Letters for February 20, 2020

Stop the fear-mongering

Re “Political theater” (Newslines, by Ashiah Scharaga, Feb. 6):

Protest signs reading, “Children before needles”—and saying, “What about the children?”—do not give you a moral high ground, especially if you are proposing stripping life-saving services from a vulnerable population. The Northern Valley Harm Reduction Coalition actively benefits our community, from free testing for blood-borne illnesses to syringe cleanup.

Children, meanwhile, do not benefit from being used as pawns in this conversation. The realities of the situation, like a nationwide opioid epidemic and Hepatitis outbreak on the horizon, are alarming and deserving of action. Can’t we all agree to address the facts and not dwell in nightmare fantasies?

Phoebe Sager

Chico

Citizens for a Safe Chico is trashing our beautiful community by instilling fear in the masses and hurting our local businesses. Be part of the solution, not the problem. We need low-income housing, infill development and a day facility for our homeless population; a place where our homeless folks can be linked with services, take a shower, wash their clothes, store valuables, charge phones, and throw away trash.

Safe Chico is a political action committee, and they are preying upon the good people of Chico for political gain. It’s partisan politics. Don’t fall for their charade. Stay kind, Chico!

Krista Stone

Chico

Keeping Trump in check

Re “What concerns you most this election season?” (Streetalk, Feb. 13):

Let’s just accept the fact that Donald Trump is likely to be re-elected this November. But there are other important elections that have barely been mentioned, by the media and the politicians themselves.

This year, as usual, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be chosen. Let’s start by replacing incumbent Doug LaMalfa with Audrey Denney. Hopefully a couple other bad apples (Devin Nunes) will also be replaced, and the House will maintain its Democratic majority.

The Senate will have 35 elections this year. There are 22 Republican and 13 Democratic seats being contested. After watching the impeachment debacle, it will be imperative for the Democrats to also take control of the Senate. There is a lot of potential to flip the Senate, the way the House was in 2018. Among the Republicans running are a few notables that probably wouldn’t be missed: Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), and Susan Collins (Maine).

Having a Democratic majority in both chambers of Congress would keep Trump in check with issues like military actions, health care, tariffs, the wall, environmental decisions and Supreme Court appointments.

Dave Kanak

Chico

Not so miniscule

Re “Hysteria on both sides” (Letters, by Lucy Cooke, Feb. 13):

The writer is mistaken when she describes Russia’s social media activity in 2016 as “miniscule.”

According to The Washington Post, Russian agents infiltrated Google, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and even Pokémon Go. Russia-linked Facebook pages, with names such as “Secure Borders” and “Being Patriotic,” garnered hundreds of thousands of followers and generated tens of millions of interactions.

Remember, Hillary won the popular vote by almost 3 million votes. It was only by dint of the Electoral College that Trump won the election, which hinged on fewer than 80,000 votes in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan (less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the total ballots cast). As detailed in the Mueller Report, Trump Campaign Manager Paul Manafort shared polling data with the Russians so they knew where to concentrate their activity.

Trump apologists argue, “There’s no proof that anyone’s vote was influenced by Russian interference,” and that may be true. But there’s also no proof that a Super Bowl ad will influence anyone’s decision on which brand of beer or tortilla chips to buy, yet advertisers spend a fortune on the assumption that millions of viewers will be so influenced.

Scott Paulo

Chico

Differing on endorsements

With all respect for the CN&R, your endorsement of Elizabeth Warren is disastrously wrong. We are watching the corporate takeover of our country, exactly as those who signed our Declaration of Independence and Constitution warned.

Under Warren, nothing will change. The only person talking about real things and offering solutions is Sen. Sanders. He has been an effective legislator and he has been right about many issues for many years. His policies are popular throughout our nation. He polled higher against Trump than Clinton did in 2016, he has by far the most individual contributors, he attracts by far the biggest crowds, and he is now leading the pack (“clown car” would be an appropriate term), so that the electability canard does not apply.

Here is the deal: Economic power is political power, there is no way to separate them. When we see the entire wealth of our nation controlled by a handful of men, we are watching the destruction of government by and for the people. This is the last chance we have to leave that track and choose something better. Any candidate not advocating significant change is simply another corporate tool. Sen. Sanders is the only rational choice for president.

