To the Editor:
A community’s priorities are reflected in the quality and integrity of its elected officials. I had the privilege of serving the Fillmore community for 14 years as a teacher and school leader at Sespe School and Fillmore Middle School. During this time, I was fortunate to work alongside Ms. Tricia Gradias, who was not only my principal but also became a valued colleague when I transitioned to a school site administrator.
Throughout our collaboration, Tricia consistently demonstrated herself as a fierce advocate for students and their families. She prioritized their needs and posed challenging questions that led to improved academic and social-emotional opportunities for children.
Although I am no longer part of FUSD, I remain connected to the community and stay informed about the district’s progress—much of which is a testament to Tricia’s dedication as a trustee. With 24 years of experience as an educator, I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Tricia Gradias for her continued leadership on the FUSD Board. She exemplifies integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The students and families of Fillmore and Piru deserve a trustee who will fiercely represent their interests, and they have that in Tricia Gradias.
Scott Carroll, Ed.D.
Oxnard, Ca
To the Editor:
The community of Fillmore and the students and their families of Fillmore Unified would greatly benefit by reelecting Tricia Gradias to the FUSD School Board. My name is Kathy Elliott, a former teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School, and I had the privilege of working with Tricia for 14 years. She and I team taught and worked closely together to ensure that our students got the very best education. Tricia’s passion for students and families of her community were always at the forefront of her teaching. She always focused on what was best for all students and did so in a loving, supportive way. I have known Tricia and have witnessed her consistent work ethic as we worked collaboratively developing curricular units for our grade level. She is a true team player and is deeply committed to what she believes in. Her work ethic is inspirational, and her follow-through is unfailing. She has garnered the respect and trust of the families in Fillmore. She has accomplished a great deal in serving the students and families of FUSD during her time as a School Board Member.
I highly endorse Tricia Gradias and her continued leadership on the FUSD School Board.
Kathy Elliott
Ventura, CA
To the Editor:
The time is now when you must make decisions that will impact not only your life in the immediate future but in ages to come. This choice will not only affect you but further millions of children and their descendants. God has made his choice and made it incontestable in scripture.
Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
I write primarily to those who believe in the God of the motto on our currency; “In God we Trust”. For those who choose not to believe, you must admit that the Creator called out in the Declaration of Independence established undeniable principles on the earth which must be adhered to for survival. Gravity effects everyone equally and eating (the absorption of nutrients) as well as breathing must be sustained for every living thing or death is inevitable. Choosing our leaders, laws and enforcement are principles written in the Bible. ( Deuteronomy 1:15)
If you consider yourself to be of a Christian persuasion and are still undecided on whether to vote, the answer is clearly written in God’s Word. In Joshua 24:15 it is written, ‘Choose you now the god you will serve’. The people were given a choice they had to make. It was not optional. In Deuteronomy 30 above, God said to choose.
In the parables of Matthew 25 and Luke 19 the owner of the property commanded both His servants and His stewards to oversee His property and increase it until His return. He rewarded those who had obeyed His instructions but the one who had buried what was given to him had it taken from him. He was called a wicked and lazy servant and thrown out into the darkness. The Lord made known His dismay at those who refused to obey His directions to use the authority He had given them to build His kingdom. How much more will He be displeased with those He calls hirelings in John 10:11, 12, who have been called to be shepherds of His flock but flee from the wolf, (government) leaving the flock to be scattered and unsure of their responsibility to make their voices heard by voting?
When Christians refuse to vote, by default they have chosen government to be the god of this world rather than the Creator Who promised in our Constitution to give them the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. God has said; ‘choose life’. The Written Word tells us that the devil comes only to rob, murder and destroy. Revelation 12: 11 tells us that we overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
Back in 2016 Hillary Clinton said that those who didn’t vote for her were deplorable. The devil as he always does twists and confuses words. It is my reasoning that the actual deplorable s’ are those who refuse to search the platforms of the political parties and vote for those most closely adhering to God’s Biblical precepts, principles and commands. Whatever you decide to vote, don’t abstain ! Depending on what poll you hear, between 20a% and 40% of Christians did not vote in the last election and you should be able to recognize what that failure has forced upon us.
Stan Mason,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
A nonpartisan suggestion:
Don’t use the ballot drop boxes. [i.e. The white ballot drop box located in front of the Fillmore library.] Drop boxes have been tampered with in the past. Examples: liquid poured in through the slot, fire put in through the slot, which destroys ballots. You will not be notified because your ballot will be ultimately destroyed.
Instead, drop your ballot at one of many voting centers, which will be open on Oct 28 through Nov 5 or at the Ventura County Elections office. The Voting Center here in Fillmore will be located at St. Francis Catholic Church on Hwy 126.
You can also vote in person at these voting centers as well.
Both of these suggestions are safer options.
And also, sign up for “WheresMyBallot.”
From:
A Concerned Citizen, Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
My name is Karen Ashim, and as a teacher, assistant principal, and counselor at Fillmore High School, I worked closely with Olivia Palacio and endorse her continued leadership on the FUSD School Board.
