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| Written by PI Readers | |
| Friday, 10 October 2008 | |
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Mayoral hopeful won’t apologize for passion EDITOR, On Sept. 22, I participated in the Candidates Night Forum as a mayoral candidate. The audience asked questions, and I addressed each question. One of the questions was about my vision for a veterans clinic in Patterson. In answering the question, I used a metaphor that drew attention from a few readers and my opponent’s supporters. I understand that I could have used a different metaphor to express my passion for advocating for fellow veterans, who served our country that allows people to exercise their first amendment rights. My intent was not to offend. That said, I will not apologize for my passion! You see, I speak with my heart and not from a prepared script. I am appalled by the view of Ms. Casado, Ms. Draper and Ms. McDowell to think that I, a U.S. Marine veteran and participant in the first Gulf War, would use violence against anyone, promote the use of weapons among our youth and disgrace the very flag and the freedom I helped fight for and that we continue to enjoy today. Please know that I care for our community enough to speak the truth. Although I respect the right of these ladies to express their views, this is simply a strategy to also distract you, the voters and residents, from the very issues that we should be addressing in this very critical time for our community. I feel, as do my family and supporters, that we should discuss the matters that will affect us now and our children in the future. It is my belief that our current mayor would rather have others speak for her and not publicly debate the issues. I believe in our process to choose our leaders, but only after the facts are presented to the community so they then can decide on their elected officials. I ask you to seek the truth in building a better community that we all can enjoy and take pride in and that visitors would want to return to visit. God Bless. Semper Fi. Luis Molina, Patterson Let us be the judge EDITOR, There is a campaign of hate and vandalism being waged against our community. This campaign is one that should not be tolerated here in Patterson. Mayor Becky Campo has had her campaign signs singled out, vandalized and defaced throughout the city. The mayoral race has been reduced to a lack of respect, honor and decorum that has no place in this community. These actions against Mayor Campo illustrate a lack of respect for all of the citizens of Patterson. We Americans have the right to choose our leaders based on their merits, without physical attacks or acts of intimidation from any opponent. When did this become acceptable? I believe that it is the responsibility of all candidates to conduct themselves, their supporters and their campaigns with the highest degree of decency and respect to others. Campo is our mayor, duly elected, and deserves our respect and thanks for her long, honorable service to this community. She has my enthusiastic thanks and support. Leonard E. Harr, Patterson A better world can happen EDITOR, In these days before the November election, in the midst of so much negative campaigning and bitter political divisions, we often hear the words “change” and “hope” spoken by candidates on all sides — everyone claims to have the best ideas for what will be good for this country and its citizens. Sometimes, though, what is good for citizens happens quietly — without much TV coverage or media spin — and is done by ordinary folks, who don’t boast about what they will accomplish. Take, for example, the people in the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Sacred Heart Church who began providing lunches in the park for the homeless and needy in our community more than a year ago. Week by week, they have worked together, caring for others, with a goodness that transcends political division, a goodness that is at the heart of our community and our country — and that shows us, in live-action, how “change” and “hope” for a better world can really happen. Kris Santos, Westley
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