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    OPINION > LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


    Letters: Disheartening Vincent Buffington death story lacked compassion
    May 30, 2008
     By The Community

    Disheartening Vincent Buffington death story lacked compassion
    Dear Editor,

    I, like others, was quite disappointed in staff writer Marilyn Dubil's May 15 story about the death of a longtime community member.

    The article did not mention Vince Buffington was a general contractor in our town for many years. There was no mention in the article about the beautiful homes this kind and fair man built, and the others that he remodeled in Morgan Hill throughout the years. There was no mention that Legends, one of, if not, the most aesthetically appealing eating establishments in town, was built by his and the hands of his son. Instead, the focus was on something that happened several years ago.

    The article was so disheartening. I hope that in the future the Times will show more compassion and respect not only to the beloved deceased, but to the family, friends, and the community that are left behind in mourning.
    David G. Dindak, Morgan Hill



    Only the truth, no censorship in Vincent Buffington's death story
    Dear Editor,

    It was brought to my attention that some citizens have taken exception to the article regarding Vincent Buffington's passing, specifically that he was a registered sex offender. It also stated that he was a longtime resident and builder of the Legends Bar and Grill.

    A newspaper has a responsibility to report events fairly and accurately without the bias of opinion or personal comment. We may not like the information being presented but as long as it is truthful, accurate, and pertinent to the event, it should be reported. We should and have a right to be concerned when information is censored.

    For this reader, I appreciate the developing of the Morgan Hill Times into a respected source of reliable information and growing pains are part of the process.
    Jamie Windgassen, Morgan Hill



    No on Prop 98 and yes on Prop 99
    Dear Voter,

    On this Tuesday's ballot are two critical propositions that can hurt or help our city. Proposition 98 would hurt cities, counties and the state by imposing unnecessary restrictions on these bodies from purchasing land for much needed infrastructure projects like streets, highways, public transit facilities, parks and protection of natural resources, wild life and open space. In addition, Prop 98 would eliminate much needed rent control in Morgan Hill's Mobile Home Parks. Mobile Home coach owners and residents who cannot reasonably move their coach out of a Mobile Home Park, would be at the mercy of the Mobile Home Park Owner who could raise their space rent to unreasonable levels. Prop 98, although disguised as protection from condemnation, was put on the ballot by landlords, property owners and real estate interests for their own financial interest.

    Reasonable and thoughtful individuals and organizations oppose Prop 98, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the League of Women Voters, the American Association of Retired People (AARP), the California Professional Firefighters, the League of California Homeowners, the League of Conservation Voters and many, many others. Please join them and me in voting NO on 98.

    On the other hand, Proposition 99 provides the assurance that homeowners will not lose their homes through the indiscriminate use of eminent domain. As stated in the State Voter Pamphlet, Prop 99 "Bars state and local government from using eminent domain to acquire an owner-occupied residence, as defined, for conveyance to a private person or business or business entity." This means, for example, that a city could not condemn an owner-occupied residence and then sell it and other properties to a private developer to build a shopping center. That was the subject of the State of Connecticut Law suit in which their Supreme Court sided in favor of the City. That would not be allowed if Prop 99 is approved. So to protect our right to own and live in our residences without the fear of condemnation, I urge you to vote YES on 99.
    Dennis Kennedy, Former Mayor
    City of Morgan Hill




    Choose Barbara Sprenger for the 27th Assembly District
    Dear Editor,

    Morgan Hill is a textbook case for impartial redistricting. We've been tacked on to an Assembly District that really focuses on the Central Coast. But we have unique challenges that require strong leadership in Sacramento. We have major needs in dealing with flood control, perchlorate issues, education challenges, and equitable tax policy for a small city.

    Barbara Sprenger, our candidate for Assembly, has worked closely with us here in Morgan Hill. More than any other candidate, she has been here, listening and understanding our issues for almost two years. I worked with her at the Panetta Institute for more than three years; we earned master of public policy degrees together. She's smart, creative, knowledgeable and caring. I know she'll continue to be a strong advocate for Morgan Hill concerns. Please join me in voting for her on Tuesday. We need her in Sacramento. This letter expresses my views and not those of the Morgan Hill City Council, of which I'm a member.
    Greg Sellers, Morgan Hill


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