Olivia has expertise working with students with special needs and all of the students at Fillmore Middle School and High School. As the FHS career tech, she helped all students make plans for after high school. As the UCSB rep, she assisted the counselors to ensure students who wanted to go to college fulfill the requirements. She made time to meet with parents and students after work hours.
Olivia was a working mother as she completed her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Counseling. She is determined to be prepared for helping students by reading and researching the complex issues so that she has a clear understanding of the topics and problems brought to the school board. She takes the time to listen to students, staff, and parents in English and Spanish.
Many of you know Olivia; you know her background as a Fillmore resident for many years and an employee working at Fillmore schools. You know her character, ability, and her judgment.
I no longer work at FHS, but I read the school board agenda, and the weekly Fillmore Gazette. I miss FHS and am very proud of the CA Distinguished School Award. And, I endorse Olivia Palacio for the School Board and thank her for the many years of support to the students.
Karen Ashim,
Fillmore, Ca.
To the Editor:
Martin, your last Editorial was breathtaking in its obtuse assertions, several of which were darkly amusing. My allegations last week are easily checked, if truth is what you’re after.
Your defense of E. Jean Carroll’s verdict of “sexual abuse” rather than “rape” was astonishing. You see, in NY, unconsented sexual penetration with anything other than the male organ, even fingers or a foreign object, is not “rape” as it is everywhere else; it is “sexual abuse.” That’s how your guy escaped the “R” word. Proudly insisting on the distinction is pathetic.
I stifled an outright but inappropriate laugh at your “what-about” fruit salad (apples and oranges) equating January 6 with reactions to George Floyd’s murder. Martin, “insurrection” requires that the revolt be against the government. The tragic violence following George Floyd’s murder began as Civil Rights demonstrations against police brutality. January 6 was a deliberate revolt at the Capitol resulting in several deaths, threats to the VP and Speaker with hanging, the purpose of which was to interfere with a Constitutional process required of Congress. The fact that it was directed by the then-president makes it all the more egregious. There were few guns and knives in the hands of the insurrectionists because the police had already confiscated hundreds of them at the Ellipse.
I have already provided several direct quotes of Trump’s repeated derogatory statements about the military dead and wounded. You simply refuse to confront them. I have noticed that you don’t even try to deny Trump’s flagrant flirting with Putin and other tyrants.
Trump’s cruelest lies last week, echoed by you, were about the “failure of the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene.” In fact, President Biden immediately committed FEMA funding in communications with the governors. Each Republican and Democratic governor roundly contradicted Trump’s falsities, and had to explain to understandably alarmed constituents that all the expected assistance was in fact in place or on its way. And that the Biden administration “did not cause the hurricane.”
What sort of a person amplifies the pain of people already suffering unfathomable loss, and increases their anxiety and despair? Trump did it on the chance that voters would devolve further into outrage, the currency of Trumpism. And then there are those who repeat the lies, truth immaterial.
On Sunday, Trump told Fox that the military should control his political opponents if there is unrest after the November election. “I think the bigger problem [not Russia or North Korea] is the people from within, we have some very bad people, we have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think…it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary by the military.” In fact, it is MAGA that has engaged in violence, on January 6, 2021, and threats of “retribution” thereafter. Trump has already said that it will only be a “free and fair” election if he wins.
Does this sound like the United States of America?
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
Some time ago, a writer asked for positive comments about political policies. Here are my comments on the Biden administration’s migration policies.
Trump’s family separation policy was cruel and traumatizing, and if it wasn’t inhumane enough, Trump created no way to track these children or reunite them with their families. When he did that, those children became our responsibility—to feed, clothe, house, educate, and raise to adulthood. Biden reunited as many as he could locate—in line with the tenants of Christianity.
Kamala Harris never was “border czar.” Harris’ more ambitious remit was to address the “root causes.” The best way to stop the flood of migrants is to give them a reason to stay home, to improve conditions so it isn’t worth the risk. When people are hungry, abused, and fearful, no wall is high enough or strong enough to stop them.
Harris successfully worked to create jobs, support labor, fight corruption, reduce violence, and improve human rights—in their home countries. She met with regional leaders, business leaders, and NGO’s. She supported humanitarian relief. She’s worked on anticorruption efforts within the judicial systems in the US, Mexico, and Guatemala to prosecute corruption cases. She went to the sources instead of waiting for them to get to our border. It’s not a quick soundbite, like “build the wall.” Yet it is ultimately far more effective.
The Biden administration supported the bipartisan efforts led by ultra-conservative Sen. James Langford to create the first meaningful legislation proposed in decades. It was discarded because Trump wanted a campaign issue instead of a solution.
Lastly, Biden is addressing climate change. This crisis is driving people from the mountains in South America, destabilizing cities. Mexico City is nearly out of water. What is going to happen when it’s gone? When the search is for water, no “wall” will turn back migrants, anywhere.
Buckle up. Unless we address these issues, this problem will get worse, no matter who is president, no matter how many of our Christian principles we are willing to abandon. We need something a whole lot smarter than a wall built on sand.
