Gregory L. Bacchetti

Published online on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009

Age: 53

Occupation: Commercial construction project/construction manager.

Hobbies: Study and play classical piano; oil painting and pencil drawing; reading.

Bee reader since: 1976.

How many letters: Seven since 2005.

Favorite topics: Politics, history.

Why do you write? There are various issues and factual topics I feel sufficiently strongly about to have my thoughts published. A large segment of the public has a need to be better informed about issues that affect us. Additionally, I enjoy writing.

Reaction to letters: Mostly positive from family and friends, however, I enjoy opposing viewpoints that come my way. I always look forward to the give and take of a good, informed debate.

Excerpt from recent letter: "Voting is not a right that should be taken lightly, because it determines the course this country will take and has ramifications that can last for years beyond one's term in office. ... If one cannot find the time to inform oneself, or simply can't be bothered to educate oneself properly on probably the single most important right we have in this country -- which many citizens of other countries do not share -- then they should stay home."

Topic that doesn't get enough attention: The good that people do for each other.

Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, California State University, Fresno; J.D., San Joaquin College of Law; member of California State Bar since 1989.

Family: Wife, Terri, and all of our four-legged children (dogs and cats).

Political philosophy: Conservative, not to be confused with Republican. Small government, low taxes, strong military, few or no entitlement programs, no government intervention in the economy and supporter of Israel. Government should basically keep itself removed from the private sector and perform only its duties mandated by the Constitution.

-- Compiled by Pam Rowse