Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Sept. 28, 2024

Novato needs revenue proposed by Measure M

I am writing in support of Measure M, the proposed sales tax increase for Novato on the Nov. 5 ballot.

As a member of the Novato Finance Commission since 2016, I understand the structural deficit better than most. I also understand that street paving and park maintenance and improvements are being underfunded. These investments in our infrastructure are not included in the $4 million structural deficit which refers to the day-to-day operations and services provided by our city.

Our police department is challenged to find staff to work for the salary the city can afford to pay. This leads to the hiring of younger inexperienced employees who get trained and then leave for better pay elsewhere. Who can blame them? The dedication of those who stay is remarkable.

Increased sales tax revenue is necessary now and into the future. Costs are always going to increase.

— Regina Bianucci Rus, Novato

Brian Colbert is best for District 2 supervisor seat

I am writing to express my support for Brian Colbert as the best candidate for District 2 supervisor. As a San Anselmo resident who has directly benefited from Colbert’s leadership and dedication, I have witnessed his profound commitment to our community. His tenure as our mayor and his service as a two-term town council member resulted in significant contributions and steadfast dedication to the well-being of our community.

Colbert’s participation in multiple regional programs underscores his unique ability to bridge diverse communities, fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect. This skill is indispensable in today’s interconnected world, where the ability to collaborate across various sectors is crucial for effective governance.

Moreover, as one of the few Black politicians in our county, Colbert does not merely symbolize diversity in leadership; he actively inspires individuals from underrepresented communities to engage in public service. Personally, Colbert has been a source of inspiration for me. His example motivated me to run for and win a seat on the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors, where I now serve as president.

This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing and negotiating stakeholder interests, further elevating my appreciation for Colbert’s skills.

His exemplary leadership, dedication to fostering unity and ability to inspire others to serve their communities make him an exceptional candidate. His vision for our county goes beyond mere promises; it is a vision backed by years of tangible achievements and a profound commitment to inclusivity and progress.

I urge my fellow residents to recognize the value Brian Colbert brings to our county and to support his candidacy. His track record, his ability to unite diverse groups and his leadership are what we need to continue moving forward.

— Ranjiv Khush, San Anselmo

Swift is council member Fairfax needs right now

Cindy Swift represents the best of Fairfax. A dedicated volunteer in Fairfax for many years, she has been a tireless supporter of our town. She has selflessly committed to keeping our town “fire safe” — working toward disaster preparedness and serving on numerous town committees.

In the race for Town Council seats on the Nov. 5 ballot, Swift is a kind, intelligent and thoughtful candidate who will help heal the deep divisions in our community. She will listen to all points of view and bring common sense and fiscal responsibility to her future decision-making.

Fairfax needs a change. For the past year, rancor and negativity have separated neighbors and created divisions where once we were all united in keeping Fairfax a safe compassionate community — one where moderate positions helped keep the town from veering into ideological warfare. This middle way has been sadly missing. We need Swift to help bring us back into a harmonious local government where all people can feel comfortable expressing their opinions and where council members do not drive wedges between long-term residents, homeowners, small “mom and pop” landlords, tenants, families and seniors who wish to live their lives in peace.

Please vote for Cindy Swift — common sense, compassion and kindness are what we need now.

— Robin RM Brennan, Fairfax

Sandra Bushmaker best for Sausalito City Council

I have known Sandra Bushmaker for many years, and she has the experience and determination to serve Sausalito as a responsible and engaged City Council member.

This is essential for our community. I have lived here for 38 years, and the budget and protecting our historical district are major concerns for me. Bushmaker has my vote. Please join me.

— Shirley Welles Ritchie, Sausalito

Recent elk discussion ominous for ranchers

Considering that the California Coastal Commission has basically stated it has no real authority over the status of the elk fence in the Point Reyes National Seashore, I suspect the recent announcement of its “approval” is a political stunt to support the anti-ranch activists (“State commission approves Marin tule elk fence removal,” Sept. 22).

The purpose of the elk fence is to protect both the elk in their preserve and the livestock in their pastoral zone. I believe removal of the fence would not help the elk, it would only harm the ranchlands.

The activists suing the park appear to be part of a nationwide movement to remove grazing from public lands. Managed grazing is necessary in Point Reyes, as the park’s own environmental-impact statement makes clear. Without managed grazing, the green coastal prairie of Point Reyes could turn into an overgrown bramble, which may become a huge fire hazard. Elk are no help with that, as they eat what they want, not what needs to be eaten.

The environmental statement says the hazard would be mitigated with machine mowing and/or contracted grazing. Apparently, if experienced ranchers, who have managed these rangelands for generations, were ever evicted, park officials would then consider paying someone else to continually truck grazing animals to and from Point Reyes. That does not make sense.

Most people, no doubt, assume that park officials, the Coastal Commission and the activists are working in good faith. I think the evidence suggests otherwise. I believe the ranchers are being railroaded.

— Sarah Rolph, Carlisle (Massachusetts)

Dangerous untruths pass the limits of free speech

On Sept. 18, the Wall Street Journal reported that both Donald Trump and JD Vance inquired about rumors that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio were eating dogs and cats. All said that there was not a single credible report that it had any basis in fact. Apparently, they then chose to lie to tens of millions of people.

Even had Trump and Vance not intended to cause violence by knowingly spreading a false rumor, they certainly do know that in the days after the presidential debate, it resulted in many threats of violence to the community. They also had to know that the woman who initiated the rumor — she couldn’t find her cat — acknowledged that she’d been mistaken. She apologized. She found her cat, Miss Sassy, in the basement.

Trump and Vance should have been obligated under the limitations of the First Amendment to desist in making claims that the rumor had any semblance of truth: the First Amendment does not protect speech that is both “directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.”

Trump and Vance have not only continued, they have amplified the message for weeks. In my view, they are in violation of the limitations on free speech. They are both criminally liable for their words.

Just as you and I cannot cause imminent harm by yelling “fire!” in a theater, we should not permit these men to cause imminent harm by throwing fuel on the fire they deliberately set.

— Jeff Deitchman, Point Reyes Station