Your opinions

‘Radical’ isn’t always a bad thing

Tod Kimmelshue’s son recently sent out an email in which he characterized Sue Hilderbrand as “radical.” I’ve been following Sue’s radio show for over a decade and she has exposed me to some crazy, perhaps even, radical ideas.

For example, she once interviewed an organizer for the State of Jefferson. He explained the movement’s desire for the North State to break away and join with Southern Oregon to become a new state. That interview helped me understand much about the fears and concerns of people outside of my Chico bubble.

In another example, she interviewed former Chico City Councilman Bob Evans (Tea Party) and Anthony Peyton Porter (Occupy Movement) together on the same radio show. They certainly had disagreements, but there were many more points of agreement. Now, just think, getting members of two opposing, ideologically motivated movements to agree is radical indeed!

In the last election cycle

Sue interviewed Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox about his radical idea to restructure the state legislature to add more local representatives. His idea did not make it onto the ballot, but I’ve been thinking in more radical ways these days of ways to ensure more local representation.

Back to Kimmelshue’s email: If thinking in new ways to solve the overwhelming problems facing our county, and working with all parties to solve them is radical, then I stand with Sue. The status quo isn’t working. I am ready for something new and, as Kimmelshue would say, “radical.” Vote for Sue Hilderbrand.

— Emily Alma, Chico

Volleyball coach’s life lessons will live on

Now is not the time stray the course, but as tough as it is to come to terms with one of volleyball’s bright stars Friday passing, the Wildcat Volleyball family will go on.

Cody Hein was five years my junior, and I was 20 years in to a coaching career. I thought I knew a lot about volleyball; little did I know that would change that day at lunch when I committed to assist Coach Hein at Chico State. In what became a life-changing event, partnered with one of the brightest minds in the sport, I came to learn Cody was so respected at the college level and in the coaching circles during our travels.

While the volleyball shared was incredible, it became the life lessons that I follow today. Cody led by one basic philosophy and would state it every day in the coach’s office: “That is how Judy and Mel raised me to do it.”

Cody led the way his parents would, and no decision was made otherwise. Wildcat Volleyball was a family program, and he viewed his role as transition mentor to bridge our student-athletes from their parents to the women they want to become.

The great sport of volleyball is better because of Cody’s leadership, over 200 student athletes benefited from his teachings, and yes we will get through this toughest of times, because Cody Hein helped us become who we wanted to be.

Thank you Cody, and “Go Wildcats!”

— John Mitchell, Chico

Kimmelshue drawing a wide range of support

It seems the tremendous support Tod Kimmelshue is receiving in his run for County Supervisor might be driving his opponents nuts.

From what I can tell, I think his opponents are wondering why so many people from all walks of life are truly “Nuts for Tod!” They need to wonder no more. It’s easy to understand why such a diverse group of people support Tod for supervisor.

Tod is my brother-in-law and I’ve always admired his willingness to listen and collaborate with people that he doesn’t always agree with. He’s rational and is not a partisan politician. Tod is a community servant and a local leader, just like you and me, with support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents. He’s not bringing national politics to Butte County, and I find that refreshing.

The nuts and bolts: Democrats like former Supervisor Maureen Kirk and City Councilwoman Mary Flynn are Nuts for Tod. Republicans like Assemblyman James Gallagher and former Supervisor Ed McLaughlin are Nuts for Tod. And Independent leaders like our local firefighters and police officers are all Nuts for Tod.

I am so proud that we can finally elect a leader who will work with everyone and is a leader who will rise above the current political discourse in our country and unite our local community. Based on all the support I’ve seen for my brother-in-law, it’s clear that those who want a stronger

Butte County will be those who vote for Tod Kimmelshue.

— Cyndi Bailey, Chico