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Time to get Billy Jones
railroad back on track
As many Mercury News readers know, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad in Los Gatos is a nonprofit, open-air, rolling museum that has provided countless hours of education and enjoyment for children who have an interest in trains. We run 1/3-scale steam and diesel trains on track through Oak Meadow and Vasona Lake county parks.
Since the institution of “shelter-in-place” in March, we volunteers have continued to maintain our equipment in anticipation of being able to resume operation, and we meet a steady stream of families asking, “When will we be able to ride again?”
Since our passenger cars are fully open, and we provide appropriate social distancing and cleansing, we can operate safely with little or no risk of disease transmission. Please contact the Santa Clara County Health Department and your county supervisor to request that the BJWRR be authorized to resume operations.
Stephen Imrie
Los Gatos
Craig, Mekechuk for
Monte Sereno council
As former Monte Sereno mayors, we wholeheartedly endorse Burton Craig and Bryan Mekechuk for the two open City Council seats in Monte Sereno.
Burton and Bryan are highly respected in their service to our community. They distinguish themselves from the other two candidates running for council in their steadfast commitment to key principles of good governance including transparency, rule of law, ethical conduct, sound financial management, effectiveness and accountability.
In addition to our endorsement, we are joined by former Council colleagues Lon Allan, Marshall Anstandig, Dave Baxter, Walter Huff, Don Perry, Curtis Rogers, and Evert Wolsheimer. We invite the community to join us in reviving good government, respect for city staff and integrity in Monte Sereno by electing new members who will make us proud of our City Council.
Please vote for Burton and Bryan and visit www.burtoncraig.com and www.bryan4montesereno.com to learn more about their great accomplishments, contributions and vision.
Sue Garner,
Suzanne Jackson
and Barbara Nesbet
Monte Sereno
Verma is best choice
for Saratoga schools
Sunita Verma will be an excellent addition to the Saratoga Union School District board. Here are my reasons:
Sunita Verma has raised three kids in the school district, so she knows what has been working and needs to be preserved as well as what needs to be fixed. Sunita has the energy, drive, courage and commitment to making things happen for the school district for the betterment of all students and families. Sunita has volunteered at every grade level and activity. Sunita is a very compassionate person. Sunita has been a parent leader in the school district for many years. Sunita is a natural leader.
We wholeheartedly support Sunita Verma for the Saratoga Union School District Board of Trustees.
Harish Lakhani
Saratoga
Governor should reverse
course on immigrant aid
Re. “Gov. Newsom vetoes bill to aid low-income immigrants,” Sept. 29:
It exasperated me that Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed the bill that would financially help low-income immigrant families in California. He will no longer give low-income immigrants $600 to buy groceries.
Not only was this going to help low-income immigrants, but illegal immigrants in California as well. This will hurt many families who need help due to the pandemic we are all in right now.
What will families do if they are unemployed and have no money to buy groceries for their families? This would’ve been a small help for them during these tough times. Families are starving during this pandemic and we need them to know that they are also important by passing this bill to help them.
Newsom needs to rethink his decision on this bill. He needs to find a way to help these families without putting pressure on the state’s budget.
Jennifer Terrazas
Fremont
Vote for Stanis for
Saratoga school board
I am a former Saratoga Union School District trustee. I am writing to urge you to vote for Melissa Stanis for a seat on the SUSD Board.
I believe Melissa is uniquely qualified to serve Saratoga’s students and families at this critical time. She is a problem solver with the energy, commitment, and experience to be an outstanding board member. She has been a long-time leader — serving at her children’s school, on district-level committees, and providing fiscal oversight on the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee.
Melissa’s experience will help our district move forward with the formidable task of reimagining education for our students. She is ready for this challenge. Please join me in electing Melissa Stanis for SUSD Trustee.
Cindy Ruby
Former trustee, Saratoga Union School District
Saratoga
Voters should reelect
Anna Eshoo in Congress
Here is why I am voting for Anna Eshoo for Congress representing the 18th Congressional District.
Since 1992, Eshoo has served our congressional district well. She is the first woman to chair the Health Subcommittee of the Energy & Commerce Committee. She has introduced legislation overhauling Medicare to allow the federal government to negotiate prescription drug prices. She is a champion for net neutrality and is the author of a revolutionary digital signature bill.
Anna holds regular virtual town hall meetings to hear directly from her constituents whom she honors and respects. She worked hard on developing the Cares Act to provide financial support during the pandemic.
Her experience and knowledge of how the government and Congress work has enabled her to pass over 45 bills signed by both Republican and Democrat presidents.
Eshoo knows the ropes in government and protects our district. Vote for Eshoo.
Lorri Holzberg
Menlo Park
