Readers respond to Question of the Week: Who do you like for California governor?

California needs a conservative for governor

It’s time for a change in California. We need someone who will change Governor Newsom’s culture of lawlessness. He is too soft on crime. On June 7, California voters will vote in the top two contenders. On Nov. 8 voters will pick the winner between the two. Shawn Collins will run against softon-crime Newsom. However, we have another good conservative in Brian Dahle and still more candidates but I haven’t had a chance to study their policies. Whatever, it is time for a conservative. California has not fared well under Democratic governors’ policies.

— Palma Espinosa, Highland

Someone other than Newsom for Sacramento

Certainly not Gavin Newsom, who offers no ideas or leadership. Reviewing other candidates’ agendas, Brian Dahle appears to at least focus on relevant problems. Question is, if elected, will he follow through on his litany of campaign promises and/or goals, or like Newsom, will he cave in to special interests that helped pave his path to the Capitol? Ditto for all candidates. Looking at the big picture, California voters might keep in mind this basic guideline: Don’t vote for any incumbent (regardless of party affiliation) if you want California to, once and for all, gain a handle on our housing and homeless crisis; address the need to expand California’s water supplies; investigate and solve the fraud that thrives within state agencies such as the EDD, DMV, California university system and the list goes on. In short, base your votes on policies, not politics.

— Dain Gingerelli, Temecula

Top picks Zacky and Dahle

After reading the candidate statements, some laughable, some top notch and a few I’m not sure why they are putting themselves out there. At this point, I like two of them, Leo S. Zacky and Brian Dahle. Both written statements to me feel as though they aim to make California great again. Not just a bunch of hot air, but they truly seem sincere to get California back on the right path. Wouldn’t it be nice to not have people laugh and continually make comments on what a joke your governor is, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone in office who really cares about all of us. Not one who tells you, do as I say, not as I do.

— AK Marchand, Riverside