Letters Letters (April 29, 2005)

Chamber stands for traffic improvements

Editor,

Unfortunately, no matter how clearly a position is articulated, there is always someone who will attempt to mischaracterize or misquote it. Last week, Billie Otis criticized the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce's position set forth at the March 22 General Plan Workshop by alleging the Chamber advocates "cross-town expressways built through residential neighborhoods" and claiming the Chamber wants to "accomplish [a greater good] for everyone else in the Tri-Valley except Pleasanton residents." Contrary to Ms. Otis' representations, the Chamber has never advocated such projects and has consistently stood for the improvement of traffic circulation both within the city of Pleasanton as well as the Tri-Valley.

We did request that the City Council design a circulation element that "maintains adequate mobility and circulation within the city, promotes inter-city circulation within the Tri-Valley area, preserves and enhances the regional arterial system, supports the sustainable growth of both community businesses and housing, and provides for the efficient movement of goods."

The Chamber believes that all options should be considered and that none should be eliminated or removed from the General Plan until it is made clear that they are not viable options for currently improving circulation and until it is clear they will not be viable options for the future. Moreover, the Chamber does not advocate construction of either the West Las Positas Blvd. interchange or Stoneridge Drive extension at the present time. However, we believe the wisdom and foresight that went into the creation of the existing General Plan should not be undone, and that existing options should remain until it is certain they are not viable options for improving circulation.

The Pleasanton Chamber advocates traffic solutions that serve the entire community in the best way possible. Josh M. Shinnick, Chairman of the Board Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Thorne for City Council

Editor,

A vote for Jerry Thorne is a vote for a proven leader, an independent thinker, and a strong new and experienced voice on the Pleasanton City Council. Jerry has demonstrated the ability to lead by his successful "grass roots" effort to build our city Olympic size swim pool at the Aquatic Center. As chair of the Bernal Community Park Task Force, he led the fight for lighted, multi-use sports fields, for a teen center, for a youth club and for a civic arts facilities to be built on the Bernal Property. He has recognized the fast growing aging population in Pleasanton and is committed to continuing strong services at our Senior Center and to promoting programs that provide assistance to seniors along with transportation. Jerry has also been consistent in opposing the West Las Positas Interchange and in seeking regional solutions to stalled traffic on local highways and on our city streets.

For 29 years, Jerry has lived in Pleasanton. This trusted businessman, environmental engineer, family man and community leader has demonstrated he can get things done.

The present council of Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, Steve Brozosky, Cindy McGovern, and Matt Sullivan is a caring and committed group and will surely be made stronger, more effective, and more in touch with our Pleasanton community and neighborhoods with Jerry Thorne as a member of that "team."

Jerry Thorne will be an outstanding Pleasanton City Council member. Please make certain you and the people you know get out and vote for Jerry Thorne on June 7. Let's get Jerry elected this time! Dave MelanderLimewood Court Classroom politics

Editor,

The Weekly's March 25 article on campaigning in Pleasanton classrooms motivated me to send my first-ever letter to our school board members.

Teachers offer any political opinions they want in our classrooms, without our knowledge. Their union is now soliciting teachers to push further for a policy allowing teachers and staff to post campaign signs and wear political buttons and clothing.

Teachers and a board majority also believe teachers can wear campaign buttons to open houses, under the assumption they are on their own time. I say open houses are an extension of the school day, an employment requirement on employer-taxpayer property, and therefore on our time.

In the "real" world, we don't wear political buttons on-the-job if we want to succeed in our professions. A few teachers put their union street-protesting ahead of teaching, Some think parents aren't informed and need their political influence. Indoctrination attempts strain the relationships among students, teachers, parents and the interaction among students themselves. Politicing is a violation and abuse of the teacher's power over the minor students.

I ask teachers to teach the reading, writing, arithmetic, and English that we hired them to teach. Some find that confining. I ask the Pleasanton school board for a clear policy, limiting teachers' campus activities to academics, not personal, political classroom campaigning. Judy SymcoxGroth Circle

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