EDITOR,
Enough with the repetitive twisting and cherry-picking of Bruce McPherson's record. When you look out over our beautiful, well protected Monterey Bay, thank Bruce McPherson, for, without his critical make-or-break vote, we'd be looking at oil rigs. You can also take a stroll through thousands of pristine acres of local open space that, without Bruce McPherson, would be covered with mini-mansions.
Why do so many pro-choice leaders in this county support Bruce? Because he's the best choice for choice. Why are the local leaders of environmental protection backing Bruce? Because he's proved his commitment to preserving and restoring our environment.
Gail Levey, Soquel
Is this what we have to look forward to if we elect Bruce? Do as I say because my connections and I know best, and you will to if you know what's good for you?
Hammer's challenge to McPherson is stated as: "I shall immediately and publicly repudiate support deriving from any individual or group which resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of my opponent, to the methods and tactics which I condemn. I shall accept responsibility to take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this..."
Last week, I attended a candidates forum sponsored by the Valley Women's Club and League of Women Voters. As I entered the auditorium, a person with a Hammer badge handed me a paper that listed "The 10 lies of Bruce McPherson". I have known and worked closely with Bruce for two decades, and none of the statements in that sheet were accurate, much less truthful. Hammer did not, that night or at any other time, "publicly repudiate" the flyer, or his supporters.
Yesterday, someone or more people defaced McPherson signs throughout the San Lorenzo Valley by gluing over-sized bumper stickers on the signs. Again, Hammer did not "publicly repudiate" this act of campaign vandalism. The list goes on and on.
Frankly, I have been a successful candidate for election in the 5th District, and in Santa Cruz County continuously for the last 24 years, so I understand that campaigns and can be rough and tumble. In the case of Mr. Hammer, he is in the awkward position of having violated his own signed oath to run a clean campaign. Now he has violated the terms of his own challenge to Bruce McPherson, and he wants an ironclad guarantee that he will not be held to either the same standard, or that he will be held responsible for his violations.
Not a smart move by Mr. Hammer. Not honest, not trustworthy. Hammer only demonstrates again that he lacks the kind of leadership and integrity that we are looking like for the 5th District.
Fred Keeley
Treasurer
Former 5th District Supervisor
Former Assemblyman (D-Santa Cruz)
But that is not the point. The point is, with all the money and connections McPherson has, there is no need for him to vilify Hammer, his family, or the people who support him. The only negative comments that have been made have come from his camp. A big bully calling bully. Just not necessary, and seems to serve to distract from focusing on issues that are important to the communities that TOGETHER, comprise the 5th District.
Thank you.
Truth be told, now that Hammer sent out his "clean campaign" letter, he and his troops are gushing crocodile tears, claiming (falsely) that the McPherson campaign is being mean.
What the McPherson campaign is doing is called self defense. Hammer and CO have been misleading the voters, flat out lying, making threatening and obscene calls and destroying property. McPherson has the right and a duty to stand up for himself and others.
We are in trouble and we need help, strong, intelligent leadership and hard work to lift the district and county back up. We need Bruce.
We are a close knit community, and when we disagree, we can agree to disagree and still accomplish things for our community with mutual civility.
There is no need to pit the patron saints of our beloved community service organizations against each other or eviscerate a native son who dared to try step up to lead the community against the wishes of the 1 percent who have so richly funded your purchase of the 5th District supervisor seat.
Also, since much has been made of the unheard of amount of money you have raised to win this race, at least have the decency to bring your checkbook when you attend fundraisers that support our community service organizations for your photo opportunity.
More disingenuous.
Thanks for your "free advice", here's your change.
I spent many years living the Valley life, my son was born in Lompico and I did my time shoveling mud, filling sandbags and passing hot food during more mudslides and floods than I care to recall. The district was chronically short changed then, and is now. Bruce has what it takes to breathe new life into a vital part of our community.
Even while the erstwhile blogger was "interviewing" candidates, he was helping with the Hammer campaign.
Kinda disingenuous don't ya think?