Pat Collins,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
October 8, 2024
When one of the most famous things that a candidate for public office has said is that she “loves a yellow school bus,” we should believe her. Sadly, I fear I am too cynical when I struggle to do this. I do understand that we all say things we don’t mean. There are, of course, enough people who won’t vote for Donald Trump because he said he is going to be “a dictator on day one” – but what wannabe would let that slip? So, if 45 hopes to become 47, Trump’s supporters must understand what hyperbole is.
If Kamala Harris had said that yellow school buses are important, that would simplify the matter. However, if she had said that their drivers need to be worthy of our trust getting our children where they need to go, how many of us would actually trust her to get them there? Our Veep’s biggest achievement should not be that President Biden is still alive.
We the People need to understand that words and actions must be related. Also important: foreign leaders need to believe our leaders’ words. When Joe Biden has said, “Don’t!” how many leaders shook in their boots? Ever?
You may or may not like Donald Trump, but other countries’ presidents, etc. didn’t risk doubting him. When he said, “If you do X, I will place high tariffs on you,” they didn’t do X. We need a powerful negotiator to have our backs and our kids’ backs too.
When Kamala Harris was nominated to be Vice President, I saw that it wasn’t just the Biden family who needed to know that “de Nile ain’t just a river in Egypt” and that trouble was brewing. For many years, when the CA Secretary of State’s election booklet was delivered, whenever Ms. Harris had happened to sign her name to a proposition indicating that she was in favor of or opposed to it, she showed us who she was – even if she didn’t write those statements herself. Californians who read those arguments had a head start knowing her before the rest of the nation did. Now that the V.P. is recognized by all, many fail to remember what she said before she tried to move towards the right during this election. It should be obvious that this lady couldn’t win the Fillmore Rotary Club’s annual speech competition for high school students on her best day unless the goal of such a competition became to honor those who best obfuscate their message.
When our leaders say they want to “save democracy,” the people need to understand that we have a constitutional republic - not a democracy. Our leaders must be also be able to clearly state their plans – and not just “hide in a basement” or be willing to move unless so directed by a puppet-master.
If there is one subject most all of us can agree on, it is that Donald Trump is not controlled by anyone’s strings. He knows the direction he intends to go. He communicates his goals consistently. He is also surrounded by people of high character to keep him on the right path. The former President’s record for keeping his promises is also unsurpassed. Let that inform you when you vote! Donald J. Trump for President!
Respectfully,
Stephenie Thomas
Fillmore, CA
To the Editor:
Both Harris and Trump have taken vows to uphold the Constitution, but only Trump has said that the Constitution is optional if he loses the election.
Both have had experience in the WH and national government, but Harris did not foment a violent insurrection at the Capitol against a constitutional process as did Trump, who has intermittently admitted his “Big Lie,” rejected by all courts including SCOTUS.
Harris has published an Economic Opportunity document outlining her national proposals. Policy-Book-Economic-Opportunity.pdf (kamalaharris.com). Trump has a “concept of a plan” but laughably denies his source document, Project 2025, though his name appears in it 318 times.
Harris fights for the rights of women to insist on authority over their own reproductive health. Trump, an adjudicated rapist and self-proclaimed “p*ssy-grabber” who “moved on her like a b*tch,” promises that, “[women] will no longer be abandoned, lonely or scared. You will be protected, and I will be your protector.” Harris’ response was that American women don’t need Trump’s “protection,” they demand to be TRUSTED with their own reproductive health decisions, and not stand mute while politicians banter about just how much bodily freedom women should be allowed.
Both have extensive knowledge of law enforcement and the court system. Harris, as a long-time criminal prosecutor specializing in sexual abuse cases and corporate fraud and malfeasance, and Trump as a defendant.
Harris and Biden have demonstrated the political principles and will to support those in need, while Trump wants to legislate nationalized “Old Testament Christianity,” which the First Amendment forbids.
Harris and Biden are notoriously pro-Labor and Trump is anything but. He has praised Elon Musk for his willingness to fire people “at will,” suspend pensions, and spontaneously reduce employee rights. He has stiffed his own non-union employees for overtime. Trump despises anyone not wealthy, but only after they’ve voted for him.
Harris believes that our financial inequality can be improved, as it historically has, by increasing taxes on the very wealthy who magnificently benefit from the infrastructure for which we all have paid. In a democracy, a healthy capitalistic system requires a strong Middle-Class to flourish. Trump promises to renew his tax breaks for the wealthy.
Harris has never threatened opponents or endorsed a despotic leader. Trump has, frequently. Of course the Russian Invasion of Ukraine would never have happened, had Trump been president! He would have deferred to Russia at the first car backfire. All he has to do is appease the tyrant and, conflict over!
The rejection of Trump isn’t about political party any more. It is confounding that ordinary Americans, who otherwise ably function in our world, many of whom are known to me as intelligent, caring, and devoted Americans, still embrace Trump’s concocted persona, continuous lies, vengeful promises, and authoritarian prospect for our democracy, even after he has repeatedly disparaged military wounded and dead, and belittles “believers” in private. Democrats, some Republicans and Independents, recognize Trump’s ilk from history.
