Officials shouldn't tell us how to vote

I am a firm believer in the value of professional expertise and experience. Physicians are better than plumbers for medical opinions. I would call an attorney for legal advice, not a mechanic. Chefs aren't engineers, nor do master gardeners offer investment guidance. Professionals in each of these fields require extensive training. Their opinions are noteworthy if they relate to their qualifications. That may explain my confusion and skepticism regarding the recent actions taken by local officials. The Lincoln City Council passed a resolution opposing Proposition 50. The Placer Union High School District followed suit. A federal redistricting proposal does not directly affect either of these entities, especially a school district. As elected representatives, why do they feel entitled to use their public platforms to voice personal views to manipulate voters? They are elected to nonpartisan positions, aren't they? I would have disregarded these actions made under the false veneer of public interest, but the social media post by our sheriff, Wayne Woo, crossed the line. After Southern California sheriffs, including the Riverside sheriff who is running for governor as a Republican, shared their personal opinions regarding Proposition 50, Sheriff Woo felt compelled to do the same. When the sheriff speaks on law enforcement issues, I'll listen. As an expert in his field, he speaks with authority and experience on these topics. His official capacity and elected office, however, do not give him the right to influence voters about topics beyond his expertise. All of us have the right to share our personal opinions, but elected officials, under the guise of authority, should not use their public platform for personal purposes, implying that their opinions hold more weight than those of others. According to the minutes of the Rocklin City Council meeting on Sept. 9, one councilmember wisely advised, "... local voters do not need to be told how to vote ..." We should urge our local officials to follow this advice. Barbara Smith Auburn Kudos to guest editorial The recent guest editorial by Pat Ferguson ("Placer Union HS board votes against education, students," Oct. 4-5, Auburn Journal, page A4) made some valid points. While explaining why passing Proposition 50 will benefit education and students, she also points out that the school board was in error in passing a resolution regarding the proposition. As a past board member of both a public school district and a private university, I know that involvement in politics is unwise, to say the least. Good for Ms. Ferguson for bringing these things to readers' attention. Paul Chollet Auburn