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Opinion Letters to the Editor for June 3, 2010
Letters to the Editor for June 3, 2010
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TOT supporter To the editor: I am writing in support of raising Tuolumne County’s transient occupancy (hotel-motel) tax. I work for the Visitors’ Bureau, where we provide a very valuable service to tourists. Most other counties are above 10 percent and many at 14 percent or more, whereas the 2 percent increase on the June 8 ballot will bring us up to just 10 percent. This additional funding will allow us to continue drawing tourists to the county and helping them once they arrive. Also, the extra money will go into the county’s General Fund, earmarked only for fixing roads, fire protection and police. Items that help visitors. We appreciate each and every tourist and treat them very well. They come into the Visitors Bureau and thank us for being here every day. We help them find comfortable rooms to sleep in, show them where the great food is , tell them about the fun things to do and see here, let them know which roads are open or closed, give them directions, etc. What ever their questions we find the answers. We also go out of the county to trade shows and fairs to spread the word about the county and its many attractions. Tourism is a major industry in the county. More tourists equal more jobs and better local economy. Vote yes on Measures A or B (county or city) Sandy Esau Sonora Re-elect Caetano To the editor: The race for our elected assessor-recorder isn’t likely to attract much attention in a crowded and loud field of local and statewide politicians and politico wannabees. Nevertheless the county’s assessor-recorder is an important position, one that requires an experienced and knowledgeable professional. We already have that. The incumbent, Ken Caetano, brings over 30 years of appraisal experience in Tuolumne County with 22 years of state certification. Mr. Caetano has served the county well by continuing to develop and maintain an effective, stable, and reliable county department performing an important service. We should retain him in office. Jason Reed Cold Springs Fill up those holes To the editor: To all Mother Lode Roundup treasure hunters, please fill in your holes after digging for the “Posse Treasure.” Leave the ground as you found it or better. If you have time to dig, you have time to fill it. Thank you. Lee and Shirley Dahlin Soulsbyville Contractor’s license To the editor: There is no money for schools, roads, the truly needy, etc. But our over-bloated civil service has plenty of money to set up shop at a residence, sit on their butts, and entrap hard working individuals by soliciting their work. These are individuals who simply can’t afford the exorbitant cost for the privilege of holding a contractor’s license. It’s a license that no more guarantees honest work than a politician’s promises guarantee honest government. I have hired both licensed and unlicensed contractors and have found the only difference is about double the cost. And if there is a problem, the state is on the contractors’ side. It’s a crime that our tax dollars are being used to get more tax (license) dollars, while people who actually work get busted for not having a piece of paper. So, Mr. Easy Bust, since you obviously have the resources, why not catch some real criminals? Oh, sorry, that would entail real work. Doug Davey Sonora (The Contractors State License Board conducted the undercover May 19-20 sting, which netted nine allegedly unlicensed contractors. The operation was done in cooperation with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices and California Department of Insurance). Senior Fair Expo a success To the editor: First, I want to thank local businesses and volunteers for making the first annual Senior Fair Expo be the success that it was. From the beginning, the fair was designed to help better serve the foothills senior community, and I am pleased that we had 57 booths, from a diverse group of for-profit companies and nonprofits. The U.S. Veterans Administration sent a medical outreach and registration team. From the response the Tuolumne County Commission on Aging is getting, next year’s event should have 75-80 booths. Those interested may contact me directly at 533-8508. Secondly, I would like to comment on the positive economic development I see in Tuolumne County. The new Tractor Supply seems to be doing a nice business. Kohl’s is constructing a loading dock next to its new store where Gottschalks was, Greenley road and rail realignment as part of the Lowe’s project requirements is under way, Habitat for Humanity made a spectacular purchase of residential and commercial lots. It is my hope that WalMart will gain City of Sonora approval for its store expansion, so it can begin construction this year. Thirdly, it seems appropriate to mention that our freedoms have been won by the hard sacrifice of veterans. I hope that people realize that we could now be German or Japanese slaves if World War II had turned out differently. South Korea and other countries would not exist if not for our military might. We need to not only pray for peace, but pray for our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, in military service. Jim Grinnell Sonora Common sense To the editor: Let me get this right: Tuolumne County Administrator Craig Pedro wants to reduce county employees PERS Retirement benefits to save money. But in the same meeting, the county spends $195,000 to bring water service to the yet-to-be-built (and may never be built) law and justice center. I guess common sense is not all that common. Scott Johnson Sonora Retain Mele To the editor: My husband, Dick Nutting, was Tuolumne County Sheriff from 1991 through 1998. He knew difficult budget times and really respects the job Sheriff Jim Mele has done in maintaining services in similar tight budgets. Sheriff Mele has been open to the public, and shown interest in public opinion and needs. Beyond that, he is a fine family man with a great family. He and his wife, Sharon, have a wonderful relationship. You can not find a better team. Please vote to retain Jim Mele as our sheriff. Leetta Nutting Sonora Wrong choice To the editor: I get it. The economy is bad and cutbacks are necessary. What I don’t get is what they choosing to cut back. A bad economy creates hardships, and violence has doubled in our community. To those who have had to deal with violence in their lives, there is a group of people who have helped so many men women and children in our community with such love, compassion, and care. They give so much of themselves to help others be safe, and so much more. Because we have a goverment full of educated derelicts, the Center for a Non-violent Community has to make even more layoffs when this community needs them more then ever. Violence affects everyone. CNVC is so committed to helping us all to live in a non-violent community. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated caring people in our community. It shouldn’t even be a option to cut back on such a needed service. It’s wrong, it’s so wrong. Thank you, CNVC, for helping me and so many others. Lori Cole Sonora Amazing musical To the editor: To the students and staff of Mother Lode Christian School, bravo! Your spring musical, “Under God’s Sea,” was amazing. Under the direction of Laura Brinegar, those beautiful voices sang praises to God, students skits centered on morals and values, and the band played on! Thank you for such an entertaining evening. Janet Crook Groveland |
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