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Measure A lacksguardrails for funds
Re: “Vote no on Santa Clara County Measure A” (Oct. 17).
Your vote is your vote, but it must be thoroughly informed.
At a function today, I was surprised that those at my table did not understand that Measure A tax revenue, although promised to supplant lost federal dollars for medical care, is going into the general fund. This means that it can be spent on anything voted on by the Board of Supervisors. Unlike parcel taxes or bond measures, no specific oversight is mandated.
Just so you know.
Shirley CantuLos Gatos
Measure A will savelives in county
Re: “Vote no on Santa Clara County Measure A” (Oct. 17)
As a cardiac ICU stepdown registered nurse living in San Jose, I know the deadly consequences of Donald Trump’s horrible HR 1 bill. Over 400,000 Medi-Cal patients in Santa Clara County are at risk of losing access to routine and emergency care.
Medications for blood pressure, heart rhythm, type 1 and type 2 diabetes and asthma are not optional. Without them, patients can deteriorate into medical emergencies within 24 to 48 hours. Emergency rooms in both county and private sector hospitals will become overwhelmed. Wait times will become fatal.
We can’t save everyone, but we can save many by passing Measure A — a temporary sales tax to protect our health care safety net.
Cristina de la FuenteSan Jose
Voters should say noto long-planned tax hike
Re: “Vote no on Santa Clara County Measure A” (Oct. 17)
Thank you to the Mercury News Editorial Board for the excellent, fact-based editorial. Your analysis brings much-needed clarity to voters.
I especially appreciate your courage in revealing that county leaders had been planning this sales tax increase for two years — long before the so-called “Trump Medicaid cuts.” As you reported, state Sen. Dave Cortese pushed through special legislation in 2023 allowing Santa Clara County to raise its tax beyond the state cap, and County Executive James Williams even said he would have sought a higher rate if he could.
Your editorial’s data and context cut through the political messaging and remind us that fiscal discipline, not another tax, is what our county needs most. Thank you for informing voters with facts, not spin.
Liang ChaoCupertino
Editorial fails inbid to convince
Re: “Vote no on Measure A sales tax hike” (Page A12, Oct. 19).
I already sent my mail-in ballot, and I voted yes on A.
At first, and for a couple of weeks before voting, I was leaning toward a “no” until two points became clear to me. Point one, I have confidence in my county administrators that they work very hard to save and efficiently manage the taxes I pay. Point two, helping my neighbors, my community, is worth any increase in my tax burden.
Your editorial against Measure A did not convince me that I voted wrong.
Guy VigierSan Jose
Transform ‘No Kings’enthusiasm into action
Re: “‘No Kings’ rallies galvanize region” (Page A1, Oct. 19).
To everyone who was there on No Kings Day, Oct. 18, indivisible and visible, you voiced your concerns, you found others and learned a lot, and laughed a bunch.
Now it’s time to make your voice heard with impact for the sake of our democracy. Pick two of the Trump attacks on our democracy — there’s plenty to choose from — and pelt your local, state and federal representatives with emails, cards and letters that share the anger and offer changes.
We have made our voices heard — now it’s time to turn up the heat or start running people who will do the job right for us.
Walter HudsonSan Jose
Safety measures willhelp stop battery fires
Re: “California made it through summer without a flex alert. Batteries saved the day, experts say.” (Page B9, Oct. 19).
The article mentioned the January fire that destroyed a large battery storage facility in Moss Landing, but failed to mention two key points about safety.
First, the batteries in that facility were nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC). But the industry is moving from NMC to safer lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. LFP batteries have a significantly lower fire risk because they are less likely to overheat.
Second, the batteries in the Moss Landing facility were housed together as a unit, allowing the fire to spread easily to adjacent batteries. Today, best practices for battery storage design include grouping smaller numbers of batteries in isolated units. Each unit is designed to prevent a fire from spreading to another unit.
Fire code updates will help prevent battery fires like the one in Moss Landing.
Elaine LeeSanta Clara
When will Republicansadmit their mistake?
During my long life, I have always been so proud to be American. I am so sad that I am now ashamed, embarrassed and angry.
I am a lifelong Democrat, but I have had many friends and family who are Republicans. Over the past months, several have called and emailed me, apologizing and saying how sorry they are for having voted for Donald Trump.
I don’t understand why all the well-educated, intelligent citizens who voted for this poor excuse for a human being don’t feel the same.
Christine KhouryBelmont