Nelson H. Kaiser

Chico

CN&R’s endorsement of Elizabeth Warren makes complete sense if you are looking for an impeccable résumé and a sincere, intelligent fighter against Wall Street and big business. Unfortunately, beating Trump will require much more than a strong résumé, and, for whatever reasons, Warren is starting to plummet in the polls—the pundits say she is not far enough left for liberals but still too far left for the moderates.

So the fight will be for the middle—mostly independents. If it is Bernie, then Trump will ride the socialist label he puts on Bernie all the way to another four years in office. One more Sanders heart attack would also ruin his chances.

I love Warren’s energy and ethics, as well as Mayor Pete’s intelligence. Imagine a president who could travel on our behalf speaking five languages?

But I just mailed in my ballot and marked Bloomberg down as my choice. I believe he is an experienced fighter from a city that knows how to breed fighters—New York—and has the best chance to beat Trump. And beating Trump is the only thing that matters.

Jim Elfers

Paradise

Two takes on Measure A

We are so very fortunate to have CARD in our community to provide healthy and worthwhile programs and facilities to all of our citizens—kids, families, adults, liberals, conservatives, whatever. When each of us pays a little, we all benefit a lot.

I am concerned that a few recent letters to the editor have forwarded specious claims and are completely unfounded. The CARD board of directors are duly elected members of our community, who provide guidance and direction to the management and staff, who are competent and experienced individuals dedicated to providing first-class programs, services and facilities to our diverse community.

A yes vote on Measure A is a no-brainer! Since 1948, when CARD was established, there have been no districtwide parcel taxes in place supporting the district. We need to provide additional resources to CARD to improve and maintain safe, clean and accessible parks, recreational facilities, and programs—keeping our Chico community a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

Ralph Meuter

Chico

There’s a lot of talk about Measure A. I have heard statements such as “This is a unique opportunity,” “We need to pay it forward for future generations,” and “It costs less than $10 a month.” I challenge every voter, parent and grandparent to think about these statements.

Measure A is a continuous parcel tax on your property that has no end date. It continuously increases every year, billed on your property tax bill, tied to the consumer price index. This is a tax, folks, that has no oversight or auditing mechanism.

This tax will leave a huge debt and burden to our children and grandchildren. If they are lucky enough to buy a piece of property, how much do you think your $85 tax will be for them? Do you think they will thank you for leaving them a huge tax liability?

I, for one, do not want to leave my children or grandchildren with a huge tax liability. I want to teach them how to be fiscally responsible, live within their means, and budget accordingly.

Please join me in voting no on Measure A, so our future generations will not be burdened.

Lorna Andreatta

Chico

Support in supes race

There is an interesting juxtaposition of adjacent billboards on Highway 99 heading south: Sue Hilderbrand side-by-side with Tod Kimmelshue. Both look good. Which one is best positioned to lead District 4 as its next Supervisor? I support Sue Hilderbrand.

Sue has a strong organizing background and exemplary leadership skills. There is no doubt she can do the job well based on her current skill set. However, it is her team-building potential on the Board of Supervisors that earns my vote. Butte County is at a healing moment. The challenges are many. Sue Hilderbrand is well-positioned to help our Board of Supervisors unite on a path of shared leadership.

I encourage District 4 residents to vote for Sue Hilderbrand for District 4 supervisor and for the future of Butte County.

Andy Holcombe

Chico

In the race for county supervisor, it is refreshing that a lifelong community servant is stepping up to run for office. Tod Kimmelshue has been uniting neighbors and unifying communities in Butte County for as long as I’ve known him. I trust and know that he will do the same on the Board of Supervisors.

I’ve know Tod for close to 30 years. He has always prioritized giving back to his community, and I know the overwhelming support he’s received in his bid for the Board of Supervisors reflects his level of dedication to Butte County.

Tod is supported by over 800 community leaders who know what it takes to make our communities thrive. His support runs deep because he has lived his community’s values for years. He’s prioritized our young people through his work as Rotary president, where he helped fund the purchase of instruments for our local schools’ music departments.

Tod has been a fearless leader for local agriculture, raising money for local FFA chapters so students had the opportunity to learn about our county’s No. 1 industry.