Maybe the base thinks it will land on the right side of Trumpism, whatever comes. But history shows that authoritarians have no loyalty once they secure power, unless the minions conform always, and completely. Trump has revealed many, many times, his lack of allegiance to others, even friends. Loyalty is a one-way street for Trump, in his direction.
Kelly Scoles,
Filmore, Ca
To the Editor:
October 1, 2024
As a teenager whose grandmother had lived with and later died from Alzheimer’s Disease – albeit before the public had a name for it – I remember that love required my family to take her car keys away before she got hurt – for starters. I later watched as my uncle and my dad, both of whom had lived public lives, were also diagnosed and eventually died the same way.
I began to recognize this horror as other family members began to manifest symptoms. I knew when one of my loved one’s time on this planet was drawing to a close - years in advance. I saw as other families had to make hard decisions. I eventually took a class offered by the Ventura County Ombudsman’s office and then watched videos to learn more.
These things helped me prepare my mother. As Dad’s full-time R.N. and caregiver, taking care of him was beyond demanding. Dad began taking miles-long walks without being willing to put on a jacket even in the worst of Ohio winters. The police couldn’t keep up with Dad, and they told us they hoped to be like him when they got older. All too soon, and way too late, however, they insisted that he had to be hospitalized: They couldn’t keep looking for him and bringing him home. That very day, when dad was taken away, Mom’s handwriting changed for the worse. She had held on in this capacity for so many years.
Then, Dad escaped from all three memory care facilities in which he lived. The first two both had to refer him to another home- each better suited to his condition. One time, Dad walked onto a busy six-lane thoroughfare. Thankfully, a dear family friend found him and was able to safely help him get into his car and back where he belonged.
Please understand, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone or his/her family. All this being the case, over four years ago, I was more than alarmed when Joe Biden ran for President. I saw what was coming. Certainly, he had more help than others tend to have. Frankly, his dogs knew something was wrong; and if they didn’t, well, the Secret Service members who were bitten did. The Vice President can’t be that vacuous.
When I expressed what I saw then, many people thought I was being political. Seriously, after the first Presidential debate this year, I had a hard time believing that anyone could still act as if they didn’t know. I knew that issues were far from being resolved and could not be fixed even if someone could replace him in an occasional Cabinet meeting. The lost and messed up paperwork, for one thing, could have created quite a mountain – even with a shredder. There was no way anyone who loved him should have been allowed to try to cover for him – for the President’s own sake - even if not for the country. Mr. Biden had no business holding the keys to the world’s most powerful nation - when many people didn’t know the truth. But now that everybody knows, and the 25th Amendment was tossed like paper wrapped around leftover fish, we have much bigger fish to fry.
Respectfully,
Stephenie Thomas
Fillmore, CA
To the Editor:
A Letter to the Editor: Response to Patti Walker
Letter to the Editor Sept. 27, 2024
Patti Walker’s letter last week partly confuses me. She chose to frame the November vote as between The Former Guy and his challenger, Kamala Harris, who, she claims, is hiding her identity from us in a cynical strategy to sneak into power. It’s a point that loses value daily as folks get to know the Harris/Walz policies better. (Are we pretending that the Democratic National Convention was not “must-see” television? An event in which all the moderate, sensible and responsible aspirations of many Americans were happily shared aloud?) Here, my Methodist friend, is what you profess not yet to know about her:
Kamala is a true Democrat ... a former CA attorney general… a former senator. [She is the disciplined, strategic, and modest opposite of her older, privileged, unfiltered male rival.] Harris supports reproductive rights for women, no apologies offered. She is for reasonable limits to gun ownership, because no limits mean continued assault rifle terror. She supports Ukraine, and the Constitution, and voter rights. She champions the middle class. And yes, Ms. Walker, thank you for mentioning the “landmark” Inflation Reduction Act. Thank you for being from Fillmore and representing us by your Christian values and obvious intelligence. So, do you see it? When you enthuse regarding how (wealthy) “private investors do it better than the government can,” that helps me make my best point: Fillmorites like us are mostly NOT wealthy private investors. We folks on a budget feel NO need to keep Exxon-Mobil’s corporate tax rate low at 21%, [Does Exxon even pay taxes?] Please do not feign dismay that you don’t know Kamala’s position on law and order. She was a prosecutor, for Pete’s sake! When you say, in so many words, “We don’t know what she stands for. What is she hiding from us?” I feel confused that you, a worthy patriot (no question in my mind), are disregarding the choice to be serious, and also fair-minded.
Respectfully,
Tom Somers
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
I recently had the pleasure of watching Tierra, a band that reached stardom in its heyday, in the Fillmore Theater. The group performed at a professional level not often experienced in a small town.
Each musician displayed their versatile talent playing their instruments and singing dynamic leads with all pitching in on wonderful harmonies! The audience hit the small area in front of the stage and made it a dance floor!
I have heard numerous other bands play in the Fillmore/Piru area but none that performed at the level of professionalism the band displayed on Saturday.
