Bee readers react to Measure A, Pelosi hammer attack, Kevin Kiley and Howard Chan’s salary

Action not fear

“The violence stalking Nancy Pelosi threatens the U.S.,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 31)

Last week, a man sneaked into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home and, not finding her, bludgeoned her husband with a hammer.

Can we let that sink in? Things are not normal anymore. The MAGA Republicans crossed that line a long time ago, but many of us have failed to notice.

We are witnessing a slow-motion coup. Whether it’s terrorists storming the Capitol, a paramilitary group attempting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer or a conspiracy theorist stalking Pelosi at her home, every attack is one more attempt by fascists to take over our country and set up an authoritarian government.

The time to act is now. Fear is not an option.

Sandy White

Fremont

Janet’s legacy

“Obituary: Sacramento Bee journalist Janet Vitt dies, age 69,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 29)

My heartfelt condolences to The Bee’s staff on the loss of Janet Vitt, a vibrant, intelligent woman who inspired me with her grace, courage and humor.

Janet was a neighbor, and we touched base periodically. She endured her cancer diagnosis with such dignity. What a loss for our community.

Theresa Lown

Sacramento

Cruelty

“Elk Grove officials kill Zeus, the German shepherd who bit two, was confiscated from owner,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 28)

The craven city of Elk Grove killed cherished pet Zeus despite pending legal actions to save him, offers of care and the known devastating impact on his owner. Beyond being unjustified, indecent and cruel, this diabolical puppy killing by coldhearted, unaccountable city officials should alarm all pet owners in Elk Grove.

Such brutal and callous official behavior underscores why confidence in the integrity of government has reached new lows.

Robert Steele

Roseville

Save our forests

“Drought, fire killed a third of Sierra Nevada CA forest,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 27)

It’s devastating that a third of Sierra Nevada forests have died in the past decade. So many of California’s mature, healthy forests have been wiped out or are struggling in the face of perilous wildfires and a seemingly endless drought.

This troubling news should be a wake-up call. We must commit to preserving California’s remaining forests and banning extreme logging practices like clear-cutting, which eliminates resilient natural forests, increases the risk of destructive wildfires and threatens plants and wildlife.

Caroline Harris

Menlo Park

Cannabis measure

“Sacramento County, CA voters should approve marijuana sales,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 13)

We’ve already seen the many benefits of legalization in the city of Sacramento, reaping millions of dollars in tax revenue and creating an estimated 11,000 jobs since recreational cannabis sales began in 2018. A study commissioned by the city also shows adult-use cannabis has not led to increased crime or decreased housing or leasing values. Legal cannabis provides business opportunities for local communities.

The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce supports the city’s social equity effort, which empowers diverse communities to establish new businesses, creating a more equitable and accessible marketplace. Sacramento County voters deserve these same benefits.

Pat Fong Kushida

Sacramento

A better way

“Measure A tax hike backers are lying to Sacramento CA voters,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 27)

After decades of adding more highway miles and wasting millions of tax dollars on widening roads that immediately fill back up with cars, Measure A would double down on more of the same failed strategy hurting Sacramento County.

As longtime transportation and air quality professionals, we know there is a better way. With better investments, the county could be enhanced with rapid transit, bike lanes and trails and pleasant walking routes. We could invest in rapidly electrifying personal vehicles while making it easy to get around without them. We could have clean air and pleasant days free of traffic-clogged roads.

Measure A drives hard in the other direction. Let’s imagine a better future for our region.

Steve Cliff and Craig Segall

Sacramento

Kiley’s lies

“Kevin Kiley is for everything Martin Luther King Jr. opposed,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 30)

Kevin Kiley has taken this strategy in running for public office: If you can’t beat ’em, just lie about ’em!

Kiley has falsely claimed that Nancy Pelosi favors “defunding the police.” He has accused his opponent, Dr. Kermit Jones, of supporting higher gas taxes. Yet in the primary election debate, Jones said he wanted to suspend gas taxes. He has also claimed that Jones has spent the majority of his career in Washington, D.C. But Jones spent only two years there: One on a prestigious White House Fellowship and a second as a patent lawyer.

All these lies — in addition to buying into Donald Trump’s Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen — to get into a position of greater power. Kiley figures that voters are too stupid or too lazy to check the facts. Are you?

John Goldenring

Roseville

Chan’s salary

“Sacramento council raises city manager’s pay above $400,000,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 2)

Just a year and a half after receiving a whopping 21% raise, City Manager Howard Chan will receive yet another generous pay hike, more than double what the mayor and City Council awarded police and firefighters in their most recent contracts. After receiving a raise that was not approved by taxpayers from the Compensation Commission in June, the mayor and council will now have to “manage” an employee who has a salary that is four times greater than their own already generous compensation.

Bill Motmans

Sacramento