enough is enough!”
This country is already outsourcing jobs in many industries to other countries, while our own workers seek jobs at often lower wages than they need to live!
Much of the outsourcing includes jobs in banking and other industries making our identity theft problems even more questionable, with too many people in too many countries knowing our private business.
Local reporters know the local politicians, and many of the public who speak at meetings. They know their humor, their unique idiosyncracies, understand their regional dialects and very specific, local quips and idioms!
I say, no more outsourcing. Keep our jobs local and employ Americans and especially, keep our local newspapers local!
Ruth Erickson
Hollister
A night to remember
Remember your high school prom when you wanted to impress your girlfriend by taking her to dinner at an elegant restaurant. That’s how it was on Mother’s Day when I took my sweetheart to the Vault Restaurant, located on the corner of San Benito and Fifth streets in downtown Hollister.
As we entered this historically unique building, which was formerly a bank, we were struck by its high ceiling and tall pillars.
We were then escorted to our table by our friendly host, while our server, Valerie, told us what the chef’s specials were. We decided on the New York steak and shrimp scampi. After our fresh and tasty salad, we were served our main course, which we thoroughly enjoyed one delectable bite after another.
In fact, my sweetheart was so impressed that she exclaimed, “this shrimp scampi is absolutely the best I’ve ever eaten, and I just love the mashed potatoes with the whole roasted garlic.” Everything was so good, and we topped it off with Chef Grace Grossman’s special homemade brownie a la mode.
Chef Grossman, who is a graduate of the San Francisco Culinary Academy, personally prepared our delicious dinner, and coupled with the warm and friendly service, I would have to give the Vault an A-plus rating. Bon appetit!
Ron and Rose Leonti
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Iraqi madness continues
Sacrifice of American lives is a vital part of the Bush plan to provide Big Oil with an unbelievable payday from privatization of Iraqi oil reserves. Sacrificed lives are also essential to maximize the profits of Dubai’s Halliburton. The only possible way to end the sacrifice of American lives is to elect a Democratic President.
The leading Republican candidates stand with Bush, Halliburton and Big Oil, wanting to keep American forces in Iraq indefinitely. They talk of the same victory touted by Bush/Cheney. Stopping the senseless loss of lives seems to be on hold for 19 more months.
Frank Crosby
Morgan Hill
