Rep. Doris Matsui was asked serious questions. Her answers were unserious | Opinion

Matsui’s disappointing answers

“Matsui responses spark backlash at Sacramento town hall,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 24)

With public trust in government at historic lows, I attended Rep. Doris Matsui’s town hall on Oct. 23, hoping for reassurance that our elected officials remain accountable to the people they serve. I left feeling disheartened.

When asked directly whether she accepts donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Matsui responded that she “doesn’t look at who gives her money.” This answer, delivered without nuance or reflection, felt dismissive and evasive.

In a moment that called for clarity and courage, I hoped she would speak to the broader issue: the role of lobbyists and special interests in shaping elections and policy.

We deserve leaders who meet hard questions with honesty, and who recognize that accountability is not optional — it’s foundational.

Rhonda Rios Kravitz

Sacramento

Compassion and science, not bullets

“California euthanized 4 wolves in Sierra after cattle kills,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 24)

California once lost its wolves to extinction. Now, after decades of work to bring them back, our state wildlife officials have euthanized four gray wolves in the Sierra Valley following cattle attacks. This is not progress.

If livestock are attacked, the answer should be compensation and proactive nonlethal deterrence before resorting to killing a species still rebuilding its foothold. Wolves play an essential role in restoring balance to our ecosystems, benefiting countless other species and the health of our wild lands. Destroying them for doing what nature designed them to do is both cruel and shortsighted.

California should lead with compassion and science, not bullets.

Judie Mancuso

CEO/President, Social Compassion in Legislation

Balanced recovery efforts

“California euthanized 4 wolves in Sierra after cattle kills,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 24)

Modern ranching in wolf country demands adaptation — not alarm. Technology such as night-vision scopes, drones and fladry fencing aren’t indulgences, they’re practical tools that help prevent losses and reduce the need for lethal control.

Across the West, proactive nonlethal deterrents have cut conflicts when ranchers and agencies work together. Subsidizing tools via state programs will foster partnership rather than pitting wolves against livelihoods.

California’s wolves remain perilously close to the brink. Experts at Defenders of Wildlife stress that early, consistent deterrence prevents future tragedies. By amplifying fear over facts, we risk eroding public support for balanced recovery efforts.

Rene Hersey

Toluca Lake