On Fresno mayor, Congress, school bond, voting: Letters to the editor, Feb. 28, 2020

Sacramento has a ton of dough, no on 13

Sacramento is sitting on a $21.6 billion surplus. California Lottery owes $34 million to our state schools. We don't need Prop. 13, we need some fiscally intelligent and "gasp" honest people running this state.

No on 13!

Valadao, keep working at your dairy

David Valadao couldn't even win with donations from foreign born individual. Ukrainian-born Igor Fruman is accused of conspiring to “circumvent the federal laws against foreign interference by engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office,” according to a four-count indictment in the Southern District of New York.

Valadao received $2,444 from Igor Fruman in the 2018 election, according to data assembled by Open Secrets and public records by the Federal Election Commission.

It's pretty pathetic when a Politicians accepts contributions from Ukraine born criminal and still losses.

With all the campaign donations David Valadao still refused payment to past employees for work on his farm. I thought farmers paid their outstanding debts?

Recently an employee was extremely injured on his farm. I think David Valadao should spend more time making his company a safe work environment instead of accepting campaign donations from criminals just to be a career politician. He lost once, it’s time for him to stop. He already showed his true colors as a representative after he voted to approve tax cuts to the rich and keep America in huge debt.

Democrats, it is time to back Biden

As I watched the last Democratic presidential debate, I could not help but think of a few things that would actually move the party forward.

Each candidate talks about unifying the party to go against Trump, but no one does what needs to be done to do that.

In order to beat Trump, the party needs to get behind the best qualified candidate on that stage. Bernie Sanders is not the one.

They all talk about unity, but no one has decided to drop out and let the top two fight it out and throw their support and supporters toward that candidate. The candidates on that stage know right now who can beat Trump and the remaining ones should bow out and support that candidate. The best person on that stage is Joe Biden. He has the best plan to move this country forward and he will honestly do that. He will restore the integrity of the White House and recommit our loyalty to our allies and not to dictators. Please help us support Biden in his campaign.

Appreciates a clean campaign

Most judges are first appointed to their positions by the governor. I have always been a little surprised that voters are given the chance to vote for some judges. There is one contested election for judge on our ballot. While I vote for politicians who will fight for my interests, I evaluate judicial candidates by a different standard.

Judges hold a position of esteem in the community different than politicians. That ideally means they are humble, show respect for others and will fairly carry out their incredible power based on the law.

I am very impressed that Elizabeth Egan (former DA) has pledged to run a clean campaign focused on her significant experience and understanding of the role of judge. I have received several postcards from her that reflect that fact. On the other hand, her opponent has mailed to voters a very negative flier that is disrespectful and minimizes Egan’s experience and record. I am disappointed by such an attack — especially in a judicial election. For these reasons, I have voted for Elizabeth Egan.

Janz supports a new senior center

Fresno seniors have been waiting for years to act regarding a dedicated senior activities center. In June 2019 (Jerry) Dyer spoke with me at City Hall right after I had spoken to the City Council regarding our need for the senior center.

A short time later, as I was leaving, then Police Chief Dyer reached out to me and took my hand and said "Shirley, you will get your senior center, but not from the city."I asked how?" and he said developers!

So I support Andrew Janz for mayor because he has promised he will work to establish a senior center.

Having a parks tax in Fresno is a bad idea

Both mayoral candidates Jerry Dyer and Andrew Janz seem inclined to want to resurrect the failed sales tax initiative for parks, which would cost the taxpayer $2 billion over 30 years. This is a bad idea as follows:

1. Fresno has a poverty rate of 28.1%. Sales tax is a regressive tax because it takes a larger percentage of income from low-income taxpayers than from high-income taxpayers. Children would also have to pay this higher tax. ..

2. City budget for parks was $25.8 million in FYE 2018 and $29.5 million in FYE 2019.

3. Fresno has more than 80 parks and trails and with the exception of a few, are sparsely used. Many people avoid parks because they do not feel safe there. If you are expecting a new park, you may have to move to a new housing development.

4. Certain bureaucrats stand to make a lot of money in management fees off park funds as evidence by them challenging the courts to overturn last year’s Measure P defeat.

5. Council member Gary Bredefeld stated it clearly: “You can’t go ask for tax increases when you don’t spend your money right.”

Fresh leadership needed in mayor

Fresno residents have a unique opportunity in this election to embrace fresh, new leadership in the mayor's office. I have had the privilege of knowing Andrew Janz for the last couple of years. I know Andrew is honest, fair, and has a deep love for our community.

Andrew Janz has an innovative, positive agenda that will move Fresno forward. As a violent crimes prosecutor, Andrew has pursued justice and honesty without fear or favor. After a tough election in 2018, Andrew didn't walk away from public service. He started an organization to protect voter rights and is now running for mayor. He doesn't give up, he doesn't back down and he is ready to be mayor.

If you want to begin a new chapter for Fresno which will ensure a more fair and equitable future for all, please vote for Andrew Janz. By voting for Andrew, you are not voting against someone else, you are voting for a better and more sustainable future for all.

Free bus rides offered to vote

For the first time ever, you can get a free bus ride to a Vote Center on Election Day, Tuesday, March 3, as well as on Sunday and Monday. Just tell the bus driver on FAX, Clovis , Handi Ride and Rural Transit that you are going to vote.

Vote Centers have replaced traditional polling places. Do not go to your usual polling place. You can vote at any Vote Center in the county or just mail in the ballot you received in the mail earlier this month. You don’t even need a stamp.

Democracy is not a spectator sport, so please be sure to be an active participant and cast your vote. Every vote counts. Every vote matters.

Need eager young leaders to take over

I would like to implore my fellow Central Valley voters to stop voting for re-purposed and stale politicians who haven't had a new idea in moving us forward in years. We need fresh ideas and eager young people to keep us from further stagnation. Look at the panhandlers and the rubbish on the streets. We need new ideas.

Please vote out the old and vote in the new — Janz for Mayor and Arballo for Congress.

This story was originally published February 28, 2020 at 6:00 AM with the headline "On Fresno mayor, Congress, school bond, voting: Letters to the editor, Feb. 28, 2020."