Take a stand against gerrymandering

Taxation without representation is alive and well in the state of California for all who do not consider themselves a Democrat. This, however, has not always been the case in Placer County. As I read our beloved local newspaper, I am seeing numerous writers spewing hate because of a difference of political opinion. Our family represents seven generations that have lived in Placer County. We will not be chased off of our family property, or out of our county by a government that does not hold the same values that we hold. We are a hard-working family with a heritage that represents one of the first-ever constables of Placer County. We have owned land throughout the county and have owned and operated orchards. We worked at the Loomis packing shed when it was an actual fruit packing shed. We are a kind, God-fearing, patriotic, supportive family who are blessed enough to live in an absolutely beautiful location. Many are moving here because of the people, because of the land, and that is perfectly OK. But please don't move into our area and immediately hate us because of who we are, who we've always been. We are suffering through the highest taxation in the country and we currently have very little representation. Having our local leaders represent us is a good thing. I don't care what's happening in any other state, I have been proud that California has an independent redistricting commission. This MUST stand, no matter who the governor is or who the president is. It's time for the silent majority to stand up against this ridiculous gerrymandering idea. It's time to speak out against further taxation without representation. Nancie Goodnough Auburn Statement from League of Women Voters A friend called me the other day regarding a political mailer he received concerning the proposed redistricting election slated for Nov. 4, as he knows I am a lifelong member of the League of Women Voters. He was upset to see the LWV was supposedly against this election. I advised him that in no way did the flyer state the LWV was against this proposal, that it was just a political ploy. Since the mailer, the LWV has issued a statement to all their members advising us that the League has taken NO POSITION ON THIS. Please, when you vote, do not base your vote on what was inferred in this mailer. It was wrong. Rosalie Wohlfromm Auburn Pointing at the wrong party In an Aug. 22 editorial ("Keep Placer County's voice; stop governor's power grab"), Placer County Supervisor Bonnie Gore wrote in reference to California potentially redistricting in response to the actions in Texas, "But the facts don't support that comparison. In Texas, a federal court found that certain districts may have violated the Voting Rights Act, which triggered a legal process under Texas law." The supervisor left out a couple of salient points that do support the comparison. First, Texas did likely violate the Voting Rights Act, but the new redistricting did nothing to rectify the violation. In reality, the newly drawn Texas districts only exacerbate the problem. Second and more importantly, Texas has redrawn the districts at the behest of and to placate President Donald Trump. Had this not happened, California would not have reacted. It should be noted, the Texas Legislature is redrawing the maps without any public input. Here in California, the legislature can propose but it requires a vote of the people to move forward. In a perfect world, all states would use independent (or independent as possible) commissions. But that's not what we have and Democrats aren't going to stand by idly and let the Republicans redraw the maps without a response. I seriously doubt Supervisor Gore would be so concerned if the California Legislature had a Republican majority. But if she wants to continue to point fingers, at least point in the right direction. Scott and Eileen Boore Lincoln Support your local newspaper You may be annoyed at times if your Auburn Journal doesn't arrive in your mail on time. BUT, towns all over the country are losing their neighborhood newspapers. These newspapers, like the Journal, are a kind of running history of the towns. The Journal keeps people informed of events happening locally. This includes entertainment, Gatherings, art exhibits, sporting events, openings of new businesses and restaurants, meetings in which you may be interested and more. There are excellent columns from community people. Letters to the editor allow people to have their voices heard. Public notices, obituaries and crime logs relay information. I urge you to support and subscribe to the Auburn Journal. We don't want to lose this important resource. (Not paid for by the Journal.) Charlene Messner Newcastle