Letters: Yes on Prop. 43 is a vote in favor of accountability

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Yes on Prop. 43 is a vote for accountability

Re: “Prop. 43 allows a third of voters to win elections” (Page A9, Sept. 13).

California voters should vote yes on Proposition 43 because significant local tax increases deserve broad public support.

Prop. 43 would require a two-thirds vote for local special-tax measures, including those placed on the ballot through citizen initiatives. This closes a loophole that can allow tax increases to pass with only a simple majority.

Californians already face some of the highest taxes in the nation. Prop. 43 doesn’t prevent local governments from raising needed revenue; it simply requires greater consensus before imposing special taxes on residents.

A two-thirds vote provides greater accountability and ensures that major tax increases have substantial public support — not just a narrow majority.

Prop. 43 gives taxpayers a stronger voice and raises the standard for increasing their taxes. I urge voters to vote yes on Prop. 43.

Tom Elardy
San Ramon

Apple fans have been brainwashed

Re: “Apple unveils foldable iPhone Duo” (Page A1, Sept. 10).

The latest Apple announcement is, to put it bluntly, underwhelming.

I am reminded of a friend who is an Apple worshipper and was surprised when my old Dell tablet, which runs MX Linux, demonstrated touchscreen capabilities. My point? Even a lightweight operating system running on old technology is “advanced” enough to surprise an Apple user.

Apple has been behind the times for more than a decade now, and the only reason its hardware still sells is that its users have been brainwashed into believing the Apple mystique.

Glenn Meyer
Union City

Lewington for East Bay Regional Park District director

I strongly support Rebecca Lewington for East Bay Regional Park District director in Ward 3.

For five years, I’ve known Rebecca as a fellow dog owner and hiker. Like me, she is deeply committed to parks and the environment. Her humility, respectfulness and approachability make her an ideal leader. With a successful engineering career, she demonstrates problem-solving skills, creativity and teamwork — qualities essential for tackling complex challenges.

Climate change poses the greatest threat to the EBRPD, and Rebecca’s intelligence and “can-do” attitude equip her to address it. I trust she will collaborate with peers and the public to resolve daily issues and ensure all park users coexist harmoniously.

If you seek a leader who listens, works hard and treats everyone with respect, vote for Rebecca in November.

Minane Jameson
Hayward

Valencia brings rider’s view to AC Transit Board

As president of the Alameda Unified School Board, I know how important AC Transit is to our schools. Thousands of students rely on buses to get to school, activities and home.

That is why I am voting for Adriana Valencia for AC Transit Ward 3 director.

I want a director who understands what it means to depend on transit and who will listen and be accessible. During my time on the AUSD Board, I reached out to Director Joel Young about issues affecting our students, including Bay Farm service and transportation needs during school construction. I did not receive one response.

Adriana offers a different approach. She is a frequent transit rider and OUSD parent who understands transportation from the rider’s perspective. Most importantly, she listens, asks questions and wants to solve problems.

Our community deserves a director who answers emails and shows up. I’m voting for Adriana.

Ryan LaLonde
Alameda Unified School Board president
Alameda

Republicans are authors of waste, fraud, abuse

Are Republicans fixing or causing waste, fraud and abuse?

Waste: Republicans support the pointless war with Iran that wasted most of our best missiles and critical munitions, along with almost $40 billion and more than 750 Americans injured and 18 killed. For what? To open the strait that was open before the war?

Fraud: Republicans condone Donald Trump’s open acceptance of bribes and gifts in exchange for government policies and pardons. It’s flat-out corruption. Setting loose convicted fraudsters doesn’t help America.

Abuse: More law-abiding people are imprisoned here than in any other country. Undocumented immigrants who have been living here for years with no problem are now being abused in Republican-funded prisons.

It’s time to kick out the corrupt bums.

Bruce Joffe
Piedmont

Midterms are our chance to vote against madness

Last week, the Trump administration blocked a late-night TV show interview of James Talarico, the Texas Democratic senatorial candidate, while giving dozens of GOP candidates several hours of TV exposure via Trumpapalooza.

During that pseudo-convention, Donald Trump himself offered to pay every adult $5,000 if the GOP retains control of the House and Senate after the midterms.

Trump capped Trumpapalooza by leading his MAGA audience in a verbal pledge to “cheat like hell” in the midterms.

Censorship, bribery and the encouragement of cheating were all on unfiltered display by Trump and his FCC over just a few days.

Vote early beginning October 5. Use a drop box to avoid USPS shenanigans. End this madness and begin to make the United States respectable again.

Barry Brynjulson
Pleasanton