This is what true public service is about: putting your community ahead of yourself. And that is why Tod will make a great county supervisor.

Ken Carlsen

Durham

I have known Sue Hilderbrand, candidate for Butte County Board of Supervisors, for 15 years. Learning that we were both returned Peace Corps volunteers—Sue in Morocco and myself in Botswana—created an instant bond. We had shared a very meaningful and life-altering experience.

Peace Corps builds self-confidence and an inner strength that comes with meeting challenges you previously didn’t know you could handle successfully, and to problem-solve in ways that build character, a worldview that you take with you and an appreciation of different perspectives. It teaches humility and compassion, and is empowering at the same time.

Sue maintains the passion she brought with her to Morocco. That passion, I believe, will translate into daily representation of the needs and values of our community, and not the vested interests of a few. She will do that with the same dedication that I learned to appreciate in the Peace Corps volunteers I worked with in Botswana. And she will bring an intelligence that she displays so creatively when she is faced with challenging situations.

Sue Hilderbrand is a leader with the smarts, the background, and the solution-oriented focus that will serve Butte County well.

Sheldon Praiser

Chico

I have been following the campaign for the Board of Supervisors District 4. I strongly support Sue Hildebrand. She is impressive due to her energy, enthusiasm, clear thinking and obvious caring for the North State, as well as her broad experience in bridging diverse interests.

She is concerned about our being able to keep enough water in this area to support our environment and having enough water so that our small farms can continue to be viable. She also cares about outside interests coming into our area to profit from our disaster just as they did in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She does not want people taking advantage of our area for their own profit.

If she is elected she will bring a new voice to the Board of Supervisors. Working along with Supervisors Tami Ritter and Debra Lucero, she will be able to bring transparency and clarity instead of business as usual. I feel that a vote for Sue is a vote for a better Butte County.

Suzette Welch

Chico

I encourage everybody to vote for Sue Hilderbrand for supervisor. I have known Sue for many years, and have worked with her in various capacities. I can attest that Sue is highly intelligent, and very knowledgeable about political and governmental issues. She has taught in the political science field for many years, and is well-respected by her students.

If Sue is not fully knowledgeable about a particular issue, she will research it fully and make sure she has considered all sides and points of view before coming to a decision. Even more important, perhaps, Sue is an incredibly hard worker. When she takes on a project, she works tirelessly to see that project through to completion. I have never seen anybody who works with such persistence and dedication.

I know that her government service, once she is elected, will take top priority in her life and will get her full attention. It will not come second to other commitments in her life. Sue also knows how to work collaboratively with others, which is vital to a position in local government. I know that Sue will work hard for the benefit and well-being of our entire community.

Leslie Johnson

Chico

In response to the question about the Schools and Local Communities initiative, which would raise property taxes on the wealthiest corporations in California, candidate Tod Kimmelshue said, “…obviously we all want that. We want more vocational training; we want more people that learn the trades, and that’s something I’m all in favor of…”

You can clearly see that Kimmelshue favors the changes to Prop. 13, right? Wrong. That quote was cherry-picked from a much longer answer. But this is exactly the fear-based, misinformation tactic used in Kimmelshue’s latest mailer to voters about Sue Hilderbrand’s position.

In an unfortunate pivot to negative campaigning, Kimmelshue is promoting misinformation in order to win this election, which is deeply concerning to me as a constituent of District 4. I call on Kimmelshue to focus on the issues facing Butte County and treat voters with the respect we deserve. Enough of your shameful fear-based tactics.

Jerry Morano

Chico

Vote for Sue Hilderbrand. Sue supports our local farmers and working people who need help just making a living. Tod Kimmelshue has taken tens of thousands of dollars in donations from the richest Butte County farmers. They and the special interests from south of Butte County will want payback. That payback will be our water for growing perennial crops in the Kern County desert and big oil to expand fracking.

Sue will listen to and represent residents, and she will work to build a sustainable future for the people of District 4. And, as a Butte County supervisor, she will consider our whole region and make good policy decisions for the future of us all.

Robin Keehn

Chico

Crossover appeal

Most registered voters in Butte County have received their ballots for the March 3 election. This letter goes out to voters who are not registered Democrat but who want to vote in the Democratic primary, so you can weigh in on who wins the Democratic nomination for president.

