I am responding to the Free Lance editorial of March 19-21,
which can only be described as very disturbing.
I am responding to the Free Lance editorial of March 19-21, which can only be described as very disturbing. The writer argues that one reason for putting this situation behind us is the fact that the “voters have spoken.” Yes, the voters have spoken and, in some cases, so loudly that they may have “spoken” twice and possibly even from beyond the grave.
What I find disturbing is the writer’s use of the word “everyone.” Exactly who is this “everyone”? The fact that there are several open investigations shows that not “everyone” is convinced it is time to sweep this situation under the rug. The fact that “everyone” in San Benito County knows that John Hodges is a “straight-shooter” is not sufficient reason to drop the issue or sufficient proof that the voting process could not be improved. San Benito LULAC does not believe that, at this point, it is for the “betterment of everyone” to move on to the “serious issues.”
For a newspaper to suggest that an important public debate be shut down before its conclusion and for no better reason than they “feel it is time” and that it is a “waste of county money” to investigate possible abuse to the cornerstone of the democratic process is inappropriate.
San Benito County LULAC’s only interest in this situation is to determine, one way or the other, possible voting rights violations during the March 2 elections. These possible violations were brought to our attention by community members, many of who were not fully aware of their rights under the Voting Rights Act. These complaints were serious enough for the Department of Justice to assign seven election observers to San Benito County. They are considered serious enough for the county Board of Supervisors to open an investigation. We do not consider this a waste of taxpayers’ money. Just the opposite.
The result of these investigations may affect the county clerks’ office and the candidates in the District 5 contest. These are only secondary considerations. LULAC’s only concern is to make sure the voting process is working, equally, for all citizens.
Dan Reyes, President
San Benito County LULAC
