Letters
- Details
- Written by: Kenny Parlet
I am strongly and adamantly opposed to any restriction on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) materials. In fact, I think the counties and politicians that slam the door on GMOs are short-sighted fools.
If you can genetically modify a plant or crop to be drought resistant, insect resistant, vitamin fortified, protein enhanced or improved for the benefit of mankind, then we need to do it!
The farmer needs every edge they can get to constantly meet the needs of our global consumers. GMOs are just the 21st century's answer to "grafting" and artificial insemination only at the molecular level. This is one of the main reasons we all studied science and biology in the first place. To deny ourselves the opportunity to benefit mankind from the research and advancements in GMOs is irresponsible and just plain stupid.
I strongly support the Farm Bureau and farmers everywhere who are on this cutting edge of agriculture. I cannot abide people who constantly use scare tactics and "junk science" to restrict research, development and the use of GMOs.
Kenny Parlet lives in Lakeport.
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- Details
- Written by: Peter Luchetti
The Luchettis have been next-door neighbors of the Comstocks since my dad bought our ranch from Jim’s dad in 1968, 40 years ago. During the last 40 years we have gotten to know Jim very well. We share a common values and beliefs about hard work, family values and a deep love of the land and the environment. There have been no efforts or attempts by either the Comstocks or the Luchettis to pursue the development of either of our properties because we share a deep commitment to the preservation of agriculture and the natural beauty and environment in Lake County.
This commitment extends to the community at large where we have worked together with the Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District and the Callyomi Water District in Middletown on the restoration and operation of water monitoring and supplemental water delivery systems aimed at preserving and improving the environment and habitat in Putah Creek. The ongoing effort by both families and the water agencies offers an excellent example of local ranchers reaching out and working with the community to plan for and solve complex and important water resources issues impacting residential, business and agriculture users.
Beyond ranching, water and agriculture Jim Comstock has served on the school board for 18 years. In a larger urban community this might not be as important as it is here in the south county. Our school system is one of the largest institutions, either public or private in our community. Through this experience Jim Comstock has dealt with some of the most challenging and sensitive financial, social and everyday practical issues faced by families in the community.
Taken together, Jim Comstock’s track record and experience cut across a broad range of issues and offer exactly what Lake County needs in order to balance residential and commercial development with preservation of agricultural and environment resulting in a better quality of life for all members of the community.
Jim Comstock is not a representative of landowners and businesses – he represents the whole of the community and has a demonstrated track record of walking the talk, in balancing stakeholder interests resulting in better outcomes.
As Jim has shaped his campaign I have personally had many talks with him about his platform and am convinced that the same values that I have come to know in him over the last 40 years will be brought to bear on his service to the community as Supervisor for the South County.
Peter Luchetti's family owns a large ranch near Middletown. He lives in Sausalito.
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- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
The political statement that a county has the right to protect its residents is as important as the halt of local proliferation of these crops.
I was devastated the first time I heard about the Monsanto lawsuit – Monsanto sued a neighboring farmer for theft when genetically modified seed wafted into the neighbor's yard. The neighbor didn't want to be growing this stuff in the first place.
The history of such products is scary: It's said seed can travel at least 60 miles by wind, some crops contain a suicide gene (can't reproduce, but can dominate other crops), and the US has blackmailed
third-world nations by refusing aid unless countries accept delivery of genetically engineered (and somewhat untested) crops.
Janis Paris lives in Spring Valley.
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- Details
- Written by: Becky Curry
You can return your completed registration form to the Lake County Registrar of Voters at the Courthouse in Lakeport by 5 p.m. on that day.
If you need to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot, the request must be at the Registrar of Voters Office in the Lake County courthouse by Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.
Here are items to know in order to exercise your franchise and your right as an American citizen.
Voters should re-register if they have missed a general election.
Voters need to fill out a new form if they have changed their name, their physical or mailing addresses, or party affiliation.
People who have been convicted of a felony and have completed their parole obligations are entitled to reclaim their franchise and register to vote.
There is an impression that when people go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to change the address on their driver’s license and check that little box on the bottom of the form that this will also take care of their voter registration status. This only will work if you are moving from one area to another inside the same county.
If you moved here from another county, you need to fill out a voter registration form and re-register with your new Lake County address.
Employees can ask their employers for up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they notify their employer at least three days in advance.
Employers are required by California Election code to post “Time Off to Vote” notices at least 10 days before the general elections.
The form provided by the Secretary of State is available here: www.ss.ca.gov/elections/Outreach/posters/toveng.pdf.
If you are going to be overseas or are in the uniformed military service and wish to vote absentee fill out a form available at the California Secretary of State’s Web site here: www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf.
It is easy to become a permanent absentee voter, just check the appropriate box on your original affidavit when you register, or fill out a permanent absentee registration.
You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter. A valid registered voter means a United State citizen who is at least 18 years of age and not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony, and who is registered to vote at his or her current residence address.
You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.
You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in line at the polling place prior to the closing of the polls.
You have the right to cast a secret ballot free from intimidation.
You have the right to receive a new ballot if, prior to casting your ballot, you believe you made a mistake.
If at any time before you finally cast your ballot, you feel you have made a mistake, you have the right to exchange the spoiled ballot for a new ballot. Vote by mail voters may also request and receive a new ballot if they return their spoiled ballot to an elections official prior to the closing of the polls on election day.
You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot if you are unable to vote without assistance.
You have the right to return a completed vote by mail ballot to any precinct in the county.
You have the right to election materials in another language if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant production.
You have the right to ask questions about election procedures and observe the election process. You have the right to ask questions of the precinct board and elections officials regarding election procedures and to receive an answer or be directed to the appropriate official for an answer. However, if persistent questioning disrupts the execution of their duties, the board or election officials may discontinue responding to questions.
You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent activity to a local elections official or to the Secretary of State's Office.
Call the Lake County Registrar of Voters at 263-2372 if you have any questions about your status as a registered voter and your right to enfranchisement.
We are lucky here in Lake County to have an excellent, well-informed staff serving us.
Su voto es su voz. Your vote is your voice. Use it!
Becky Curry lives in Kelseyville.
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