Comments on: Political Fix (1 November, 2018)

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 03:24:07 +0000

I guess I didn’t read his comment with the mindset of a victimized woman. I thought he came across as sensitive, opened minded, supportive, and inclusive and for that I think he should be embraced not cast aside because he is a “man”. To do that would be acting much like the very “men” you decry. Some people are worthy of our votes and some are not. This guy sounds sincere…..maybe he is or maybe he’s not. I’m not from Visalia but I wish good luck to all who are trying to make a difference for Visalia.

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 00:14:58 +0000

i have always said that the council needs diversity but also qualified diversity. I am supporting Merritt Wiseman not because she is a woman, but because she is by far the best candidate. Business experience, community involvement not motivated by a masterplan of padding her resume to run for office, actually living and shopping in her district for more than a decade (not just moving into it 3 weeks before filling to run), personality, the willingness to listen and be challenged by other opinions, truly remembering this is a non partisan race, not running to launch a political career………

That she’s a woman is just a Bonus!

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 21:43:49 +0000

Ah hell just kill all the men,already tried in the beginning eating the forbiddin fruit,but that didn’t work either,but I like women if ya qualify ya got my vote! 😉

By: Catherine

Catherine — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:58:56 +0000

You are so well spoken publicly and the written word and I know you are sincere. I do have to take issue with your statement,
“It does not take a woman to hear a woman’s voice — in fact, that belief simply underscores the problem. Our city, our very nation, needs many more men who have learned long ago to listen to all voices, and to respect all opinions.”

Actually our nation needs many more women in office, not men. Unless a man has been the victim of misogyny, discrimination, sexual assault, domestic abuse, among other things a woman has to go through, they cannot be our voice.When the other half of society gets a voice, maybe the most dangerous place for a woman won’t be her own home but car accidents like it is for men.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:57:43 +0000

Excellent comment! Sorry I don’t live in Visalia to vote for you. Good luck!

By: Steve Woods

Steve Woods — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 13:24:29 +0000

I did not vote for the individual sitting in our Oval Office, who daily threatens the civil rights of women, minorities, our media, and LGBTQ+. I have personally marched with fellow Visalians who were moved to display their common beliefs and compassion during both the Woman’s March and the March for Our Lives. Can this be said for my opponents?

I have consistently championed more moderate to progressive voices for the Supreme Court, and am personally angered by the behavior of Kavanaugh, as well as those who voted for him. Have the other two candidates openly expressed such?

As a City Council member, I will listen to all voices, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, and political persuasion. Because I have done so daily in my personal life. Those that truly have spend time with me know this is central to who I am. I have personally canvassed and taken part in fundraisers for organizations who stand up against violence against women, reproductive rights, health insurance designed to meet all needs, and who champion equal pay for equal work. My campaign is filled with strong women’s voices, who guide me and have helped to shape who I am today. It does not take a woman to hear a woman’s voice — in fact, that belief simply underscores the problem. Our city, our very nation, needs many more men who have learned long ago to listen to all voices, and to respect all opinions. I have done so, and will continue to do so.

Everyone in District 3 should vote their conscience, after having examined the record, the experience, and the heart of all candidates.

I continue to walk my district and speak to everyone, I am asked why I have not peppered Visalia streets with more big, intrusive signs. My response? Here is your best possible sign as to who to vote for — I am at your door, asking you what your concerns are, and how our leadership can better respond to them. I will continue to do so as your next City Councilman, and I will continue to hear all voices, just as I do today.

Let’s all move forward, together.