Trump on states’ abortion votes: Why stop there?

Donald Trump says he agrees that having each state vote on abortion restrictions gives a more regional sense of the issue.

True, but why stop there? We could have counties or even cities plant their own flags. In the reductio ad absurdum limit, why not let each individual woman (and her doctor) arrive at a solution that’s best for her? (Of course, that’s more-or-less what Roe v. Wade had given us.)

When you see Person A trying to tell others how to live according Person A’s moralities, you’re often looking at someone who is (perhaps desperately) avoiding confronting their own shortcomings.

— Edgar Ross, Scotts Valley

More Republicans like Cheneys are needed

We need more influential and well-off Republicans to step forward and demonstrate the same integrity and love of country that were recently demonstrated by Liz and Dick Cheney when they expressed publicly the concerns they feel privately about any future presidency of Donald Trump.

— Helen Oxley, Scotts Valley

Reach out to undecideds to stop Trump candidacy

Ultra-conservative former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, are both voting for Kamala Harris! They have publicly stated Trump should not be allowed to get anywhere near the Oval Office ever again. That’s quite an endorsement.

As we know, this election will come down to a few swing states. If you have family and or friends who are undecided in any of these crucial states, I urge you to call and have a conversation with them. With the election so tight, Liz Cheney said this is not the year for a “write-in.” The election will be very close and there’s too much at stake.

— Nancy Ficarrotta,Soquel

If Trump can be fact checked, so should letters

We enjoyed finally seeing Trump fact checked in the debate last night. Now, why doesn’t the Sentinel do it on the Letters to the Editor?

When you print blatant mistruths, you are not supporting free speech, you’re spreading gossip.

Today you printed a letter from someone claiming the government is flying undocumented immigrants into the country. A quick fact check would show that this is not true. Using the Sentinel to express a concern or an opinion is great. But using it to spread false propaganda is an abuse of the freedom of the press.

— Michele D’Amico, Soquel

Roads should be highest priority of funds

In response to PK Hattis’s article regarding the repair of our county roads, the county is repaving our roads at a pace of 3% a year or 14% over five years. Our roads are currently rated at a 48 which is 17 points below average. At the rate our roads are being resurfaced we shall in a few years have only a few serviceable roads.

It is suggested that the county may have to come to the voters once again for more Measure D money. I voted for Measure D in 2016 expecting the funds to be spent on state highways, rail trail, transit and road maintenance and repair.

I believe roads are a necessity and should hold a higher priority. Seeing how this money was spent shall cause me to consider heavily whether I want, if asked, to vote for additional Measure D money.

— Rick Marlais, Santa Cruz

Sugar tax: City should live within its means

One would think that the sugar tax is meant to deter people from consuming sugar. Yet in reality it is just meant to be revenue for the city. I have lived here for decades and I have seen the city increase tax revenue time and again. Not once has it really had to tighten its belt. When we have a revenue shortage we spend less.

Isn’t it time we explain that to our politicians and start voting down these tax increases? I live within my means, don’t you, and shouldn’t they?

— Chelsea Wagner, Soquel

Air taxis a good reason to keep rail travel viable

One reason to keep railroad travel viable is because of Joby Aviation-type air taxis.

An example is: in the future you live in Aptos Village and work at UCSC. You take an electric train to an air taxi depot in the parking lot of the O’Neill Surf Shop on 41st Avenue. You board the taxi and fly up to work. All of this could be easily coordinated by so-called artificial intelligence.

— Bill Stoesen, Santa Cruz