Supporting Bloomberg: Letters to the editor, Feb. 25, 2020

Pick a winner, don’t waste a vote

My bride of 28 years explained to me that she would be voting to nominate Amy Klobuchar as the Democratic candidate for the presidency, even though she knew full well that Amy was a really longshot and, in all likelihood, would not be a winner. She would do so because she liked Amy and supported the positions she has taken on a variety of issues.

While I agreed and think highly of Klobuchar, I am far more interested in a Democratic candidate who can realistically beat the Trumpster and therefore encouraged her, as I do all others who will vote in the upcoming primary to go for a candidate who can achieve that end.

Personally, I thought, for some time, that Joe Biden was that person. Unfortunately, no longer. While I regret it, I honestly feel that Mike Bloomberg is the one person with the resources, the "chutzpah" and the character to take on and defeat the megalomaniac who currently occupies the White House.

Don't waste your vote. Go for a winner!

Bloomberg just panders to voters

Presidential candidate (Michael) Bloomberg is claiming in his TV ads that as our president he will protect a woman’s abortion rights. These heavily broadcast ads seem to assume that if he is not elected, his Republican opponent could somehow strip this right from American women.

The 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision was based on a right to privacy, even though this right is not actually granted in our Constitution. Actually, the twoways this can change is a reversal of the court’s decision, or a constitutional amendment stating that human rights begin at conception, either of which would vacate Roe. The court has a conservative majority now, but no one has brought this argument to the court system. For a constitutional amendment it would take two-thirds of the U.S. Congress and three-fourths of the U.S. state legislatures to agree to this.

As president, Mayor Bloomberg has no say in either of these processes. He, in my opinion, is just pandering to the single-issue voters with this deception.

Alonzo will be best for City Council

I endorse Nathan Alonzo, whom I have known for about eight years, for Fresno’s District 4 council seat.

I wish that both candidates would be older than 27and 28 years respectively to have an established a track record, and regret that the discussion flows in such shallow partisan channels.

Nathan respects the concern of taxpayers to see their hard-earned taxes are spent wisely.

Regrettable is the exclusion of individual homeless persons in the search for solutions. Most are alert, oriented and informed persons, and some have detailed expertise to specifically contribute to many solutions for the problems on hand. I remember well the frustration of a late former CEO of one of Fresno’s major hospitals who spent the last years of his life on the streets. He was a voice in the wilderness. Missing also is participation of the general clergy, which has access to over a millennium of expertise.

I endorse Nathan Alonzo because of his measured composure in his search for independent judgment for reasonable and compassionate solutions for the problems of our city.

Egan top pick for Superior Court

Elizabeth Egan is the only choice for Superior Court judge. She is a diverse candidate with experience in public office, working in family business, experience in the courtroom and community service. Her experience as our district attorney demonstrated her commitment to victim rights and her ability to understand the principles of the law and fairly enforce them.

She is endorsed by the most respected law enforcement officer in California, Sheriff Margaret Mims. Sheriff Mims knows what it takes to be a representative of the judicial system and recognizes that Elizabeth is the best choice. Elizabeth knows the responsibility of conducting a fair and impartial trial. She has the knowledge and resources to conduct a trial that delivers justice and fairness to the process.

Experience with the law also requires the well-rounded background that Elizabeth brings to the table. She is not only the best choice, but the one to vote for on March 3rd.

Time to run to the polls to vote

As the mayoral election approaches this is a hot topic: Keeping our streets safe from gang violence is crucial. This type of things happen often here in Fresno and its very disturbing that even going out for a dinner at a local restaurant can turn into something so scary.

We as citizens have a voice and major impact on our community . It is our right of civic life to build relationships with our neighbors to ensure each other’s safety and well-being . As citizens of Fresno, it is also our duty and responsibility to go to the polls and elect our new leader. I hope this letter helps someone and inspires especially young adults like myself to run to the polls come election day.

No hit pieces should be mailed

Unlike political offices that so often include harsh attack ads, our system of government depends on a sound, stable, trustworthy judiciary to fairly resolve disputes and deliver justice. That is why, when I decided to seek election to the position of Superior Court judge, I made a commitment to my family, friends and myself to conduct a dignified, truthful campaign with no disparagement of my opponent.

Of course, I am disappointed with the minimization and gross distortion of my experience in a recent mailer by my opponent. I have had extensive professional experience — inside and outside the courtroom — which has prepared me for the role I seek. Win or lose, voters will not receive any such hit pieces from me

This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Supporting Bloomberg: Letters to the editor, Feb. 25, 2020."