Planting cement instead of crops comes at a cost

Editor: I fully agree with Councilwoman JoAnne Mounce in voting against the annexation of fertile farm property south of Harney Lane (nor, for that matter, do I agree with Stockton’s building north of Eight Mile Road.) If we keep planting cement instead of crops, there will be a lot less fresh, healthy food to go around and prices will keep rising.

Our Central Valley feeds many more people than our local citizens, and, as our national citizenry keeps growing, so will the need for food. Cement is no substitute.

Developers should look first at vacant areas within city limits, then look up. We may find ourselves having to build taller buildings — nowhere near those in our country’s larger cities — but taller than we have been used to. It may make us uncomfortable, but think of the alternatives.

Unfortunately, the most important factor in the whole equation is money. Money seems to run everything, even when it should be of the least concern to everyone involved. This is the factor that all those in government, from our city to state and national representatives, should be dealing with as one of the most important issues our nation is facing.

On a different note, our system of choosing a mayor is out of date. This latest “election” left bruised feelings on the part of a single individual who, as vice mayor, fully expected to move on up to the mayorality. This has happened several times during the 62 years I have lived in Lodi, with the same disregard for a vice mayor’s expectations — and feelings. It is time we moved on.

I think it would be much fairer — and more representative — if Lodi followed the method used by our neighbor to the south and held a separate and city-wide election for mayor. It would be more representative; anyone who is a citizen of Lodi can run for the office, and the end result would be one winner and several losers, thus avoiding an uncomfortable focus on one loser.

Also. I think a city-wide election for mayor would somewhat mitigate our city’s being “blackmailed” into district elections.

GWIN MITCHELL PADEN

Lodi

We need to go back to move forward

Editor: Many years ago, in a land far away there was an America that the people were proud of and freedoms that all cherished. Families prayed together, ate together, played together, they worked together for the betterment of the family, the neighborhood, the community. They had strong beliefs and they were proud. Children could run outside and play with friends without fear of harm. Their time was not all consumed with school, homework, practices and outside activities. They found ways to entertain themselves with their friends and they were happy.

When there was a local, state, or national election these people voted and if their candidate or proposition did not win, they may have been unhappy, but they accepted the outcome and moved on. They respected these elected officials although they may not have supported them. Never would they have thought of harming, degrading, threatening them nor would they have considered destroying public and private properties.

And, surprisingly these people were happy with their lives, for the most part. Yes, there was lawlessness, criminals, strife and conflicts but not to the point of being all consuming to the people. They knew how to be anti-something and were able to deal with it. They were able to focus on their family and friends and had activities they enjoyed. They stayed involved, knowing about world and national affairs but it was not the center of their lives. They did not harbor hatred for everything they did not believe in.

I wish we could turn back the hands of time so we could go back and move forward again. So I suppose the moral of this story is to try to live your life as if you had turned the clock back. Be respectful, be truthful, be faithful and most of all be loving.

Cherish your family, friends and be grateful for what you have. If it isn’t enough work harder to achieve what you want. Mostly be respectful and caring to those who are without. ORLENE DENTONE Lodi

Editor: This Valentine's Day, I'm asking for help sending love to our seniors in Lodi. I was reading an article from Wish of a Lifetime and they have a thing called the Cupid Crew who sends roses to seniors on Valentine's Day, and it made me think, why not us?

Lodi seniors deserve roses and lovely wishes too! Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that can be hard for people and make them feel isolated.

Many seniors in homes have lost spouses and the people they've been closest with, and Valentine's Day can serve as a sore reminder of the loves they've lost. Instead, I want to make this day special and fill it with extra love and attention for these beautiful folks, and I'm asking for the community's support.

I would love the people who we care for to know how loved and appreciated they are, so I'm asking people in Lodi to help by sending cards and roses that can be distributed to our patients and residents. I think we could bring a lot of smiles and make this Valentine's Day something really special. JAMIE VILINSKAS Vienna Nursing & Rehab Center