What I found a bit shocking was that the Fillmore Theater seats at the concert were mostly empty! Fillmore residents missed out on top level entertainment right here in Fillmore!
I chatted with Greg, one of the primary drivers of what I found out is an effort to bring back to life a theater that deserves to be restored and maintained as an iconic symbol of the past. Through donations and volunteer work, the costly restoration is slowly in progress.
The Fillmore theater has a related website, fillmoretowntheater.com where you can view up and coming events that can only continue with the public’s support. You can also purchase tickets to the events on the website.
I call out all Fillmore business owners, residents, local police and fire departments to provide support toward this restoration of what could be a midtown gem that all in the community can benefit from.
Lou Torres, a long ago resident of the area
To the Editor:
Martin, the Springfield accusation has been irrefutably debunked by people who actually know the facts. Your immigrant claim is based on race and is factually unsupported, and still you perpetuate the lies of the guy who will sacrifice Ukraine.
I am “fixated” on P/2025 because as proposed it is going to change our form of government. If you had read even part of it, you would know that much of it is not destined for legislation. Executive Orders will do nicely. So, like Nancy Pelosi, you recommend reading P/2025 AFTER it is implemented? Hint: it makes the government more powerful, not less, and it vastly intrudes into the private lives of families based upon governmentalized religion. “What if it’s brilliant” is like a city kid hoping for a pony at Christmas.
In a nutshell, P/2025 will make federal public employees “at will” to ensure only partisan presidential wishes are followed. It expressly proposes to dismantle most or all climate mitigation efforts. It will supervise women’s reproductive non-choices. P/2025 is essentially a framework for an autocracy, making the unitary executive the ultimate authority for every department, including Justice. Trump himself has said that there will be no need for his base to vote in another election. Elections and a peaceful transition of power will be unnecessary.
At recent rallies in swing states, Trump said of American workers, “I hated to give overtime. I hated it. I shouldn’t say this, but I’d get other people in. I wouldn’t pay.” Trump has magnanimously promised “not to tax overtime,” though P/2025 includes calculations to avoid it. Also, “To stop crime, you need one really violent day. One rough hour [of policing] and I mean real rough, the word would get out and it would end immediately.” MAGA listens and believes his lies, but ignores or laughs it off when he actually tells them how he will govern, use the police power of the state, how he views labor, and how he relishes violence to change minds. An aspirational Putin.
Another LTTE last week quoted the old Reagan trope, “Revenue is not the problem, spending is the problem.” Excellent conclusion to facilitate our growing imbalance in wealth between the lower/middle classes and insanely rich: let the poor assume the burden. But another prominent Republican assured that, “Reagan proved that deficits don’t matter” [in a Republican administration]. Fret not; the Republicans “have this covered.”
When there are numerous corporate billionaires who can buy $575 million-dollar super-yachts (and could buy 10 more) and send rockets into space, but homeless families are growing in number and many red states are legislating child labor, something has gone very wrong with our democratic economic system. The author laments the pesky “prevailing wage.” Would she work for less than she’s worth?
Your instinct about Trump selling out Ukraine is correct, Martin, but it comes from principle. The Bully Principle. Trump pretends he has the chops to move Putin against his own interests, while Putin’s eyes dance at Trump’s needy, undisciplined self-accolades, increasingly disturbing mental decline, and criticisms of our country, that reveal DJT is prime for the plucking. When Putin and Trump have met, Putin was the bully and Trump rolled over for a belly rub if not a “love affair.”
Ukraine is toast if Trump is elected.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
Letter to the Editor Sept 24, 2024
Much talk on various main stream media outlets is around why should voters want more information from Kamala Harris? Seems the only thing you need to know is she’s a bi-racial woman and therefore has earned your vote to represent you on the world stage. Currently she has failed to come out with how her various plans will work for you. We are told time and time again she will speak about her plans and policies in the days and weeks to come. In some places voting has begun so her confidence at keeping you ignorant is paying off.
Take her tax plan. She is pushing for a corporate tax hike from the current 21% to 28%. If you have a “C” corporation (structure that separates owners’ assets and income from the business) and the corporation makes $1.00 the corporation needs to set aside $.28 to pay the corporate tax. Now with $.72 left, you need to pay yourself, which you can do only by taking a dividend which she is going to tax at a rate of 33%, You walk away with $.48 and the government gets $.52.
Where is the encouragement to take a risk to grow your business under that structure? You’ll find there will be a halt to investing and hiring which could lead to layoffs. In addition, small businesses are the largest American employer yet they’ve been cutting jobs for the last two months.
Revenue is not the problem for the government. It’s a spending problem. The government brings in $4.5 trillion and spends $6.5 trillion. And, sadly, they’ve been reckless with our tax dollars. Under the Inflation Reduction Act (passed due to Harris’ breaking the tie) they spent $7.5 billion for 8 charging stations and gave billions to various intel business who are putting their hands out for more money.
There’s no question, private investors do it better than the government can. There’s a need to cut the size of government and reform the permitting process for growth to occur.
