The Sunnyvale Sun

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Melinda Hamilton's baby choices are her business

As a third-generation resident of Sunnyvale, I find myself thoroughly disgusted, yet again, by the tone a few of our city's residents have taken. It has taken a great deal of restraint to find the words to express my feelings toward those who criticize councilwoman Melinda Hamilton for becoming pregnant during her term. Unless there are guidelines and regulations specifying that a woman on the council should not become pregnant while serving, leave her alone.

Would the same attitude be taken toward any other council member if they fell gravely ill and had to inevitably miss the same meetings and events that Ms. Hamilton has? Pregnancy, like illness, is unpredictable, as are the complications that ensue.

Virtually everyone understands the sheer miracle of conception and birth. Leave Ms. Hamilton alone, let her focus on and enjoy her pregnancy and the joyous delivery of her baby in peace. Aim your persistent negativity at someone or something else. For those who are chastising her and calling for councilwoman Hamilton's resignation (i.e., Mr. DeCinzo, Mr. Weissman, Mr. Cirigliano, Ms. Rittenberg, Ms. Bogart, Mr. Falk), I suggest you run for city council. See if you can do a better job. In other words, "Put up or shut up."

Deborah M. Vitale-Riddle

Sunnyvale

Correction

In the Aug. 30 article, "Merchants may pay tax to cover services," it should have said that Lara Bliesner owns The Bliesner Law Group on South Murphy Avenue.