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Leaders must cancel
gas tax — now

With gasoline well over $6 a gallon and rising, why is it taking so long for our governor and legislators to act?

Simple answer: They demand that any solution solve a multitude of problems (real or imaginary): systemic this or that; only poor people (undefined) should get a refund; roads and bridges; education; homelessness; etc. The list goes on and becomes an excuse in itself for no action.

Keep it simple, stupid – focus on one problem, an immediate problem. Cancel the state gas tax for six months or a year. California has an enormous surplus and growing; and will likely grow without the gas tax.

Directly or indirectly, every person in California is impacted by this issue. High gasoline cost equals high transportation costs equals higher food costs and costs for all goods and services.

Canceling the gas tax will benefit everyone. Act now.

Ray Fortney
Danville

Vote for Pamela Price
for Alameda County DA

The criminal justice system in Alameda County is broken. The status quo is not working. As the only corporate-free candidate in the DA’s race, Pamela Price can approach our problems with real justice reform in mind. We deserve a district attorney who works for the whole community, not just for people with money, connections and relationships with the office.

Pamela Price will utilize proven techniques to reduce crime by reforming our criminal justice system, strengthening victims’ services and voices, keeping our youth on the right track and holding law enforcement accountable.

Pamela Price will be a champion of a woman’s right to choose, listen to the voters and fight to rid our communities of illegal weapons.

As a civil rights attorney for 30 years with a proven record of fighting for justice and representing everyday people, it’s time to make Pamela Price our next Alameda County district attorney.

Rene Wise
Fremont

Seven Hills development
is the right plan for land

I wanted to drop you a line in support of the Diablo Glen project proposed for Seven Hills Ranch in Walnut Creek.

My wife and I have been longtime Contra Costa residents. We are making plans for the next three to five years, which include moving to Diablo Glen. The developers have established similar facilities throughout California and have done so in an admirable fashion. Diablo Glen will far exceed similar retirement properties by providing assisted living, memory care and full nursing, which is extremely attractive to folks in our age range.

I can’t think of a better use for the underdeveloped property. It will greatly benefit folks like us, and I believe the existing neighbors will be more satisfied with this than with any of the other possible development options.

Mike Lamborn
Orinda

Monday Night Football
reeks of White privilege

With about 70 percent of NFL players being Black, it is absurd for both broadcasters on Monday Night Football this coming season to be White. It reeks of White privilege.

A joy of watching NBA games on TV is that we almost never see only-White broadcasters for those games. Kelenna Azubuike has been a great addition to the NBC Sports Bay Area Warriors broadcast team. He makes a huge difference in multiple ways.

If the all-White team is the only option to watch a 49ers football game this season, I will turn the sound off. And don’t get me started with the Bay Area NBC Sports Giant’s broadcast team when it comes to diversity. Talk about White privilege.

George Fulmore
Emeryville

Vote out do-nothings
in June 7 primary

Re. “Newsom: Surplus soars to $97.5B,” Page A1, May 14:

Gov. Gavin Newsom has a budget surplus of $97.5 billion and can’t find one dollar to increase our water supply.

One of his priorities is to build small homes for the homeless. Another is to provide health care for illegal immigrants. Where is the logic that puts these programs ahead of the need for water?

It is time for a change. Do your homework and vote for candidates this June 7 primary election who are willing to fight for legislation that will increase the state’s water and electric supplies.

James Tasker
Moraga

Source: www.mercurynews.com