El Dorado County Supervisor John Hidahl was honest, caring and had great integrity | Opinion
An honest and caring politician
“John Hidahl, El Dorado County Supervisor, dies in home,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 5)
John Hidahl was a very special person. I have met very few men that I gained such respect for in such a short period of time.
John was by far the worst politician I ever met: He was too honest, too caring and had great integrity.
He will be missed by many.
Dennis Byrne
El Dorado Hills
Protect student funding
“Can Trump shut down the Department of Education?” (sacbee.com, Nov. 26)
Students like me who rely on federal funding for higher education may face challenges due to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education.
This department is one of several vital initiatives aimed at alleviating the financial struggles of students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds by providing financial aid, Pell Grants and federal student loans. Many of us, myself included, would face enormous obstacles to attend college without these services, particularly in states with inadequate funding.
Ending this agency would result in a majority of state-run systems, which would increase educational disparities. Trump advocates cutting back on government power, but this would probably mean fewer students and less control over vital programs. We cannot afford to lose these important chances.
A government that prioritizes education is vital for guaranteeing that all students have equal access to opportunities for higher education.
Kevin A. Kumar
Stockton
Local program is worthwhile
“Placer volunteers need funds to help young readers with those simple but hard English words,” (sacbee.com, Nov. 29)
As a volunteer with Sight Word Busters, I can vouch for all the benefits I see when I work one-on-one with children.
This headline implies that it is strictly a Placer County program. Although the program started in Placer County and serves many schools there, the program has expanded widely to Sacramento, Yolo and Yuba Counties.
If anyone is interested in volunteering, no teaching experience is necessary. The organization has a great training program (they even train 5th graders to do it!).
Gail Moretti
Lincoln
Defense of Biden’s pardon
“Hunter Biden’s pardon is a political gift for Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 rioters | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 3)
President Joe Biden said he wasn’t going to step down as a candidate but changed his mind almost at the last moment for the good of the country. He said he wasn’t going to pardon his son but changed his mind — hopefully preventing President-elect Donald Trump from exacting revenge on Hunter Biden (who is most likely one of his planned targets for the next four years).
This pardon will keep Hunter out of the news as a constant distraction from the real problems Americans will be facing in a Trump presidency. If only Biden could pre-emptively pardon all of Trump’s “political enemies”...
Paula A Lomazzi
Sacramento