Case in point. Our local library would like to put a fence around the small concrete pad to allow for outdoor activities to occur. The cost to purchase and install is minimal. Yet due to the requirement to pay the prevailing wage the cost became burdensome.
Go figure.
Patti Walker
Fillmore
To the Editor:
Martin, (1) It is false that VP Harris or President Joe Biden have made threats or calls for violence against Trump or anyone else. However, to accuse Trump of representing a “threat to democracy” is not an incendiary lie. Read a summary of Project 2025 and note that Trump is mentioned over 300 times. Surprise! He is lying when he says he knows nothing about it. Tens of his former staff are allied with the Project.
Meanwhile, the Trump/MAGA Campaign regularly deals in dark promises of WWIII, retribution “like never before seen,” posters of bullseyes on then-candidate Biden, “bloodbaths” of whatever type, and keeping lists of his “enemies” with vows for their ruination. Even Republicans who disagree with him are vilified. Catholics and Jews “should have their heads examined” if they don’t vote for him. In a pathetic effort to once again heroically victimize himself, Trump claimed the would-be assailants acted on “inflammatory language of Biden and Harris.”
That deceit was exposed by Floridian Ryan Wesley Routh on social media. “While you were my choice in 2106 [sic], I and the world hoped that president Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointment and it seems you are getting worse and devolving. I will be glad when you gone.” It doesn’t remotely suggest Democratic inspiration. Thomas Crook in PA was a registered Republican. Simply put, the perpetrators were criminally disgruntled Trumpers but, as always, truth to Trump is an elective.
Speaking of making things up, consider the denied and debunked story “reported” by that fountain of politically bubonic statement, JDVance, and raised at the debate regarding Haitian “illegal immigrants” eating family pets and park geese in Springfield OH. Reliably informed that the racist conspiracy theory was a hoax, Trump and Vance doubled down. Anti-immigrant bomb threats followed in Springfield, schools closed, though fortunately no device was found. One source apologized to the community because her cat suddenly reappeared. He also defended his right to “make things up” in support of the MAGA cause.
Trump’s Campaign created posters with darling kittens imploring, “Don’t let them eat us.” Defamation of people, or incitement or threats of violence, don’t matter to Trump. Ask E. Jean Carroll or the mayor and governor of Springfield.
(2) Trump has made no secret that he particularly hates absentee ballots for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters. Red State Montana’s 2024 overseas election ballot did not include a choice for Kamala Harris. It did include President Biden’s name, crossed out, so it is beyond an accident that Harris’ did not replace it. The MT secretary of state offered no explanation but said it will be corrected in paper absentee ballots. I wonder when Trump will lose his cookies at this “election interference.”
(3) If any woman is concerned about Trump’s election, “put your head in a bag” (Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA). Trump has proclaimed that after he is elected, “women won’t even think about abortion again.” This guy hasn’t a glimmer. No wonder that in real life he sees women as “nasty,” or as compliant, useful objects.
Kelly Scoles
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
I am writing to endorse Mark Austin for the Fillmore City Council. After serving over 9 years on the Fillmore City Council and 8 years on the Fillmore Planning Commission, I understand the passion and drive it takes to be a good servant leader who not only governs fairly by listening to their constituents, but also to stay ahead of the curve from state legislation which often encumbers and ties the hands of city officials getting their job done as a leader for the community.
I have worked with Mark for over 20 years between the Fillmore City Council and Planning Commission, and know firsthand of Marks dedication to the City of Fillmore and its residents. Mark Austin has a full understanding of how to get things done and work around the increasing red tape of local government. Mark is a dedicated and proven leader who knows how balance the needs of the residents, keep a balanced budget and still get critical projects done for the greater community.
Our nation, county and local cities are changing quickly and plagued with increased crime and lack of funding. Continuing this election cycle with strong and knowledgeable leadership is critical to ensure we are able to maintain and increase our quality of life in Fillmore. I have full confidence that Mark Austin will continue do that for the city we all love and call home.
Mark Austin has my full endorsement for the Fillmore City Council and I hope you will also vote for Mark to keep Fillmore the last, best Small Town in Southern California.
Diane McCall, former Mayor, City of Fillmore
To the Editor:
Martin, you asked with a presumably straight face, “Why do Democrats keep bringing up ancient allegations of Trump sexual crimes?” Because:
(1) he’s running for president and has a long history as an immoral sexual actor,
(2) “sexual crimes” are an indication of lack of character and the disdain with which he holds women. Trump has made sexual comments about his own daughter. He gave on-air permission to Howard Stern to refer to Ivanka as a “piece of a**,” and made other comments in the Oval about her physical attributes, to which Chief of Staff General Kelly objected. Google it. and, (3) the age of some of the allegations is irrelevant; observe the duration. It has long surprised me that a strenuous advocate for Judaeo-Christian principles makes endless excuses for this guy’s depraved conduct.
Any mention of “blood” by a potential world leader is worthy of scrutiny. “Bloodbath” can be used figuratively, but Trump is so immersed in “retribution,” “targeting” opponents, and dark threats of violence “like never before,” that no reasonable person would ignore his “dogwhistle “ language.