If you are registered “No Party Preference” and you want to vote for a Democratic nominee, you must request a democratic ballot! (Don’t worry—you don’t have to re-register Democrat.) Call the Butte County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters to exchange your ballot: 552-3400.

Also, I urge you to jump on the bandwagon and cast your vote for Sue Hilderbrand or Henry Schleiger for Butte County supervisor, Audrey Denney to replace Rep. Doug LaMalfa, James Henson to replace Assemblyman James Gallagher, and of course, Bernie Sanders!

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”—Jimi Hendrix

Emily Alma

Chico

Shame on Trump apologists

Even before taking the White House hostage, and live on Access Hollywood, Trump bragged of being able to grab women and get away with it because he’s a star. I warned my daughters that if any man sexually assaulted them in that manner, to instantly call 911 and report the assault to the authorities.

And Lucy Cooke wants me to love this scumbag? Call her Cleopatra, she’s the queen of denial. Speaking of such queens, Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski called Trump’s actions that led to his impeachment both “shameful” and “wrong,” while voting to acquit the criminal—yes, voting to acquit, although the glove fit. He’ll learn from his actions, they said with straight faces

Lucy Cooke needs only to Google the 29-page Mueller indictment handed down by the D.C. grand jury to learn the names, monikers and computer serial numbers used by the 12 Russian agents who interfered in the 2016 presidential election, requiring military retaliation. In my estimation, it was an attack on America, not Hillary Clinton.

Three like women, Collins, Cooke and Murkowski, floating down Trump’s river of lies. Call them Cleopatra, everybody—they’re queens of denial.

Ray Estes

Chico

’Emoluments, anyone?’

As I write this, today is the beginning of a three-day weekend in honor of Presidents Day. I would like to point out some comparisons. Today president Trump arrived at Mar-a-Lago for the 29th time as president on this, the 1,121st day of his presidency. It is also his 175th day there. In 2017, Trump spent $13.6 million in one month. Since 2017, taxpayers have paid more than $588,000 on golf carts for the Secret Service. That’s in three years, folks. Emoluments, anyone? In 2019, Trump spent 1 in 5 days at a Trump golf club. By comparison, Trump’s predecessor, President Obama, spent $96 million on travel in eight years. There 263 days till the next election.

Ed Pitman

Chico

More on Bloomberg

Elites in the Democratic establishment are tripping all over themselves trying to come up with a plan to stop Bernie Sanders. Their desperation and fear at the prospect of someone who actually represents working families taking over leadership of the party is palpable. They’re jumping from candidate to candidate—first Joe Biden, then Pete Buttigieg, now seemingly to Michael Bloomberg.

It’s no surprise that the corporate class is backing Bloomberg. Their attempt to buy this election is evidence of the disdain and outright contempt they hold for the working class of this country. What is more disappointing is the fact that Bloomberg’s massive propaganda machine seems to be working on some people. How anyone thinks that a candidate who is the literal embodiment of oligarchy will defeat Trump in the general election is beyond me. Do we really think that setting up a choice between two racist plutocrats with authoritarian tendencies will drive voter turnout?

Nominating Bloomberg to run against Trump would be an act of electoral suicide. It would be proof that neither the Republican or Democratic parties are interested in improving the lives of any of us—proof that all that matters is maximizing profit as the planet burns.

Patrick Spielman

Chico

Cheaters now prosper

Special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress. He warned that efforts to tamper with our elections may be the “new normal.” In 2014, I viewed a televised baseball game. Relief pitchers in the bullpen watched a television. What were they looking at? The Honeymooners reruns? The Apprentice? My guess is that the TV screen displayed something other; maybe the game being played in front of them?

Recently, Major League Baseball revealed the Astros cheated, utilized TV monitors and stole opponents’ signs. For breaking rules and norms of baseball, Commissioner Rob Manfred has essentially ruled from his lofty position, “OK, bad on you guys. Don’t do it again. Oh, and if future pitchers retaliate, by hitting you with baseballs, those rude dudes will be fined aplenty.”

That’s akin to how Attorney General William Barr rolls. Do baseball fans have to accept the orders of John Michael “Mick” Mulvaney? “We do it all the time. Get over it!”

Danny Wilson

Oroville