Letters for May 19, 2016

The money ride

Re “Lost in transit” by Graham Womack (SN&R News, May 5):

To [assert that to] succeed in November, the $3.6 billion transportation measure must play to the Sacramento suburbs missed an important point. The Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) for Measure B, the half-cent transportation sales tax which may be placed on the November ballot, carefully balances funding for road and bridge repair, bike and pedestrian investments, and new capital projects as well as public transit. While the article questions where all of the money will go, the TEP is publicly available on STA’s website … STA crafted a plan that will fund all modes of transportation and improve efficiency, safety and convenience for all residents in the county. Nearly 30 percent of the funds are dedicated to public transit, although according to SACOG only about 2.6 percent of residents in the region use public transportation. Approximately 70 percent of the revenue will fund road and other transit improvements, including investments in public transit systems in Elk Grove and Folsom. This funding is essential as investing in our roads helps reduce maintenance costs for both cars and buses. This comprehensive plan prioritizes “fix it first” projects for road repair and public transit, sets strict accountability standards and ensures that all transportation projects abide by existing air quality standards.

Jeffrey L. Spencer

Executive Director Sacramento Transportation Authority

Not nice, Ngaio

Re “Baby steps” by Ngaio Bealum (SN&R The 420, May 12):

Ngaio, you say “I’m not sure this initiative will pass. All the growers I know hate this measure. … There is no reason for a grower in Fresno or Calaveras or any city that allows cannabis cultivation to support this measure.” They only hate it because they have been taking advantage of either the black market or the now-absurd “medical excuse” marijuana system, MEMS. MEMS gives them quasi-monopolies and outrageously high prices. Neither of these artificial systems could last and they only exist on the massive suffering from the government persecution of marijuana consumers. “It does nothing to help the folks that need it most. … Without the support of the growers and the hardcore activists, AUMA proponents will have to appeal to the squares.”

I wonder if you know who you left out? Me and the other millions of consumers. It’s not nice to leave out the key stakeholders. Many of us are also “hardcore activists.” You do know that marijuana reform is about ending the monstrous persecution of consumers, right? AUMA does that. Also, all the growers (and dispensary owners) are not against AUMA. Only a vociferous few. There are many mature, ethical growers and vendors who realize the primary and urgent importance of ending the war on marijuana consumers. As Chris Conrad said on the Drug Truth Network radio show: “A lot of the opposition is coming from people who profit under the current system and really don’t want to see a change.”

John Thomas Wanless

Salinas