No on Measure A

We taxpayers struggle with the high cost of living. The price of every necessity rises far more quickly than our incomes. Meanwhile, the Monterey Peninsula Union School District repeatedly demands ever greater percentages of our income. The district makes no accounting for the hundreds of millions of dollars already taken from us in recent years.

The school district demands $60 million to “Construct and/or acquire rental housing units for teachers and staff…”. That is an enormous investment in an extremely challenging project. What empowers the district to successfully plan, construct and purchase, then maintain and manage such a huge real estate investment? The district cites one of many economic challenges we all deal with, high housing costs, then presumes to address that problem with our money. This is mission expansion on steroids. Our educators request us to appoint them as a public residential real estate company because there is a housing shortage. Those of us who have earned the money being taken by the government can see that the district has zero track record for experience and success in handling our money in such a manner.

“A fool and his money are soon parted.”

— Michael Pekin, Seaside

Lenowska for MPC Board

As a current trustee of a local board, I am thrilled to see new people stepping forward to serve our educational community. Among them, Chelsea Lenowska stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Monterey Peninsula College Board of Trustees. Her leadership experience, dedication to public service and innovative vision make her an ideal fit for this role.

Chelsea’s experience as a former Trustee for George Washington University shows her deep understanding of higher education governance. She helped guide GWU through the pandemic. Her commitment to equity led to expanded scholarships and better support for students from diverse backgrounds.

One of the challenges our community faces is that we often rely on the loudest and same voices. While experience matters, it’s time to embrace new perspectives. Chelsea brings a fresh approach that’s willing to ask tough questions and focus on what’s best for both current and future generations.

Chelsea’s professional background, including her roles in higher education, federal law enforcement and now the Naval Postgraduate School, gives her a breadth of experience that will benefit MPC.

I encourage voters to support Chelsea Lenowska in this election. She’s ready to help MPC thrive.

— Carolyn Swanson, Pacific Grove

Re-think priorities

This election season, what are your top priorities? So many are whining about potholes and rising costs; I urge you to be concerned with bigger issues.

Without a healthy environment, everything else is irrelevant. It’s long overdue time for us to collectively care about what we’re doing to Mother Nature for profits.

Salad Bowl of the World — it’s time for a transition to sustainable, organic farming (even if it requires investment in Ag Tech)!

In Salinas, my priorities would be #1 — Environmental Health, #2 — Public Safety, and #3 Economic Development.

Yes, I want the streets fixed. I’ve fallen several times due to sidewalks needing repair. There are many other issues to address that I care deeply about: homelessness, affordable housing and a long list of community services.

I challenge you to get factually informed and encourage you to re-think your priorities.

— Karen Cameron, Salinas

Candidate forums

I’d like to thank the League of Women Voters of Monterey County for conducting excellent candidate forums during this election season. I attended a forum for city council and mayoral candidates in Pacific Grove recently. It was well-organized, efficiently run and even-handed. It was also well-attended.

I left feeling like I knew more about the candidates and the issues facing our city. The opportunity to hear directly from candidates is so important in order to make informed decisions as a voter. Thank you to the women (and men) of the LWV for providing this vital service throughout Monterey County.

— Sue Parris, Pacific Grove