Letters to the Editor
October 28, 2020

To the Editor:
Debate and Health Care dated October 28, 2002
If you are a person who has any interest in being protected against shutout by the insurance companies for a pre-existing condition or relies on ACA (colloquially, "Obamacare"), the last debate was helpful to you. Without unhinged interruption, Biden was able to share some of his policy plans and reaffirm that of the many issues facing in this election, health care is one of the most important. In Texas v. California, the Trump administration, and Republican attorneys general of several states, are arguing before the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) that the ACA is unconstitutional and should be dismantled entirely. Trump agreed, but insisted that the pre-existing conditions provision of ACA would be replaced by “better than ever before” protections. In the future.
This is a fabrication that Trump has long hawked. He insisted in the debate, and with Lesley Stahl on “60 Minutes” last Sunday, that he has “so many plans” already prepared, all of which protect people with existing medical conditions from being dropped by insurance companies. His agent handed Stahl a 3-inch book representing “the plan,” which was later discovered to be assorted unrelated materials and blank pages. He’s got nothing, and he doesn't intend to have anything. And he thinks the electorate still believes him.
If Trump is successful in the SCOTUS, millions of Americans will be left without health insurance. Trump keeps repeating that millions already have insurance through their workplaces, a fact that is, I’m sure, heart-warming to those without insurance but which does not solve their own significant concern: lack of health insurance, particularly in the middle of a pandemic and its aftermath, a sure pre-existing condition.
The encounters in the debates and on “60 Minutes” once again exposed the depth and breadth of the indifference of this president for the truth, for the real needs of this country, and for any responsibility towards people who trusted him with their country and its standing in the world. All he can do is tout how “perfect” his performance has been as president, how “magnificently” he has handled the Covid crisis, and how well the economy was doing before the "not-his-fault" mismanagement of "the plague."
Let’s at least put to rest that last claim. Trump did not create the best economy ever. All he did was to allow Obama's and Biden's economic rescue of the 2008 Republican Recession to gain yardage until early 2020 when Trump tragically fumbled the ball.
Kelly Scoles

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To the Editor:
Ted mayr funeral home closure
Some of you may have heard that Ted Mayr Funeral Home, in Ventura, has closed! It looks like it was about August 30, 2020.
The last Funeral Services group, Pierce Brothers, leasing the building, has moved out since their lease ended. It was thought that a notice was sent to clients, but perhaps many did not see the notice. I did not see the notice. The Mayr Family is selling the building.
If you had prepaid funeral memorial services insurance (Dignity, etc.) arrangements, I found that all the clients’ records were moved to the Westlake Pierce Brothers funeral home branch. You should call them at (818) 889-0902 to get a copy of your file, etc.
Kathleen Briggs
Former Ted Mayr Client

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To the Editor:
I just wanted to reach out and thank all the wonderful people in this community, who have supported me during this election season. During my tenure on the council, we have done many great things such as streamlining the permit process making it easier for businesses to locate to Fillmore. We have been working to revitalize our downtown area, to provide affordable housing opportunities, and to provide a balanced city budget. We have worked diligently to protect public safety and advance city services. My work is not done yet. I am counting on you to provide me with four more years to serve as your council member. So please remember to vote on November 3rd and cast your vote in support of Mark Austin.
Mark Austin, Fillmore City Council Member

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To the Editor:
Thank you, Fillmore
We’re coming down to the finish line with only days left until Election Day. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in Fillmore who has shown support for Mark and me over the past couple of months. To everyone who has contributed to our campaigns, posted our signs in your yard, passed out flyers or just said to us, “We voted for you.” I appreciate you.
Fillmore is a beautiful town. From the picturesque farmland surrounding us to the small-town look and feel. From the trains to all the parades, carnivals and festivals. From all the activities put on by our Parks and Recreation Department for us to enjoy to the way our community pulls together during an emergency.
But the one thing that really sets Fillmore apart and makes it the best place I can think of to live is the people. Everyone is friendly and helpful and has that small-town attitude.
There’s a tight-knit feel to our community and that makes the difference. I can’t imagine living anywhere else and that’s why I want to say thank you. Your support means a lot to me.
Tim Holmgren