Keep Railtown open donate $20 a year

To the Editor,

As a volunteer at Railtown, I was deeply disappointed with the vote against Measure C. 

If Railtown and the fairgrounds are forced to close, the loss in tourism will have a devastating effect on the economy of Tuolumne County. 

I have been frustrated by the fact that the people who wrote to The Union Democrat opposing Measure C have said they support Railtown but have not, to my knowledge, suggested any specific alternatives for funding it. 

I have a couple of suggestions for them. 

If the 6,500-plus persons who voted against Measure C sincerely want to keep Railtown open, they could each donate $20 per year to the park. 

The resulting $130,000 would be close to what Measure C would have raised from tourists who come to our County to enjoy all that it has to offer. Even better, the anti-Measure C folks could purchase memberships in Railtown and both support and enjoy the park. 

Doing either is easy, just visit Railtown or go to its website.

Steve Ralston

Mi-Wuk Village

Fish planting regs must be changed

To the Editor,

In reference to Larry Stewart’s recent letter: I’ve been a fisherman, camper, firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. I’ve been camping/fishing in the Sierras for about 50 years, I know more things than you can fathom. If that one experience for your son brings him to enjoy and love the great outdoors and fishing as I do, I am happy for you. 

But don’t hold a blind eye to things you know nothing about! 

We are just seeking equality on how fish are planted for all fishermen, not selected resorts! Fish on!

Joe Fedor 

San Jose

Reject TUD water
rate increases

To the Editor,

I attended the June 7 public water rate increase workshop. 

I once again reject the TUD rate increases. The board and management continue to ignore the fiscal problems of TUD. 

Rate increases no matter how large, accounting gimmicks, and lame expense cuts do nothing to fix the fundamental problems. The TUD Board and Management have a spending problem, not a revenue problem and TUD is a short few years away from bankruptcy. 

Public sector unions and water districts have a monopoly on making sure the benefits and salaries stay in a certain range and will not change them until we vote in a new board that is fiscally responsible and ask management for the real expense cuts. 

We as citizens need to keep the pressure on to reform the bloated public sector system. We cannot afford to pay the full freight for CalPERS retirement, Cadillac healthcare and free-for-life retirement healthcare. 

The state water mandate is to raise rates to cover your expenses. 

Well, if that is done the concern is that water rates will escalate so much just to pay for salaries, retirement and healthcare benefits for current and retired employees that we won’t be able to fix, maintain and upgrade the water delivery system as the money will just not be there. 

This is happening throughout our state and nation. Services are being cut back because salaries and benefits are eating away at the general fund. 

It is insane and needs to be reformed. 

We are broke in California if you haven’t noticed. Rate and tax payers are revolting and saying, “No more!”

MP McHugh 

Twain Harte 

Assembly endorsement

To the Editor,

Perhaps surprisingly, given my recent absence of the past few years from the Mother Lode, the third place finish in the Assembly District here was a validation of my campaign for reform in California of its institutions and system of governance in spite of inter-party rivalry that plagued the campaign almost from the start. 

And not wanting to burn any bridges, as I may well want to try again in a couple of years, I want to speak frankly to my supporters and those that were not included in the apparent Republican sweep Tuesday in our District.

Though failure to secure a spot in the run-off may well lay at the lack of voter turnout in Tuesday’s election, we are going to have to choose between two establishment Republicans. And I want to go on record that it is my candid and honest opinion the best representation this District can now get in the next term is unquestionably from former State Legislator Rico Oller.

As an engaged participant in the many facets of the spring campaign, it is my informed opinion from direct observation, that Rico most closely aligns himself with concerns of both democratic values, and personal views, that we often both shared during the election, and that will best represent the interests of those who now live in the district.

There were to be true, specific issues that he and I took sharp differences over. That is the nature of our democratic practices in this nation. But the choice is now clear. I thank you again for your unrelenting support and encouragement throughout the district.

Tim K. Fitzgerald

Sonora

Fitzgerald was a Democratic candidate for Assembly District 5.

