Support for Balen, Murphy Clarifying my position

To the Editor:

Why are so many people who love Tuolumne County supportive of changing the makeup of our Board of Supervisors and Tuolumne Utilities District boards? Now, when fire poses an ever-present risk to our lives, livelihoods, businesses, and homes, we must make the most careful decisions of all about our water management and our fiscal and natural resources. We want candidates with specific expertise in garnering and managing state and federal funds; candidates who are able to carefully weigh the big picture factors and their impacts on our local, natural, and business environments; candidates whose interests are the interests of all stakeholders, not just a few. We need people who are farsighted enough to be able to consider not just our past and how we arrived at where we are, but how we will navigate our current challenges to create a vibrant, viable and safer future. This is why Barbara Balen and Lisa Murphy for TUD will have my vote.

Meryl Soto

Sonora

To the Editor:

On Oct. 7, The Union Democrat ran an article about the seven candidates vying for two open Columbia Union School Board Trustee seats. I would like to clarify my position that was stated in the article because I feel what was actually printed was grossly misrepresented.

I am currently running as an incumbent that was appointed to the Columbia Union School Board in August 2019. I am seeking reelection because I passionately believe in public education, our district and our school. Public schools ensure equitable education for all children. As a parent of two children at Columbia Elementary School, I also strongly believe in supporting our parents' voice during this COVID-19 pandemic. We have heard loud and clear from our parents and from a majority of our teachers that the best place for our children to learn is in the classroom. We, as a board, have committed to opening our schools to in-person learning, within the confines of the state's COVID-19 guidelines and under the recommendations of the public health officer. We also have given parents the choice to remain learning through distance learning options. These options, I believe, guarantee the continuation of equitable education of our children.

As I have done throughout my tenure on the Columbia Union School Board, I will continue to ask tough questions and demand thorough and transparent answers. I pledge my continued integrity and dedication to you and ask for your support.

Thank you.

Mary Rose Axiak-rutikanga,

Columbia Union School Board Trustee