Furthermore, according to one close source, Trump has mused about re-introducing electrocution and even the guillotine for public executions. When asked about it, then-AG Bill Barr who was present said, “I don’t recall that specific instance,’ but there were others where we talked about executing people.” Trump knows well the often-thrilling effect of violent or lurid language on his base, and the predictable angry defense of “out of context” or “misinterpretation.” Can’t wait to hear him explain his Truth Social boast, “I Hate Taylor Swift!”
The accusations you shamelessly wave about the president and “Biden Crime Family” are old and tattered. Multiple Republican congressional hearings have adjourned for lack of evidence. But thanks for the laugh about the “Democrat [sic] varsity players down to the Democrat [sic] Little Leaguers, the bench is scabrously deep with serial sinners.” We are all “serial sinners,” Martin, but your starting lineup of Trump and Vance clobbers us from the warmup.
You still think women’s competency is limited to housework, but you may need to fasten your seatbelt. VP Harris did well at the debate, where she confidently spoke of the future of America, of policies and plans, while Trump bragged of a “concept of a plan.” Don’t worry your pretty little noggin, Martin, about her female sensitivity. Or the chance of her “kowtowing to China, saluting Russia, or bowing to North Korea.” That’s Trump’s “patent-pending” schtick.
Trump is an elderly, disgruntled, darkly self-obsessed, actor/salesman, all dolled up with anaranjado makeup and cotton candy hair, trying to recreate the glory days of his 1970’s gig as the king of NYC glitterati. He neither knows nor cares about the needs of the country going forward or an oath to the Constitution. He slaps on the girdle, puts on the shoe lifts, the extra-wide shoulder pads and eternity tie, steps on the stage, flashes the false teeth, and performs a one-man Macbeth. Hustling $100 cartoonish virtual cards of himself, bibles, sparkly hightops, and one last curtain call.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca.
To the Editor:
Oddly, Trump has been unusually candid lately on essential issues (although still laughably denying his clear connection to P/2025 or accountability for anything else). For just a sample:
After a court plea last week to overturn his $88-million-dollar liability verdicts for sexual abuse/defamation of E. Jean Carroll in 2023, Trump, unprompted and “weirdly,” defended himself in graphic detail against an entirely different sexual assault case on an airplane that the court had not allowed into evidence at Carroll’s trial. Dozens of women have accused Trump of rape or sexual misconduct dating back to the 1970s, including his now-deceased ex-wife, Ivana.
Posting that VP Harris campaign donors “will not escape his retribution” if they participate in a 2024 “election steal, as they did in 2020,” Trump said they will be “targeted,” and “prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our country.” As he so often does, Trump projects his wrongful acts onto others, then threatens them not to do as he did.
In a video interview last week with Lex Fridman about the 2020 election, Trump admitted that, “I lost it by a whisker.” It is not the only evidence of “The Big Lie.” Several of Trump’s then-aides have confirmed that Trump knew he had lost. In a recent interview with Mark Levin on Fox, Trump said he “had a perfect right to interfere” with the election. Every court, including SCOTUS, has rejected Trump’s fraud claims.
Nevertheless, post-election, while his minions threatened selected elections workers, unsuccessful candidate Trump tried to shake down GA and other states’ officers for votes, directed an insurrection, hyped fake electors, GOP election deniers, and the base, in activating the false alarm of “Stop the Steal.” Nick Fuentes, Holocaust denier and White Nationalist friend of Trump, furiously accused Trump of “tremendous betrayal” and “callus [sic] indifference to the sacrifices that his supporters made on his behalf.” He suckered them all for his own ambition and to avoid jail.
Trump warned last Saturday that, “This may be our last election. You want to know the truth? People have said that.” Who has said it? Trump, repeatedly. It’s a P/2025 promise. The greatest victory that despotic leaders can have against the Free World is to arrest the heart of democracy, the vote, by inducing distrust of elections with a false cry of “voter fraud,” so that elections become unreliable and irrelevant, and alternate authoritative power can prevail to “fix the [unbroken] system.” The GOP, now thoroughly Trump’s Party has, since at least 2020, legislated extensively to constrain the votes of minorities, particularly in the South. MAGA has already embraced democratically-suicidal election distrust, without evidence, based solely on Trump’s knowingly false assertions.
Once faith is lost in democratic processes and principles, chaos and violence are increasingly likely, as is now threatened by the Far-Right Heritage Foundation: there will be a bloodless revolution [under P/2025], unless the Left resists). What the Trump Party plans is no mystery anymore. The facts can all be Googled.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
Martin, you asked, “Who would ever say such a stupid, irreverent thing? Not any Commander-in-Chief“ about Trump declaring that healthy Presidential Medal of Freedom awardees are superior to US Medal of Honor recipients who are bullet-ridden or dead. You wishfully insisted that the many incidents of Trump’s disregard for the military have been debunked.
