Ranch manager should never work with animals again
Regarding the Los Gatos ranch manager charged with animal cruelty (in Aug. 15 Press Banner), I say, if convicted, she should never be allowed to work with animals again. She had multiple opportunities to do the right thing, failed to do so, and now a horse is dead.
The article said she could face up to a year in jail if convicted, but it’s more important that she never be in position to harm another animal.
Kevin McCarthy
Scotts Valley
Oppose Prop 50 to stop politician-driven redistricting
Our California State Constitution forbids mid-decade redistricting. Manipulating voting districts for political advantage has long been the trickery of cheaters in government. It became such an overt form of political chicanery that it was called “gerrymandering.”
Californians understand the dark side of the political machine. That is why the voter-approved Independent Citizens Commission was established preventing crooked politicians from drawing lines to gain electoral advantage.
Last week a brand-new redistricting map was suddenly presented by our State Legislature. It was drawn behind closed doors with no public oversight or comments. Gavin Newsom then quickly introduced Proposition 50 onto our November ballot asking voters to approve the district lines. Newsom circumvented independent oversight and hired a partisan map-drawer for the process. The purpose Newsom stated was that California was responding to Texas redistricting.
Something is very wrong and illegitimate about Proposition 50. It feels like a political stunt to propel Newsom toward a national political platform using partisan politics and fiscal foolishness. I, for one, don’t want to pay the $245 million price tag for redistricting as a backlash to Texas. I encourage you to vote “No” on Proposition 50.
Kris Hurst
Scotts Valley
