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Prop. 36 threatens
criminal justice reform
Re: “Prop. 36’s smart response to crime, addiction” (Page A8, Sept. 8).
Proposition 36 will undo many of the much-needed criminal justice reforms implemented by Proposition 47.
We all want safety, but it is well-documented that increasing jail and prison time does not make us any safer. What makes us safer is investing in drug treatment, affordable housing, and crime and violence prevention that is up to scale for the problems we face, especially in Oakland.
There are measures already in place to ensure that violent and multiple repeat offenders serve time in jail. Proposition 36 will slash millions from programs that are known to reduce crime, and will impose harsher sentences that lead to the biggest increase in prison spending in many years. It is time for a collaborative and regional approach for all cities in the East Bay to come together to create genuine alternatives to crime.
Micky Duxbury
Berkeley
Prop. 4 is critical to
defend against threats
Re: “Now isn’t time for unfocused Prop. 4 bonds” (Page A6, Sept. 11).
I am a physician and a mother of two young children, and I plan to vote yes on Proposition 4. I support Proposition 4 because it aims to invest in social determinants of health.
As a physician, there is no medication I can prescribe to my patients that would stop wildfires threatening their homes or air pollution worsening their kids’ asthma. No amount of therapy to my dismayed patient will run their water supply free of contaminants.
Proposition 4 will allow California to build resilience against ever-increasing threats of environmental degradation, minimizing the future costs to human lives and the economy. In medicine, we strive for a similar goal; prevention is better than a cure.
It is imperative that we act now rather than incur irreversible damages from inevitable climate-related disasters, ranging from flooding, coastal erosion, wildfires, poor access to drinking water, and their insurmountable public health ramifications.
Hins Fullar
Alamo
Elect Benavente
to Concord council
Pablo Benavente has been actively involved in Concord for years, co-chairing crucial initiatives like Measure V. Measure V, a voter-approved sales tax, generates approximately $30 million annually for the city, which is used to improve public safety and repair roads. Pablo ensured that these funds were allocated responsibly and transparently. Pablo is deeply committed to making sure every dollar is spent wisely and benefits the community directly, maintaining accountability and proper oversight.
Pablo values community involvement and active participation. He understands the importance of boards and commissions and is dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard in city government.
Pablo demonstrates leadership, self-respect, diligence and, above all, integrity — these are the qualities we desperately need on Concord City Council.
For these reasons and more, I strongly urge you to vote for Pablo Benavente.
Graciela G Reynoso
Concord
Reelect Wilk to seat
on Walnut Creek council
Please join me in supporting Kevin Wilk for reelection to the Walnut Creek City Council.
He has stood up for human rights, including against antisemitism. Kevin has supported small businesses and local jobs. He has made public safety a top priority. He is responsive and works with residents to solve issues.
Kevin has proven knowledge and experience to help lead the city. He has earned my support, trust and vote.
Kathy Hicks
Former Walnut Creek Mayor
Walnut Creek
Electoral College guards
against majority tyranny
It’s amusing to read Letters to Editor asking for the elimination of the Electoral College. It’s almost as if these individuals failed their civics class.
The popular vote elects every officeholder except the president. It’s called majority wins or a democracy. For the president, we do it differently because, for this office, we are a constitutional republic. If that were not the case, New York and California would elect our president every four years.
The founders were concerned about the tyranny of the majority. It’s why we have the Electoral College.
Philip La Scola
Livermore