Letters to the editor: Supervisors' repeal decision; time for Dilbert return

Why supervisors approved appeal

Re: your March 30 story, “Supervisors repeal county’s campaign finance rules”:

I have no problem with raising campaign donation limits, as three of our county supervisors did last week, but we should all ask why they did it. After all, the only individuals benefiting from what amounts to a massive re-election raise are those three supervisors. County voters get nothing, and none will ever be able to match the election clout of the wealthy individuals and special interests that will be providing those three supervisors with 750% more money to spend.

So, why? Here’s what I think.

First, it takes X-amount of dollars to run a race for supervisor and up until now these races have been open to many candidates. While these races have always been dominated by candidates from the two major parties, other less-endowed candidates have always been able to finance low-cost campaigns and add their own ideas to the political discussions.

This will now change and despite being non-partisan elections these supervisor races will be limited to a Democrat and a Republican simply because of the massive re-election raises they’ve given themselves.

Secondly, the campaign dollars left over after an election are free for the candidates to donate to other races. This surplus would allow the three supervisors to more directly affect the outcomes of down-ballot elections like city councils, school boards, parks and resource management and, as is happening in Florida, Texas and other states, these elections are being filled with politicians far more beholden to their party than to the will of the voters.

I voted for Janice Parvin in this last election, and I have to ask my supervisor, “Why have you gone against the will of the voters to give yourself a massive re-election raise?”

Gary Selvaggio, Simi Valley

Sign petition on contributions

Thank you for printing stories and your wonderful editorial regarding campaign contributions.

What is the real reason for Jeff Gorell’s effort to get rid of Ventura County’s very low campaign contribution limit? Could it be that he’s trying to settle a grudge? Could it be he feels hamstrung by Linda Parks and her very reasonable limit on contributions? He called her out again, tugging at his collar, and fuming that Linda supported his opponent. He again made it clear that this was personal. How dare she?

You might say “so what?” But here’s the thing: We all think too much money is being spent on political campaigns — and that goes for other Ventura County officials as well. And don’t forget our beloved sheriff — he collects his pension of $180,000 and now also collects $332,000 for his new position. Look it up.

There is something we can all do now. Sign the petition that puts campaign contributions in the hands of taxpayers.

Joan Edwards, Westlake Village

Bring back Dilbert cartoon

We’ve all taken our medicine. We agree that what Scott Adams said was inappropriate. We’ve all agreed not to say those things ourselves. Now, bring back Dilbert.

Nancy Lindsay, Camarillo

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Supervisors' repeal decision; time for Dilbert return