Candy Cane Park problem has history

Editor: Kudos to our friend and neighbor, Myrna Wetzel, for her efforts in trying to save our neighborhood Candy Cane Park. As a retired school teacher Myrna has always been a champion for children. The article regarding her crusade was all about what is happening now — that is only part of the story.

Over 60 years ago John and Inez Capell generously donated the land for Candy Cane Park and it became the project of the Soroptimist Club of Lodi. Two years ago Steve Dutra, then Lodi parks superintendent, informed all of the neighbors by Candy Cane Park of a meeting that would be held at the park to tell us about plans for renovating the park. Since it was the oldest and smallest park in Lodi they were starting with us.

It was an informative meeting complete with easels displaying the plans and pictures of the playground equipment. We were told most of the trees would be removed in order to place the new equipment to meet ADA requirements, but we could purchase a new tree for $150 in our family's name if so desired. A table was set up for us to sign up for different ways to help maintain the park and a number of us signed up to do our part.

Then the wait began for the renovations to begin. Two years ago they removed the slides and still we waited. Took a while, but our patience has run out and so some of us started asking questions and the answers we received are as follows:

The money was used to repair other parks, money is needed for the larger parks as there are more children using them, the renovations for the park are dead in the water, and we are waiting for Measure R to pass and your park will be the first.

Think I heard that one before. You robbed Peter to pay Paul with the money designated for our park. Perhaps you might find a way to do it again, but this time in favor of Candy Cane Park. Thought when a commitment was made it was always honored. SHARLEEN LEAL Lodi

Exercise your right to vote

Editor: With the election just ahead, politicians are calling and their volunteers are knocking on doors and asking us to vote for them.

I believe in democracy at all levels of government. I encourage people to come forward and do their duty and cast a vote.

I don’t think there will be a big turnout because the people are really tired of the majority politicians throughout the country. I request to the voters to please think before casting the vote and vote for the right person.

Take time to think before casting your vote.

The people are nearly tired of the majority of politicians because they created troubles for working class people. They got everything but return nothing. We need to vote because it is our nationality responsibility.

Like other nationalities and believers, Muslims have cast their votes.

In the past they made big mistakes, casting votes for those who hated them from the very beginning. I mean “Republicans." They didn’t get anything from Republican except “hate and bad names."

I request the Muslims of the USA and Europe to wake up and share your part for the welfare of needy people, Stay in government and help root out the racists from our society.

Stop begging and prepare to get your rights by dialog and not on the streets.

Like other states in the USA, Muslim representation has been ignored in California. I request to the California government to fix the mistake and give Muslims a share in the government.

Don’t forget the election days are just ahead. MUSHTAQ A TAHIRKHELI Lodi