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Opinion
The working people employed by our government at the federal, state and local level, are hired to provide the American people with public services.
One (of many) federal public services includes providing military protection (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) for the American people. This one area of public service takes 55 percent of the total federal budget.
Likewise, the state of California, provides public services via environmental protection (maintaining and enforcing clean water policies); and (among others) providing a large portion of funding for teachers, police and firefighters.
At the county level, public services are provided by office workers at various departments. Most of these essential services are funded by local tax payers.
It is apparent to me that elected officials have difficult spending decisions to make in administering the local level of government. And maintaining a handle on government expenses is one of their responsibilities. But that must be balanced with the requirement to provide competent and essential public services to the people of Lake County.
If the Lake County Board of Supervisors allows county staffing levels to diminish to a point that essential public services cannot be provided and maintained, then I question their responsibility to the people of Lake County. The need to balance incoming revenues, with outgoing expenses in providing public services are the difficult decisions they were elected to make.
Anna Rose Ravenwoode lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
One (of many) federal public services includes providing military protection (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) for the American people. This one area of public service takes 55 percent of the total federal budget.
Likewise, the state of California, provides public services via environmental protection (maintaining and enforcing clean water policies); and (among others) providing a large portion of funding for teachers, police and firefighters.
At the county level, public services are provided by office workers at various departments. Most of these essential services are funded by local tax payers.
It is apparent to me that elected officials have difficult spending decisions to make in administering the local level of government. And maintaining a handle on government expenses is one of their responsibilities. But that must be balanced with the requirement to provide competent and essential public services to the people of Lake County.
If the Lake County Board of Supervisors allows county staffing levels to diminish to a point that essential public services cannot be provided and maintained, then I question their responsibility to the people of Lake County. The need to balance incoming revenues, with outgoing expenses in providing public services are the difficult decisions they were elected to make.
Anna Rose Ravenwoode lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
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- Written by: Anna Rose Ravenwoode
I can't hardly afford any health coverage. I am living out of my Social Security retirement, and that is not enough to pay for my basic needs.
When the politicians talked about taking off the coverage for preexisting conditions, they were talking about a mass assassination of people like me.
What a shame, that the ones with a great deal of money have forgotten about the ones that don’t. We are citizens of this beloved country of ours. They pretend that we don't exist, and if we do, we don't deserve to be alive!
Edgard Schmidt lives in Ukiah, Calif.
When the politicians talked about taking off the coverage for preexisting conditions, they were talking about a mass assassination of people like me.
What a shame, that the ones with a great deal of money have forgotten about the ones that don’t. We are citizens of this beloved country of ours. They pretend that we don't exist, and if we do, we don't deserve to be alive!
Edgard Schmidt lives in Ukiah, Calif.
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- Written by: Edgard Schmidt
Young people, I am speaking to you as a 77-year-old with a heart that grieves for you having to live through a political climate full of hate and evil. But take heart, not everyone is on board with the racism and ugliness coming across the airwaves on a daily basis.
As a young person I saw what the power of love can do to combat war, to combat racism and classism. Young people, speak out against violence, speak out against racism and speak out for peace. Your voices together will drown out the naysayers.
Young people, know that you do not have to accept what is going on in our county today in terms of the lack of positive leadership. Be a positive leader speak out against those who promote evil.
You can make a difference every day of your life. I am 77 and I have not given up; it is never too late for peace.
We must come together as all of the colors in the rainbow and celebrate our differences. We as a people should never allow ourselves to be devalued by someone calling himself a leader and a role model while pushing distrust and negativity.
Let us join hands and make the great divide that has been created and close the gap with love.
Love peace, love thy neighbor and love yourself as you commit your life to justice and peace.
Most of all, make a difference everyday of your life and the love you show will come back to you and make you stronger.
Sue Williams lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
As a young person I saw what the power of love can do to combat war, to combat racism and classism. Young people, speak out against violence, speak out against racism and speak out for peace. Your voices together will drown out the naysayers.
Young people, know that you do not have to accept what is going on in our county today in terms of the lack of positive leadership. Be a positive leader speak out against those who promote evil.
You can make a difference every day of your life. I am 77 and I have not given up; it is never too late for peace.
We must come together as all of the colors in the rainbow and celebrate our differences. We as a people should never allow ourselves to be devalued by someone calling himself a leader and a role model while pushing distrust and negativity.
Let us join hands and make the great divide that has been created and close the gap with love.
Love peace, love thy neighbor and love yourself as you commit your life to justice and peace.
Most of all, make a difference everyday of your life and the love you show will come back to you and make you stronger.
Sue Williams lives in Kelseyville, Calif.
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- Written by: Sue Williams
Ernestina Mussano Galletto passed June 29, 1976.
Dearest Momma, it’s been 43 years since you passed away and I miss you every single day.
You were such a great lady. When Papa died due to complications from serving in World War II, you gave up your job as a teacher and took over the family pasta factory. You knew there were 27 people depending on you for their livelihood. Even though times were hard, you always kept a smile on you face and never complained.
I appreciate all you taught me, Momma: to be honest, help others, be kind and generous to children, to forgive those who hurt me, to be friendly and love with all my heart.
When I think of you, I see your smile and love all around you. I am sure as a special lovely soul you are close to the Holy One. Please be my advocate and help with my husband John’s health.
My love to you Momma. Until we meet again.
Marialisa Alotta lives in Upper Lake, Calif.
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- Written by: Marialisa Alotta