General John Kelly, whose son is among those buried at Arlington, in a first-person account said that Trump, “thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POWs, are all ‘suckers’ because ‘there is nothing in it for them.’ A person that did not want to be seen in the presence of military amputees because ‘it doesn’t look good for me,” and rants that our most precious heroes who gave their lives in America’s defense are ‘losers,’ and wouldn’t visit their graves in France.” Because it was raining. The hair! The makeup!
Last week, “The Military Times” reported that Trump was attempting to create a campaign photo-op at Arlington attacking President Biden for the rapid Afghanistan withdrawal (a deal Trump negotiated). It is a federal crime to take campaign photographs in Section 60 (Iraq and Afghanistan dead) and Trump’s entourage had been formally so advised. Nevertheless, his photographer shot a picture with Trump smiling and giving “two thumbs up” over military graves in Section 60. A staffer enforcing the rules was roughed up by Trump’s “people” who threatened her as a “mental case” and demanded she be fired.
These are not obscure, trivial, and “debunked” observations of Trump. Why is it you want this man to be Commander-in-Chief?
But he’s not just a pretend patriot. Let’s give credit when due. Howza, howza! Step right up to collecttrumpcards.com where for only $99 each you can buy digital Trump Trading Cards, one which shows him “dancing,” one with a buffalo companion, and the comedic zenith with Trump reimagined as Adonis with rolled-up sleeves over arms that rival Schwarzenegger’s. Buy 15 of these babies ($1,500 dollars or bitcoin) and you will get one actual physical card.
Buy 75 ($7,500) and you can have dinner with the ex-president, not at Mar-a-Lago, but at his Jupiter FL hotel. Woo-woo!
You can also get a pair of super-rare platinum high tops, two pairs of $299 gold tennies (“a $498 value!”), some autographed, and (be still my heart)…a piece of his suit worn at the Biden debate and, for specially selected collectors, a piece of his red tie. Donold advises that these treasures can be passed down to eager generations to come. He’s already selling pieces of his stuff, like the relics of a saint, even before he gets to hawking himself to international despots.
This is how deep the grift goes with Trump. He claims to support the military for political purposes but has no respect for actual soldiers. He sells overpriced junk to his faithful base while claiming he will solve inflation within “the first 100 days.” And some people believe him.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
My sympathies, Martin. Sometimes older people view everything from the rosy nostalgia of youth, and anything inconsistent with it seems aberrant. Everything was better back then, the present is a catastrophe, the future hell. The human condition has always been one of challenge. I understand why the DNConvention traumatized you. It was an optimistic, joyful celebration of our American Freedoms going forward, as opposed to the “American carnage” of Trump.
The “Reproductive Rights” section of P/2025 reenforces that overturning Roe reflects the Far-Right position that women are not to be trusted to responsibly control their own reproductive functions. Even doctors are not considered qualified to assist in reproductive choices or emergencies. Someone is responsible for a pregnancy, and to MAGA, it must be the government. This is not Freedom.
Numerous horrifying cases of raped women and children, women with ectopic pregnancies, or spontaneous abortion, being denied care until the woman is near death’s door, or can reach another state, are legion. Criminalization of assistance is common in red states. VP nominee Vance has said out loud what many Republicans think: feminism has ruined America, and we need to get back to Old Testament authority. “Covenant marriage” should be endured, even if violent. Pregnancy from rape is an “inconvenience.” Childless women are “cat ladies” (and presumably Democrats) who want everyone to be as “miserable” as they are in society, and post-menopausal women are good for only one thing: babysitting. JD, a woman with a cat is anything but miserable. He knows little about cats, zayroh about women. But he mirrors P/2025.
P/2025 vows “to remove the terms abortion, reproductive health, and reproductive rights from every federal rule, agency regulation, contract, grant, regulation and piece of legislation that exists” so that even the language of reproduction is forbidden. It proposes eliminating condoms from Health Resources & Service Administration guidelines because they are “not women’s preventative service.” Women are culpable for their pregnancies, consensual or not, and legislation will ensure they can do nothing to prevent it, with contraception or condoms, or remedy it to claim their own lives. This is not Freedom.
The1873 Comstock Act will be revived so that mail-order abortifacients (mifepristone) or contraception will be considered “lewd and pornographic.” House Speaker Mike Johnson has called homosexuality “pornography,” and pornography will be outlawed. A State representative deemed transgenderism human “filth.” Books with sexual references, especially to “errant or excessive sexuality” will be banned. A Florida school pulled images of Michelangelo’s David because some parents considered it pornographic. This is what P/2025 calls “freedom.” This is not Freedom.
Many others of us believe Freedom is the right to live your own life without needless harm to others.
• You don’t want an abortion, don’t have one.
• You don’t want to use a condom, don’t, but make certain it’s consensual, and be prepared for the result.
• You don’t want to use a mail-order prescription for a chemical abortion or contraception, don’t.
• You don’t want to view books with sexual content, or don’t want your kids to do so, don’t.
• You don’t want your kids to learn actual history, don’t impose ignorance on our kids, too.
•You think Michelangelo’s David is pornographic. There are no words.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca.