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oEDITORIALS, LETTERS & COMMENTARY

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A different kind of election Editor:

This is a critical election. I’d like to take a moment to make a plea to all of your readers who may be undecided or who may be planning to vote for Trump in this election cycle. While I know there are those among us who have fiscally conservative views or preferences for a small government, I’m asking you to think about this election differently. This election is fundamentally different than anything we’ve experienced before, and I’d like to encourage everyone to vote for Joe Biden. While Joe Biden may not have been my first choice, I do believe that his empathy and experience will be helpful as we move to bring our citizens together after this difficult time we’ve been through.

There is so much on the line in this election — how we move forward in the pandemic and how (hopefully) to administer a brand new vaccine; the Affordable Care Act (I’ve needed to use the state exchanges since I lost my job, and I know there are those among us who have also been saved by the ACA when they’ve hit hard times); and quite

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Letters to

frankly, the future of our great democratic experiment. I can say honestly that I am terrified of the direction that our country will take if Trump is empowered for four more years. Our planet, our health, our economy, and our communities need someone who is interested in solutions and cares about all Americans, not just those that support him.

Amy DiChristina

Brentwood

What’s the real story? Editor:

I read your front page article about the allegations against Christina Dalton, candidate for the Liberty Union High School District Board disturbs me in that many people will believe its accusations without really considering its truthfulness. More importantly, what did Ms. Orozco and Ms. Sherrill fail to say?

We know that Chantae Orozco refers to a test, probably covering one chapter. (Test vs Mid-term) We also know that lunch period consists of 50 minutes, not the 25 alleged. If she only had 25 minutes for the test, what happened to the other 25? Was she unwilling to stay after school and take the full 50 minutes? As for failing the test, was it due to a shortened test period or her failure to prepare? Many students tend to dismiss test preparation and then blame the teacher.

Jasmine Sherrill, on the other hand, claims Ms. Dalton told her she would

the editor

never graduate. Is it possible that Jasmine was underperforming in class and Ms. Dalton really say something like, “You will not graduate if you continue to make poor grades?” Algebra 1 must be learned before Algebra 2 can be understood. A good teacher prevents his/ her students from setting themselves up for failure by blocking access to courses they will fail.

Lastly, if these actions were considered so horrific, did either of the girls or their parents report these actions to the principal or school board? According to Ms. Dalton, in her 39 years of teaching, she has had no complaints. If these actions were not worthy of reporting, then why are they suddenly so terrible that Ms. Dalton should not be elected?

It seems these are two disgruntled students who didn’t like their teacher. Every teacher has disgruntled students. The only question is whether the purported actions of Ms. Dalton, even if true, rise to the level that should disqualify her from being elected to the school board. I think not.

Richard Nahm

Brentwood

Vote for Claudette Staton Editor:

I support Councilmember Claudette Staton for reelection to the Brentwood City Council. She embodies the things that make Brentwood a community, not just as a councilmember, but as an active volunteer.

Councilmember Station is accessible and involved in the things that matter most. From new streetlights to furniture for the senior center, Claudette Staton is looking out for us. I have worked with her on the Brentwood Neighborhood Committee, helping to organize the events that we love, including Bark in the Park and the annual Christmas tree lighting.

Councilmember Claudette Staton works hard to keep Brentwood a great place to live, work and play. Please re-elect Claudette Station to the Brentwood City Council!.

Cathy Palestro

Brentwood

Steven Smith for fire board Editor:

I strongly urge a vote for Stephen Smith, incumbent, to return to the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors. As a Brentwood councilmember, I have met often with Stephen to be kept up to date on fire district matters. He is knowledgeable, passionate and committed to public safety.

The fire district is not Stephen’s only concern. We served together for several years on the Brentwood Neighborhood Committee. As a founding Board Member and CFO of the Brentwood Library Foundation, he helped raise over $625,000 for our beautiful new library.

Claudette Staton

Brentwood