Vote ‘No’ on Measure Q that raises property taxes

Santa Cruz voters should vote “No” on Measure Q. This measure is similar to the statewide Proposition 4 initiative that’s before us this November. Prop. 4 uses state General Funds and provides for a fairer system of government with transparency and fiscal accountability versus an unchecked layer of bureaucracy.

Measure Q wants property owners to pay for all environmental expenditures without compensation; provides no senior tax exemption, nor a tax return deduction. Instead, property owners will see their property taxes increase for 30 years at a breaking point where no longer will they afford to live here or must choose which expenses they can afford, like food, healthcare and property insurance premiums.

Measure Q looks good on paper but these environmental and special interest groups must work with state governmental agencies that offer grant funding that manages park trails, provides forest and waterway conservation practices, and coastal protection. These state grants have checks and balances designed specifically for such projects like Measure Q.

Santa Cruz should vote “No” on Measure Q and “Yes” on Proposition 4.

— Jeff Staben, Soquel

Why Jensen is right choice for Capitola City Council

We’re supporting Gerry Jensen for Capitola City Council because he’s a true community builder who always finds ways to bring everyone together. Gerry creates opportunities, both large and small, for all Capitolans to participate meaningfully in our city’s future. He’s more than just a candidate — he’s our neighbor, supporting local businesses, community projects and residents, and is always willing to engage in constructive discussions, even on thorny issues.

Gerry approaches every situation with an open mind and understands the importance of balancing empathy and fairness, especially with people holding differing viewpoints. He’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and work right alongside us, whether it’s organizing community events or tackling tough problems. Above all, Gerry values honesty and integrity, qualities that are essential in a leader.

In a time when we need leaders who listen, unite and act with integrity, Gerry Jensen is the right choice for Capitola.

— David and Deb Aaron, Capitola

It’s climate change driving economic problems

It’s the economy!

What is our worst enemy of our pocketbook? Climate change.

Floods, drought, tornadoes, hurricanes, yes, they have always been with us, but not like the current impact. Our housing, food supply and health are suffering. Insurance companies know how bad it is getting. They are leaving the most dangerous markets and charging huge increases where they still have policies.

Housing is a major problem now in this country, food prices are increasing and climate change is driving all this.

So, you can vote for a man who denies we are having a problem, or for a woman who recognizes we have a problem and will try to mitigate it.

— LeAnn Bjelle, Aptos

Single-issue voters will get the ‘whole Trump’

There are some Christians for whom the abortion issue is more important than anything else. Many will vote for Trump.

Your can vote for Trump for a specific issue but, if he wins, we get the whole Trump, not just the part you like. He wants to imprison or expel large groups of citizens. You know which classes he’s thinking about now, but that can easily change, suddenly including people you’re rather fond of.

Sure, people want to know where Kamala stands on issues, but there’s one important thing to know: she has always (and will continue to) uphold the Constitution of the United States.

Trump will not.

— Edgar Ross, Scotts Valley

Why can’t Liz Cheney change to support Harris?

To comment, as a recent letter writer did, on how Liz Cheney reversed her negative descriptions of Kamala Harris when, seriously, JD Vance has described Trump as America’s Hitler, an idiot, unfit to govern ... wait, I only have 175 words here ... is over the top. It’s a matter of habit to reverse positions in political campaigns. It’s been the practice for centuries.

— Erica Aitken, Santa Cruz