Editor:

At any moment, an emergency could affect us, our family or our community. It is critical for Eureka to have trained first responders. A yes vote on Measure Q will contribute greatly to that need. Measure Q is not a new tax, but a vote to continue the existing half-cent sales tax voters approved in 2010.

Measure Q's failure will lead to the layoff of six professional firefighters and the closure of Station 4 at Myrtle and West. This means a delay in fire and medical services citywide. It will also lead to the loss of nine police positions, which means slower response times and the loss of many services including Problem Oriented Policing, which has led to the prosecution of numerous felons selling methamphetamine and heroin.

Eureka's challenges will be more difficult if we don't all come out in support of Measure Q. Vote yes on Measure Q. For more information go to www.eurekaq.com.

David Terry, Eureka

Editor:

Why do certain propositions absolutely have to pass or "It's The End Of The World As We Know It," and it's always something front and center in the public eye? I'm surprised they didn't throw in the public library this time around.

Bear in mind Measure Q is an extension of Measure O which was a temporary tax to boost the general fund, not just the police and fire. Now it's a must-have. And let's not forget that in a drug bust the cops get to keep all the money they find. Ka-ching!

And of course, as usual the schools are asking for more money. What else is new?

Richard C. Brown, Eureka

Editor:

I know a side of Mike Newman not everyone sees. For many years, Mike has been a regular volunteer at the church I work for. He has lead groups, participated fully in outreaches, and runs a camera at least two weekends a month. He is the definition of faithfulness, reliability and encouragement as he quietly and cheerfully does whatever is needed to achieve the goal.

A man that does this when no one is watching can be counted on to work with just such diligence, integrity and attention when in the public eye. I have also observed that Mike is realistic about what he can and should do. He has planned what he can effectively accomplish for Eureka. It would be wise on our part to give him the opportunity to finish what he has begun.

Sandi Case, Eureka

Editor:

I am writing to support Mike Newman for city council. I have known Mike for nearly 25 years.

Mike and I serve on two committees together. I have watched him form alliances with folks from all sides of the political spectrum in order to solve serious problems. Mike has a very sincere and collaborative style and he listens to others! He is respectful of all views and strives at all times to be a problem solver.

We need Mike's experience on our city council. First-term council members spend much of their time learning the "lay of the land." With that behind him, Mike can be a strong voice for the people of Eureka and help solve the critical issues that must be addressed in the very near future!

Please vote Mike Newman for city council!

Liana Simpson, Eureka

Editor:

Yes on Q. It is not a new tax. It supports fire, police and public works. We will lose a fire station and six firemen, police foot patrol in Old Town, street sweeping and 16 other vital services, including:

Humboldt Bay Fire — Closure of Station 4 on Myrtle. Reduced paramedic deployment; training; response time; repairs and replacement of equipment. Reduction of all fire services, including water rescues and hazardous materials response.

Eureka Police Department — Non-injury collision reports; nonviolent offense reports taken online or at station only; no crime prevention follow-up; reduced response for problem house abatement; no Problem Oriented Policing, homeless outreach or vehicle abatement.

Public Works — no street sweeper; unable to continue working with SWAP program.

In 2011, Eurekans voted for a 1/2 cent sales tax that provides $4.1 million a year for fire, police and public works. Measure Q allows this tax to continue.

Anna Hamilton, Eureka

Editor:

On its surface Proposition 48 seems to be a simple, painless way to provide money, jobs and economic development to local Indians and avoid the impact of another casino being built in Humboldt County. The gambling industry is and always will be an economic "black hole." Gambling provides no net social or economic benefit and comes at a high net cost to a community. The gains to some people (Indians or large gambling corporations) come at the expense of money being drained out of other businesses in the community, in economically destroying the lives of individuals and families and in well-documented, substantially increased crime in communities near casinos.

According to an in-depth study by MIT Professor Natasha Schull, modern casinos which are now dominated by electronic "games," have become "Addiction by Design.”

Proposition 48, for the first time in California, would begin to allow casinos to be built anywhere in our state.

Stop the expansion of predatory gambling. Vote no on 48.

Michael Winkler, Arcata