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Prop. 45 is only good for developers’ wallets

Re: “Prop. 45 would reform CEQA, speeding the approval process and spurring construction” (Page A14, Oct. 18).

I was upset to read the Mercury News’ endorsement of Proposition 45. A yes vote means every city and its residents lose the ability to determine their own development and the safety of their environment.

Lack of housing is not due to CEQA; it’s due to developers wanting to maximize their profits. They don’t build sufficient affordable housing, only residences for high-end earners because it pads their bottom line.

Please vote to retain your power and right to determine the nature of your neighborhood and your city. A no vote helps preserve our open spaces, scenic hills, reduces traffic and noise and ensures the safety of our environment. Vote no on Proposition 45.

Marcia Fariss
Saratoga

Prop. 43 will close loophole in tax law

Re: “Prop. 43 allows a third of voters to win elections” (Page A9, Sept. 13).

Proposition 43 restores the Proposition 218 requirement for a two-thirds majority for propositions that would levy a special purpose tax. This closes the loophole in Proposition 218 created by the court ruling in California Cannabis Coalition v. City of Upland that allowed special purpose taxes to be passed with a simple majority for voter-proposed initiatives. This loophole allows groups to circumvent the intent of Proposition 218 by indirectly backing or coordinating “citizen” initiatives that only need 50% plus one vote approval. One recent example is Measure D.

Proposition 43 does not affect propositions that create general use taxes. Supervisor Ellenberg’s “sky is falling” scenario is an intentional exaggeration and uses frightening language to alarm and manipulate voters.

Tom Ferro
San Jose

It’s time to remove Eisenberg from office

Re: “Water official taken out of meeting” (Page A1, Oct. 14).

The removal of Director Rebecca Eisenberg from a recent SCVWD Board meeting is just the latest consequence of her atrocious misconduct.

I submitted my own lengthy complaint against this public official, documenting countless violations of the board’s thoughtful governance policies. The board has done everything possible within the law to limit the damage she deliberately inflicts on the agency.

It is time for voters to do the right thing and remove her from office. Pete Dailey is a fine candidate to replace her.

Doug Peterson
San Jose

Watanabe is committed to Santa Clara

Leadership means listening to residents and addressing the issues affecting their families and neighborhoods.

Kathy Watanabe has demonstrated that commitment through eight years on the Library Board of Trustees and eight years on the City Council. Her service includes supporting the Northside Library, advocating for schools, addressing neighborhood concerns surrounding Levi’s Stadium and helping shape Santa Clara’s future.

What stands out is that when we raised community concerns, she met with us, listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions and took time to understand why these issues mattered. We were treated as residents — not just another email or public comment.

That responsiveness matters. Residents deserve leaders who remain accessible, respectful and engaged, especially when challenges are complex.

Kathy has earned our support for mayor through her experience, genuine connection to the community and commitment to putting Santa Clara residents first. We are proud to endorse her.

Marion Valino
Santa Clara

GOP candidates can’t disconnect from Trump

With the midterms looming, Republican candidates are attempting to distance themselves from President Trump, his administration and his policies. They seem eager to convince constituents that they represent the political mainstream and had no hand in the extreme, reckless decisions made by Trump and his cabinet — all in the hope of securing reelection.

They are fooling themselves. Throughout the Trump presidency and its influence, Republicans have had every opportunity to confront the lies, hypocrisy, abuse of power, trashing of international alliances, assault on democratic norms and disregard for the U.S. Constitution. Have they? Not at all. Instead, they have consistently put party over country, inflicting deep damage on the United States. It will take generations to repair this harm and restore our nation’s credibility.

Robert Bosworth
San Jose