Bad Behavior Should be Held Accountable
Not all democrats behave badly but the recent behavior of certain democrats regarding Judge Kavanaugh is disgusting and a terrible example for our children.
In the definition of fascism, it points out that fascists crush opposition with threats, intolerance, bullying and violence. Ergo, these certain democrats are demonstrating fascist behavior. Reminds me of the classic book “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” To remind, the essence is that a black man is wrongly accused of sexual abuse and the threatening, intolerant bullying “fascist mob” are convinced he is the culprit and they want him punished. That they have no proof does not faze them. Fortunately, a lawyer, despite great threats against his life, defends the black man and proves his innocence.
One of the principles making this country great is persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Apparently these democratic threatening intolerant bullies have forgotten that important principle. Now, as they continue their bullying rage, they are committed to impeach [Judge Kavanaugh] because they are convinced he is guilty even though they have no credible proof. They want to try him in the media rather than through the courts. First question to these democrats: “Would you want someone to treat you in the same way?” Second question: “Is this the example of behavior you want to set for our children?”
The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. But with freedom comes responsibility, which means tolerance, respect and decent behavior to others (unless a court of law proves differently). There appears to be no consequences for their bad actions. To teach them that this behavior is unacceptable simply vote them out of office. You all know whom this applies to in California.
Again, not all democrats are bad. But some are and they should be removed from office.
John Kretz
Glendale

Counters ‘Thoughts’ and ‘Pondering’
[In the Oct. 4 Letters to the Editor, “Offers Thoughts on November Prop”], Mr. Grayson said that California has the second highest state gas tax.
Unsurprising, given our state’s size, our extensive transportation systems and our big economy, as he mentions, the fifth largest on earth.
He also said we have the highest income, property and sales taxes. California currently ranks 12th in total government tax revenue collected, measured as a percentage of our Gross Domestic Product. (These figures are from https://www.usgovernmentrevenue.com/.)

Mrs. Goldsworthy [in her Oct. 4 column From the Desk of the Publisher, ‘Pondering a Prickly Proposition’] said the state has collected $22.4 billion in gas taxes since 2002. The reality is that transportation funding by California runs around $35 billion per year, so $22.4 billion over 16 years is a drop in the bucket. She doesn’t want the Legislature to be in charge of financial decisions for the state government – the job that we elect them to do.
I suspect that some may not want the Legislature to legislate because they dislike its predominantly Democratic makeup, reflecting our electorate. California Republicans should take comfort that it is the majority party in power in the state, unlike the three branches of the federal government, now controlled by the minority party. Many sources document this reality, and I recommend: “We’re Living in An Age of Minority Rule,” (https://tinyurl.com/y7oc4myl).
Roberta Medford
Montrose

Measure S Means Local Control for Glendale
I am a proud resident and homeowner in the Glendale portion of La Crescenta. My children attended Glendale schools and grew up participating in sports at our gorgeous local parks. I shop locally and am involved in local chambers of commerce. I love volunteering, contributing and donating time in this great city. I drive the streets of our community, where their maintenance and condition are superior to other communities.
I am a police officer with the Glendale Police Dept. I am proud of my service to our community, and choose to reside here because of all the great things our city provides. Some want you to believe my support is self-serving and salary raises were a primary cause for my support. My career is shortly coming to end and this Measure will not benefit me financially. It will benefit my quality of life as a Glendale resident.
The current state cap on sales tax is 10.25%; in Glendale we currently pay 9.50%. Glendale in return receives only 1% of the sales tax revenue.
In the last two years, sales tax has risen from 8.75% to 9.50% because of two ballot measures benefiting Los Angeles County far more than benefiting Glendale.
In 2016, the County placed Measure “M” – the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan – on the ballot increasing the sales tax .50%. That Measure generated $20 million for Los Angeles County from sales tax revenue in Glendale. In return, Glendale only received $2,829,700.
Last year, Los Angeles County placed Measure “H” – the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative – on the ballot increasing sales tax again. This increase of .25% has generated $10 million for Los Angeles County. Glendale will only receive between $250,000 and $400,000 from sales tax dollars spent in Glendale.
Those increases were possible because of available room in the sales tax cap. Glendale’s residents could vote against a county measure and still be subjected to the affects if it passes, because Glendale still has cap room available.
It is inevitable that Los Angeles County will propose additional sales tax measures in the future. If the residents of Glendale don’t seize the remaining cap space for the benefit of this great community, the County will come take it to make someone else’s city better with the sales tax revenue generated in Glendale.
For more information, visit www.VoteYesOnMeasureS.org or email us at info@voteyesonmeasures.org.
Join me in voting yes on Measure S!
Joe Allen, Chair
Yes On Measure S Committee

Vote No on Measure S
Measure S, the so-called “Glendale Quality Of Life and Essential Services Protection Measure,” proposes a .75% sales tax increase.
Whose protection is it … homeowners, renters or small business owners? No. It is about saving the outrageous salaries and retirement pension benefits of our CALPERS union workforce. The yes on Measure S committee includes police officer Joe Allen, Glendale Police Assn. board member Patricia Larrigan [Glendale police officer (retired)] and Rafi Manoukian, former city councilman and current city treasurer. Both Mr. Allen and Mr. Manoukian will be receiving an outrageous CALPERS retirement pension at a young age. Officer Allen will receive 90% of his last year’s salary as his annual pension for life; Treasurer Manoukian 75% of his last year’s salary as his annual retirement pension for life. The campaign headquarters is located at the Glendale Police Officers Assn., 512 E. Wilson Ave., Glendale.
It is reported that Glendale police, fire and management – all who benefit from the outrageous and unsustainable salaries and retirement pension benefits by belonging to CALPERS – have each contributed thousands of dollars to the Yes on Measure S campaign.
Already, the Yes on Measure S campaign has sent out its first slick four- page mailer to Glendale voters. The mailer states “To Preserve Quality Of Life in Glendale” with pictures of infrastructure, public safety and beautification.
Why would an organization(s) contribute thousands of dollars to a political campaign if they did not directly benefit from it?
Please vote no on Measure S.
Mike Mohill
Glendale

Challenges ‘Only’ Tax
Leave it to a politician to minimize the impact of yet another tax. Mr. Quintero states that the additional tax is only ¾ of a cent. But that amounts to an additional $7.50 per thousand. Sure, your groceries will not be hit, but how about a new home appliance or a car? The additional tax on a $30,000 car will be $225. And you cannot get away from it. If you purchase a new vehicle outside of Glendale, you will still pay the Glendale rate sales tax. The car is taxed at the rate for the zip code it will be registered.
You might get past the tax for a major appliance purchased outside of Glendale but, if the seller is sharp, you will be taxed at Glendale’s rate if they have your zip code. Computers make that easy. You can slide if you buy your big screen TV and then carry it home, but you probably will have to pay cash.
I cannot wait to see the mess that might occur with sales tax for La Crescenta. They will have to go to the four-digit group to keep that straight. The 91214-3132 county zip code should not be taxed at the Glendale rate. But, if the seller goes just to 91214 they will overcharge those who live in the county portion of La Crescenta.
Tom Suter
La Crescenta (county)