Tuolumne
County budget

To the Editor,

Just what in the world is going on with county administrator Craig Pedro? One day we have a surplus, the next we have a deficit. 

One day we have to sell the mine property for pennies on the dollar because it is so contaminated you can’t even stand on it. 

Now it’s OK to build anything you could possibly dream of on it, and we still do not know if the county will be liable for any more clean up costs.

The amounts of money that Mr. Pedro seems to find and then again lose are considerable. 

This is not pocket change. 

Now the fault lies with the spreadsheet? 

That is a simple piece of paper. Who filled it with information? If a computer program was used, I refer to bad info in, bad info out. 

Does no one listen to what he says? Can’t anyone remember what he said last month? Now we have overhead revenues?

I could not find a definition for that in the dictionary. This guy needs to step aside and let an independent audit take place and find out where the money is, or is not, and why. 

Richard Shears 

Columbia

Bravo Summerville Elementary School

To the Editor, 

Congrats to Summerville El. Just wanted to say thank you, for Steve Artzer bringing back the bell tradition for the kids at Summerville El. 

Also, as someone who goes to all the grammar schools to watch sporting events, Summerville El’s campus is always the cleanest, and best kept in the whole county, another accomplishment of Mr. Artzer’s. 

Thanks for your dedication. 

Mark Aquilino

Sonora

Planning difficulties

To the Editor,

I am very pessimistic about our Calaveras County General Plan Update. Individual choice and property rights are not included in that grand vision of our future. 

Getting a permit from any planning department is an expensive and daunting process for even tiny, mundane projects.

My experience with planning tells me that land planning in California is not about planning. It is about control dictated from Sacramento, Washington D.C. and ultimately the U.N.  

For example, an organization of planners and “experts” called the Local Government Commission (LGC) met at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite and compiled a document called, The Ahwahnee Principles.

Ahwahnee Principles say we are impairing our way of life by intruding on open space and polluting the air with our cars. It would rescue us with strict government controls over how we live and develop our property.  LGC promises Livable Communities, meaning high density Agenda 21 Smart Growth communes. 

In effect, we will live as the planner wishes rather than how we, ourselves choose to live. What a rotten bill of goods. They deem us incompetent to make our own life decisions without strict, overreaching government oversight.

If you own land where you hope to build or develop, I strongly recommend that you visit the planning department soon to get a list of the requirements, restrictions and fees before you proceed. 

Otherwise you might spend thousands of dollars just for the privilege of hearing “no.”  

Even if you do clear all the hurdles, the process could take years. Be warned.

Robert Mulvaney 

Murphys

Mother Lode
fish planting

To the Editor,

I’ve heard a few negative remarks from some very disgruntled fisherman whose comments and accusations lack knowledge and substance. 

I want to send my thank you’s out to all who work at Moccasin Trout Hatchery. I see them working their butts off almost every week. Their dedication and commitment to our communities is amazing. 

Thanks to them my 4-year-old caught his first fish. They also let him throw some fish in the river. For the man who was complaining — shame on you for trying to educate others on things you know nothing about. 

Thank you Moccasin Hatchery-Dept. of Fish and Game for everything you do! 

Larry Stewart

Sonora

Hurrah for U.S. Justice system 

To the Editor,

Yes, we should be happy that Mr. Edwards is not going to prison. A large gift given to him by a friend for sleazy use to hide a lover should not be considered criminal.  

Keep the federal and all levels of government out of our personal lives. Federal funds used for prosecuting private acts from Clinton to Edwards is money misspent.  

The media loves this drama; but don’t allow them to mislead and merge the difference between illegal and immoral actions.

But be aware of good looking politicians with great smiles with law degrees, and success in bilking millions from the court system.  

Dennis Schneider

Angels Camp

More concerts
at Frogtown

To the Editor,

Frogtown needs more concerts.

I recently worked for Rock Med at the First Aid Station at the Reggae in the Hills concert this past weekend. It was a wonderful event. 

The music was great and a lot of people had fun. 

We need more concerts at our Fairgrounds. Calaveras County has a treasure at that venue and it should be used more. 

