Rocklin voters want new representation: Vote Neva Parker, not Rep. Joe Patterson | Opinion

Is Prop. 35 too good to be true?

“California must protect essential health care. That’s where Prop. 35 comes in” (sacbee.com, Oct. 15)

In California, marketing your proposition as a solution to the health care crisis and a promise to reduce existing inequities in health care is a very appealing message; and with health care funding continuing to increase in complexity, it is easy to approve a message sponsored by Planned Parenthood and other big names in health care.

But the key voices that are lost in the debates are children, families, seniors and people with disabilities who are living every day with different diagnoses or health challenges.

Prop. 35 would prevent communities from receiving funding for diverse health care needs and would limit elected officials from protecting their constituents. While we should all agree to support our disadvantaged communities, our support cannot come at the expense of their health.

Bruce Arao

Berkeley

The best candidate for Rocklin

“Sacramento Bee Editorial Board endorses young Republican,” (sacbee.com, Sept. 24)

Why did The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board endorse Rep. Joe Patterson? His opponent, Neva Parker, is endorsed by the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, the California Labor Federation and Dolores Huerta.

Patterson, by comparison, has a 0% rating with the Sierra Club, a 0% rating with Planned Parenthood and a mediocre rating with the California Labor Federation.

Patterson does not represent the majority of his constituents. Parker does.

Susan Roughgarden

Auburn

What’s the solution?

“Gov. Newsom vetoes bill to help farmworkers who are working in extreme heat. Here’s why,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 1)

How can farm workers and immigrants provide for their families if they are not being protected? We need stronger protection to prevent and protect against heat-related injuries, death and security of job protection.

If Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn’t believe this is the solution, then what is?

Vanessa Medrano

Brentwood

A true change-maker

“Lilly Ledbetter, equal wages activist who inspired Fair Pay Act, dies at 86,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 14)

Lilly Ledbetter believed she should be paid the same wage as a man for doing the same work, and she was willing to advocate for basic fairness for everyone.

With her words and deeds, she changed the country for the better.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.

This story was originally published October 20, 2024 at 6:00 AM.