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Letters
Thanks to supporters of Measure N on ballot
We would like to thank all the Saratogans who supported Measure N with their time, ideas, energy and dollars. There has been an abundance of all of the above and we're most grateful. T.M. Blaisdell said it beautifully in the Feb. 16 issue of the Saratoga News, Speak Out! section: "We think of Saratoga as an erudite community and the library expansion/improvement will help us stay that way."
Vote yes on measure N on March 7.
Sally and Don Lucas
Co-Chairs, Library Bond Measure Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
Council should not abrogate its duties
I have received notice of the Saratoga City Council's intent to adopt an interim ordinance prohibiting approval of non-commercial development projects on lands with commercial land use designation in the General Plan. This notice announced a hearing before the City Council on March 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
I also understand the proposed ordinance to be discussed is a precursor to a Measure G-like issue planned for placement as a ballot issue. I am in favor of preserving commercial property designation and the undertaking of initiatives to increase retail and commercial activities in Saratoga. However, I want to go on record as being staunchly against measures that remove the City Council from both decision-making authority and responsibility.
My firm opposition to the planned action is that I believe such action to be an abrogation of the duties and responsibilities of, and by, those whom we vote into office. The United States, and Saratoga, subscribe to a republican form of government. That is one in which we elect representatives to make informed decisions for us. When the representatives elected do not do what we believe to be in our best interests, we vote them out or office.
I believe that we should hold our council members accountable to vote their conscience and intelligence, rather than submit complex and often emotional decisions to the public. When decisions such as those involved in the area of development are turned over to the voters, they tend to become won by those who can spend the most time and money swaying public opinion. The decisions then become reactions to emotional issues rather than informed intelligence. The result is a waste of taxpayer time and money.
Let's keep sound government in Saratoga. This council and future councils must remain responsible for decision-making, and must be held accountable for their decisions. Please join me in demanding that our City Council does not adopt a resolution or an ordinance that gives away responsibility to intelligently represent us, the citizens of Saratoga.
Allen T. Roten
Veronica Drive
Stealing election signs discredits campaign
Proposition 22, the Defense of Marriage Initiative, is an issue regarding which honest citizens can and certainly do disagree. However, more important than any issue, is every citizen's duty to protect our free democratic process. I am saddened that some persons have violated their civic duty by vandalizing and stealing "Yes on Proposition 22" signs. More than 100 signs have been taken--repeatedly stolen in the middle of the night--by people ashamed to be seen.
These persons are denying all of us our First Amendment rights, weakening our democracy, and trying to control what we can see and hear during a free election. Citizens, regardless of their stand on Proposition 22, should denounce this election fraud.
Those who legitimately oppose the Defense of Marriage Initiative by lawful means are now stuck with the embarrassment of having to explain why their supporters are using Nazi tactics--theft and vandalism in the dark of night. Don't they believe in the justice of their cause enough to run an honest campaign and a fair election?
Is their argument so poor they need to cheat? Denying free speech rights is not "tolerance" or "equal rights"--it's bigotry and fascism. Let's all campaign like citizens, not criminals. Surely we can all agree to protect free speech and fair elections whether or not we agree or disagree about protecting traditional marriage.
As for the fascist thief who's stealing election signs--think of how you would feel if your free speech rights were stolen and denied? Would you want your opposition to decide what the people see or hear about your issue? If you believe in your cause, don't discredit it by using crime to promote it.
Teri Jones
Riesling Court
Voting yes on Prop 22 shows fear, intolerance
As I drive through our local streets, I am saddened by the open support of intolerance asking us to protect marriage by voting yes on Proposition 22. Upon seeing these signs, I came home to look up how this vote would "protect marriage."
This proposition does not protect marriage; it only promotes discrimination against one group of people. The support of Proposition 22 is just a continuation of fear and intolerance for those who are different. Whether you vote yes or no for Proposition 22, gay people are not entitled to a legal marriage in the state of California.
The arguments for the proposition consist of two components: it's common sense and let's not redefine marriage--let's protect its sanctity for our children. When it comes to democracy, there really is no such thing as common sense. If there were, we would all live in peace and harmony and never need another election.
As for redefining marriage, hasn't that already happened throughout our history? Over time, the legal age for marriage has changed. At one time, marriage between races was socially unacceptable and even illegal. If marriage is so revered and respected in our society, why is our divorce rate so high? What does that teach our children? What about the children of same-sex relationships, wouldn't they be better served and protected if their parents were allowed to marry?
I would argue that if gay and lesbian partners were allowed the same right to a legal commitment, there would be more morality in our family units. Voting in favor of Proposition 22 only perpetuates fear, intolerance and discrimination.
If you want to teach your kids something, if you want to make a statement on your lawn, why not promote something positive? Isn't there enough hatred and division in our society?
Angela Keller
McFarland Avenue
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