I would love to see Mountain Aire revived and air shows, horse shows, rodeos, country western concerts and more at our Fairgrounds. 

Why not? 

Rodger Orman, MD 

Murphys

Health risks of sugar in beverages

To the Editor,

The issue of sugar sweetened beverages has been getting quite a bit of media coverage lately, including the opinion piece that appeared in The Union Democrat last Friday. That article took issue with New York’s proposed ban on selling soft drinks in jumbo sizes. 

While that policy proposal has its own strengths and weaknesses and is certainly not one being pursued here, the issue at the heart of the ban is definitely worth a look. 

Obesity rates are rising dramatically across the nation. The percentage of Tuolumne County residents who are overweight or obese is 65 percent, well above the state average of 56 percent. 

Because obesity is linked to serious and life threatening conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, the obesity epidemic is a major public health issue. 

We all know that sugar intake is a major contributor to weight gain. But did you know that the largest source of sugar in the diets of most Americans comes in the form of beverages: soda, sports drinks, sweetened teas and coffees and the like? 

Limiting our consumption of these makes a great deal of sense. 

So in the coming warm weather months when we all need to stay hydrated everyone should rethink their drinks and choose water or other beverages without added sugar. 

And while there is no soda ban in the works here, folks are encouraged to use the information they have to make healthy choices for themselves.

Carlene Maggio

Sonora

Extend the tax cuts

To the Editor,

Unless Congress and the President act to extend the Bush-era tax cuts, they will expire Dec. 31. President Obama plans to let them expire. He insists that his aim is just to assure that the rich pay their “fair share”, and that you won’t have to worry unless you make over $250,000.

President Obama doesn’t disclose that the expiration will raise taxes on a whole lot of people who aren’t “rich.”

Prior to the Bush-era, all married couples suffered under a so-called “marriage penalty.” Two single people living together paid notably less tax than a married couple. The Bush-era tax cuts righted this wrong.

Today, the bottom two tax brackets for married joint-filing couples are twice as wide as those for singles. This helps keep the marriage penalty from biting lower- and middle-income couples. If the tax cuts are allowed to expire December 31, the joint-filer tax brackets will contract, causing higher tax bills for many couples.

Currently, the standard deduction for married joint-filing couples is double the amount for singles. Starting next year, the joint-filer standard deduction will fall back to about 167 percent of the amount for singles.

All this means that many lower-and middle-income couples are facing higher tax bills due to a harsher marriage penalty.

Higher capital gains, dividend and several other taxes will also sock the middle class.

Mr. Romney and the Republicans in Congress want to extend the Bush-era tax cuts indefinitely. Contrary to what Mr. Obama says, they are not “just trying to protect the rich.” They are trying to protect your family and mine!

George Kellerman

Sonora

Against cutting taxes

To the Editor:

America’s “progressive tax system” taxes you more the wealthier you get. This is because the wealthy benefit most from our nation’s infrastructure, incentives and resources. However, cutting taxes returns most to the wealthy. The Bush tax cuts return $8 of every $10 to the wealthiest 10 percent. Since these tax cuts are unfunded, they increase our national debt $6 trillion each decade.

Cutting federal, state and local taxes redistributes our share of the national economy to the wealthy. We lose much more than we gain. Conservatives criticize the “nanny state” entitlements like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, education. They ignore the annual $1 trillion entitlements benefiting the wealthy; tax breaks, no bid contracts, subsidies. Even tax evasion has been encouraged since downsizing the IRS allows $300 billion a year to escape collection from the wealthy — Barlett’s Great American Tax Dodge. Fifteen years of Bush tax cuts plus tax evasion equals our national debt. The Simpson-Bowles Deficit Reduction Committee recommended cuts to programs as well as tax increases. Obama and Boehner agreed. The Democratic leadership supported Obama, Boehner received no Republican support. Why? Because the Norquist “No Tax Pledge” doesn’t allow compromise. Norquist’s organization will unseat any Republican who compromises. Republicans elect representatives but it’s Norquist’s vote that counts. 

