Readers blast local raise for city executives, praise story on
Lyme disease and question global warming theory
Harsh Criticism for the ‘Big Cash Giveaway’ Worth Remembering
Dear Editor,
“By their acts shall you know them!”
Staff writer Serdar Tumgoren (Council Candidate Makes Sky-High Debut – May 24) writes once councilman, now candidate, Robert Dillon said “he would have voted against the salary shift that will add $200,000-plus to the city’s annual budget.” He then points out what may become one major focal point in the upcoming council/mayor race: “Mayor Al Pinheiro welcomed Dillon’s addition to the pool of candidates … Pinheiro has already locked up an endorsement from Dillon, most of his council colleagues and a number of other council hopefuls. But Pinheiro does not expect to make any endorsements of his own.”
Is this type shuck-and-jive what Gilroy needs in its top elected official – someone who ‘has already locked up endorsements from others but refuses to offer his endorsement in return? I wonder: Has this mayor heard of, and/or knows the meaning of such words as “loyalty” and “transparency”? Obviously he sought and received Dillon’s endorsement prior to the mayor-supported grandiose giveaway of taxpayer dollars via City Administrator Jay Baksa’s “Make My Managers Richer” scheme. Based on Dillon’s comments on that preference pay-out plan, it sounds like his endorsement can, and should, be withdrawn if Dillon is going to be true to himself.
Of course, the question comes to mind: Why had the mayor felt it necessary to “lock up” endorsements for a race he said he would not be in. On Dec. 29, 2006, as part of a Dispatch Community Resolutions page, Pinheiro was quoted to say “Next year is my last year as mayor for sure …” Yet he’s apparently been very busy since that piety to “lock up” endorsements – and before the Pinheiro/Baksa Big Cash Giveaway!
Gilroy’s voters should give serious thought to such contradictions in their political leaders, especially when two – Pinheiro and Baksa – have the sanctimonious arrogance to attack and insult those voters who challenged, or questioned, the Big Cash Giveaway! As reported by Tumgoren (Salary Sore Point – April 18) “The city’s top administrator and mayor said it was “offensive” and a sign of “distrust” in public employees to suggest that a new pay system for city managers could undermine the best interests of taxpayers.” It’s shuck-and-jive time again!
Perhaps these two will find another way to weasel-word their contempt for Gilroy’s victims – the taxpayers – when attempting to make those who challenge their money mismanagement myopia feel guilty for recognizing whose interests are really being served. The issue has nothing to do with feelings toward most public employees. It has everything to do with the enrichment of a small band of city managers (Baksa’s Brigade).
Their deed is done! Some $200,000-plus yearly, or more, is now committed to the insignificant minority – and all other city employees are treated with the indifference and thoughtlessness upon which Pinheiro and Baksa stand and strut.
Another election approaches. It’s Gilroy voters’ opportunity to effectively express their reasoned thoughts towards what they expect from their leaders… attitudes and actions that serve Gilroys’ citizens, not a chosen group at the expense of all others.
James Brescoll, Gilroy
‘Open-minded’ Story on Lyme Disease Hopefully Will Open Some Eyes
Dear Editor,
Thank you so much for Emily Alpert’s great open-minded article on Lyme disease. I contracted Lyme from two tick bites in the woods of Palo Alto Foothills Park and Los Trancos Woods, on the border of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties in 1987.
I was dismissed by at least six doctors and left untreated for 10 years. By the time I finally found a doctor to treat me, I was barely able to walk and my life was in shambles. Now, after 10 years of antibiotics, I can walk several miles at a time, and am able to manage my life. I will never be the same athletic, high-energy person I was, but I am grateful to be alive.
Left untreated, I have no doubt that I would be dead by now. Thanks to a very brave and intelligent doctor, I am able to enjoy life again. I can’t help but believe that there is some kind of conspiracy started by the insurance companies behind the cruel lack of treatment for Lyme patients.
Most of us contracted Lyme and its multiple co-infections because we were active, healthy, outdoor-type people. How ironic that people who drink, eat, and couch-potato themselves into poor health are treated extensively without question.
Gay Ann Morrisette, Aptos
Pending Global Disaster or Scenario Fueled by Federal Grant Money?
Dear Editor,
I read with interest Joseph McCormack’s letter on global warming and agree with his analysis.
Federal grants to universities often produce research that finds exactly what the feds are paying for, in this case, global warming. Few of us remember that Professor Paul Ehrlich of Stanford University conducted research in 1960 that predicted an impending and immediate global cooling disaster. Also, all petroleum on earth would be consumed in 10 years.
Paul F. Barker, Kelseyville
