Monning disappointed by No on Z soda tax Editorial

I was disappointed to see the Sentinel’s recommendation against Measure Z, Santa Cruz city’s proposed sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) tax.

In the public health and medical communities, there is no dispute that SSBs are the leading source of unhealthful calories that contribute directly to obesity, tooth decay and preventable Type 2 diabetes and that an SSB tax will result in lower consumption rates — the public health objective.

It is poor and minority communities that are the targets and victims of Big Soda advertising and indeed the sector of our community that is most damaged by these unhealthful and damaging products.

Would the Sentinel support the removal of tobacco taxes that have been used to help reduce smoking as “regressive”?

I would encourage the Sentinel’s Editorial Board to review the facts and to support the health leaders in our community working to protect and advance the health of all.

I encourage readers to vote in favor of community health and vote Yes on Measure Z.

— State Sen. Bill Monning (ret), Majority Leader Emeritus. Monterey

Q and Z: Editorial Board lost touch with local voters

When did the Santa Cruz Sentinel Editorial Board lose touch with local voters? Why do they keep opposing essential services that residents need and frequently request? Their recent opposition to Measure Q, which addresses climate change, is perplexing. The board criticized Q’s backers for taking too broad of an approach to address the many disasters Santa Cruz County has faced — and will continue to face — due to climate change. But a broad approach is exactly what’s necessary, given the catastrophic and ongoing effects we must confront as a community, which requires adequate funding.

Then there’s Measure Z, where the board admitted their opposition is rooted in resistance to any new taxes, even siding with corporate giant Coca-Cola over the health of our community. Both measures have strong support from elected officials who have listened to the voters. That’s whose advice I’ll follow when I cast my vote this November.

Vote Yes on Measures Q and Z for our future!

— Maggie Duncan-Merrell, Santa Cruz

Brown in District 2: Understands transit issues

The county is at a crossroads when it comes to transportation, and we need a leader like Kristen Brown to guide us through this crisis. With years of policy experience in transportation and transit funding, Kristen understands the complex issues of road repair and traffic congestion. Our roads are in desperate need of attention, and traffic continues to be a growing problem. Kristen knows how to secure the necessary funds and implement effective solutions to address these challenges. She has the experience to improve our infrastructure and make commuting easier for everyone.

We need a supervisor with real, practical knowledge of how to get things done, and Kristen Brown is that candidate.

— Lowell Hurst, Watsonville City Councilmember Emeritus

De Serpa shows why she’s best choice in District 2

Kim De Serpa is my choice for 2nd District supervisor. I have had personal experience with Kim as a social worker. When my son went to her, she worked tirelessly to get him the benefits he needed to live independently. Her follow-through was amazing. He had seen other social workers, but no one was able to do what Kim accomplished for him. I’m certain Kim will treat all tasks she takes on in the same manner — tirelessly and with great follow through. We need that type of person for supervisor in the 2nd District. We need Kim De Serpa.

— Earleen Overend, Aptos

Agricultural businesses need De Serpa on board

A large part of the 2nd District is agricultural land. Kim De Serpa has a deep knowledge of the needs of this area because her family has had land that Kim put into conservancy rather than sell it to protect it from future development. Few candidates for the 2nd District have ever had such an appreciation or interest in this area of the 2nd District. Our agricultural businesses need an ear on the Board of Supervisors that will listen and take their concerns about rural areas seriously. Kim will do just that.

— Lila Steiner, Aptos