Letters to the editor

Monterey County Herald
Posted on May 13, 2007

Local understanding

I was born and raised in Monterey. My husband and I have lived all over Monterey County, and in 1990 we purchased a home in Prunedale. We enjoyed living in the country and we stayed in our home for 12 years
before moving back to Pacific Grove. It's hard for me to believe that residents living in our coastal community towns could truly understand (or care) how
to vote on issues affecting North County, South County or the Salinas Valley. How many Peninsula residents have taken the time to visit these areas except to drive by on their way to another destination? As the old saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

Measure A gives control to voters elsewhere in the county. Voters would be deciding issues for areas they do not live in. This is the reason we have elected supervisors. We hold them accountable. Who would we hold accountable if Measure A is adopted? The county-adopted general plan (GPU4) preserves local community plans while ensuring extensive environmental
impact reports and public hearings for major projects. The community plan ad campaign boasts "Let the Voters Decide." Don't let this romantic idea fool you.
No on Measure A.

Arleen Hardenstein
Pacific Grove