Conservatives claim to be patriots but continually bash our government. Would anyone give up our government for any other? Norquist says his goal is “to reduce the size of our government so he can drown it in a bathtub.” In pursuit of “small government” we deregulated the banks. Was that good for America? Likewise, cutting taxes rewards the few at the expense of the many. 

Robert Carabas

Sonora

Positive hospital experience

To the Editor,

I just wanted to let people who have reservations about going to Sonora Regional Medical Center about my experience there.

Recently I had major surgery there and an eight day stay. 

I received absolutely wonderful care there; from financial help to doctors, nurses and therapy and all responsible for my recovery. 

I cannot praise them enough, or thank them all enough.

Sue Canto

Sonora

Extend the tax cuts

To the Editor,

Unless Congress and the President act to extend the Bush-era tax cuts, they will expire Dec. 31. President Obama plans to let them expire. He insists that his aim is just to assure that the rich pay their “fair share”, and that you won’t have to worry unless you make over $250,000.

President Obama doesn’t disclose that the expiration will raise taxes on a whole lot of people who aren’t “rich.”

Prior to the Bush-era, all married couples suffered under a so-called “marriage penalty.” Two single people living together paid notably less tax than a married couple. The Bush-era tax cuts righted this wrong.

Today, the bottom two tax brackets for married joint-filing couples are twice as wide as those for singles. This helps keep the marriage penalty from biting lower- and middle-income couples. If the tax cuts are allowed to expire December 31, the joint-filer tax brackets will contract, causing higher tax bills for many couples.

Currently, the standard deduction for married joint-filing couples is double the amount for singles. Starting next year, the joint-filer standard deduction will fall back to about 167 percent of the amount for singles.

All this means that many lower-and middle-income couples are facing higher tax bills due to a harsher marriage penalty.

Higher capital gains, dividend and several other taxes will also sock the middle class.

Mr. Romney and the Republicans in Congress want to extend the Bush-era tax cuts indefinitely. Contrary to what Mr. Obama says, they are not “just trying to protect the rich.” They are trying to protect your family and mine!

George Kellerman

Sonora

Against cutting taxes

To the Editor:

America’s “progressive tax system” taxes you more the wealthier you get. This is because the wealthy benefit most from our nation’s infrastructure, incentives and resources. However, cutting taxes returns most to the wealthy. The Bush tax cuts return $8 of every $10 to the wealthiest 10 percent. Since these tax cuts are unfunded, they increase our national debt $6 trillion each decade.

Cutting federal, state and local taxes redistributes our share of the national economy to the wealthy. We lose much more than we gain. Conservatives criticize the “nanny state” entitlements like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, education. They ignore the annual $1 trillion entitlements benefiting the wealthy; tax breaks, no bid contracts, subsidies. Even tax evasion has been encouraged since downsizing the IRS allows $300 billion a year to escape collection from the wealthy — Barlett’s Great American Tax Dodge. Fifteen years of Bush tax cuts plus tax evasion equals our national debt. The Simpson-Bowles Deficit Reduction Committee recommended cuts to programs as well as tax increases. Obama and Boehner agreed. The Democratic leadership supported Obama, Boehner received no Republican support. Why? Because the Norquist “No Tax Pledge” doesn’t allow compromise. Norquist’s organization will unseat any Republican who compromises. Republicans elect representatives but it’s Norquist’s vote that counts. 

Conservatives claim to be patriots but continually bash our government. Would anyone give up our government for any other? Norquist says his goal is “to reduce the size of our government so he can drown it in a bathtub.” In pursuit of “small government” we deregulated the banks. Was that good for America? Likewise, cutting taxes rewards the few at the expense of the many. 

Robert Carabas

Sonora

Positive hospital experience

To the Editor,

I just wanted to let people who have reservations about going to Sonora Regional Medical Center about my experience there.

Recently I had major surgery there and an eight day stay. 

I received absolutely wonderful care there; from financial help to doctors, nurses and therapy and all responsible for my recovery. 

I cannot praise them enough, or thank them all enough.

Sue Canto

Sonora