Hudson assessment, health care, rails to trail
Hudson assessment is unfair
Re “Sacramento County’s next CEO must match our times” (Editorial, Dec. 22): Recognizing that an editorial is just that – an opinion – I feel compelled to challenge the assertions and conclusions reached against Brad Hudson.
Although “climate change” and our “historic drought” are undoubtedly worthwhile issues to feed our collective moral superiority these days, let’s not forget the state of the county and beyond when Mr. Hudson took over as executive.
The county’s economic picture, like the rest of the state and beyond was in shambles, and what was needed was strong, decisive leadership. Mr. Hudson made difficult decisions that were needed, including severely cutting county staff and annually making major cuts fairly across all county departments, including mine, all the while remaining sensitive to each of the board members’ political needs.
He was open to input, made time for all who needed him, and always made good on his word. The county’s recovery, including that of the Sheriff’s Department, is better off today because of Mr. Hudson’s strong leadership.
While we opine as to where the county ought to go in the future, let’s not so easily dismiss where we’ve come from or how far we’ve come in the last few years under Mr. Hudson’s leadership. I wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter – he has certainly earned it.
Sheriff Scott Jones, Sacramento
We’ll be missed
Re “Kaiser steps toward greater physician diversity” (Editorial, Dec. 23): The editorial board believes that California health care “lags the demands of the market, not to mention patients’ needs.” This is attributed to a lack of physician diversity, since “physicians here are older, whiter, and more likely male ...”
As an old, white, male physician who spent 35 years caring for patients, I know that I met their needs. Long hours, night and weekend work and caring for the sick and dying is not for the faint of heart. We did what needed to be done. Old, white, male physicians will be missed.
George Palma, MD, Loomis
Rails to trail is inappropriate
Re “From rail to trail: City proposes bike, foot path” (1A, Dec. 23): Sacramento and its well known railroad museum will be missing out forever on having a rail line down from the city to the Delta towns like Walnut Grove if this proposed conversion occurs. Having an active railroad for tourists and rail fans would be beneficial to the entire region and not just a few hikers. Other areas also have done this with great success. Permanently destroying a piece of Sacramento history should not occur.
Bruce Hilliard, Sacramento
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This story was originally published December 27, 2015 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Hudson assessment, health care, rails to trail."