Voting booths stand ready at the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters office, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2022, in San Jose, Calif., less that three weeks before the Nov. 8th voting deadline. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
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Let all parents vote
on children’s futures
All parents, including immigrants, want their children to have a bright future and an enriching education. For many, our kids are what connect us. Our children building community with each other brings parents together. Schools aren’t only places our children learn, but community hubs that encourage parents to engage with each other and advocate together.
While many immigrant parents are not yet citizens, many of their children are. Immigrant parents gaining the right to vote is not just for the parent, it’s for the children. Equitable classrooms mean every child is represented. However, representation is lacking for thousands of Oakland students. With a vote in school board elections, immigrant parents will gain more opportunities to represent their children, creating additional opportunities for every child to experience a quality education in preparation for their future.
A vote for immigrant parents now is a vote for our children’s future. Vote yes on Measure S.
Maribel Gonzalez
Oakland
Vote for Debora Allen
for fiscal responsibility
I was both surprised and disappointed to see that the paper was recommending Ken Carlson for Karen Mitchoff’s District 4 seat on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
Debora Allen has been dedicated to fiscal responsibility during her years as a BART director. Although constantly out-voted by the union-backed majority of the board she continued to fight for reducing BART budgets during a period when the system lost over 50% of its ridership.
Larry McEwen
Walnut Creek
Elect Leslie Reckler
to WCCUSD board
I urge voters in West Contra Costa Unified School District Trustee Area 5 to vote for Leslie Reckler for school board.
Reckler has a deep understanding of the district’s challenges and needs, in particular its finances. With a new superintendent and a new strategic plan, retaining an experienced trustee will serve our students best. Now is not the time for new.
Let’s keep focused on coming back from COVID and moving forward.
Joanna Pace
El Cerrito
Petersen has background
for SRVUSD board
Vote for Michelle Petersen for San Ramon Valley Unified School District board.
She has a rich background, having served her community as a firefighter, a dedicated parent volunteer serving the schools in many capacities, and a gun safety advocate. She understands that every student deserves a good, well-rounded education, taught in a safe and caring environment.
When I evaluate board candidates, I measure them against what I learned in my 12 years on the SRVUSD Board: the board doesn’t “run” the district. It shares responsibility for student welfare and success with district management, educators and financial, facilities and support staff, and it serves as a sounding board for parents and the community. It does not drive curriculum but ensures curriculum and finances meet state and federal guidelines without political interference.
With her background in public service and safety and her rich support of the district, Michelle is the best candidate for the job. I strongly urge the community to elect Michelle Petersen.
Paul Gardner
Danville
Nibert is right pick
for Pleasanton council
Jeff Nibert has the experience, familiarity and community knowledge required to effectively serve Pleasanton on the City Council.
Jeff not only serves as a Pleasanton planning commissioner, but he is also a retired engineer and project manager who knows how to manage multimillion-dollar budgets.
As a 30-plus year resident who raised his family in Pleasanton, Jeff understands the city and will protect its historic and small-town charm.
As an advocate for local control and reasonable growth, Jeff helped to create Pleasanton’s new housing plan. He does not accept developer donations to his campaign, and will not allow unrestrained growth that would make our city unrecognizable.
I have known Jeff for 30-plus years, and I’m delighted to support his cause.
Rick Wilson
Pleasanton
Slate would tighten up
fire district’s finances
I urge all citizens to vote Marie Bowman, Annie Cargo Ziff and Tara Shaia to the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District board. They will manage the finances and reduce out-of-control overtime.
The takeover of our district by Con Fire benefits only the employees, not the citizens or taxpayers. The board displayed real arrogance in spending $2.5 million on unneeded apparatus and having them painted with Con Fire colors.
You may be shocked but pay, perks and overtime allow some firefighters in the county to be paid $300,000 or more. Real change is needed but Con Fire is not the answer.
Bill Prather, former Rodeo-Hercules Fire District director
Hercules