Letters to the Editor On Supervisor Jim Patterson

Replant ‘common sense’

T he words “common sense” used in the same sentence as “smart growth” are a misnomer. Smart growth was introduced to our county in the framework for planning. It is basically a red (socialistic) wolf in green (environmental) clothing. This wolf wants to put everyone in a downtown core in small apartments, eliminate the need for cars (called “walkable communities”) and leave all the surrounding land to nature as a wildlife habitat. This would mean no more rural lifestyle. No more living on an acre or two and no more backyards.

The wolf, Jim Patterson, and his self-appointed Planning Commission have their own agenda. The commission is supposed to be an advisory body, not an entity that writes law. Under the wolf’s watchful eyes, the commission is creating policy shifts with little notice and without input from the public.

Our elected officials need to ask for more input from our county’s working people. I think Debbie Arnold will represent those of us so busy making a living that we don’t have time to find the rat hiding in meeting agendas. On June 3, let’s replant “common sense” in District 5.

Bev Phifer

Creston

Common political tactics

The incumbent county 5th District supervisor, Jim Patterson, is courteous, hard-working and well-liked. He’s a known entity because voters can judge him by his first term.

According to common political practice, the most effective way to defeat a popular incumbent is to cast him in a negative light—question his honesty. The more outrageous the rumor, the better.

As a Patterson supporter, I’ve been asked many questions about Jim during this campaign that were based purely on false rumor. I’m concerned there are a lot of other false rumors circulating, and I’m frustrated that there is no way to even know what’s being said, let alone give an honest response.

If people want to check the facts about Jim, I urge them to visit www.WinWithJim.org , call 462-9482 or e-mail info@WinWithJim.org . Make no mistake, there is big money riding on the outcome of the election, and unseating Jim Patterson is a major objective of those who could make the big money. I hope voters go get answers. This supervisor election is too important not to.

Della Barrett

Atascadero