Run-off election would undo damage of...
Run-off election would undo damage of phone message
Re: “Consultant cops to phony phone message,” Nov. 21.
It seems as though we’ve had more than our share of questionable
election and campaign procedures over the last couple of years in
Newport Beach. Whether the actions of campaign consultant Dave Ellis,
hired by Councilman Gary Adams, affected the outcome of the election
is impossible to prove and immaterial. The real issue is that these
tactics cast doubts about the integrity of Adams and the entire
process.
Ellis’ argument that they placed the “message in the queue with
the instructions to the vendor not to execute it” is a typical
political ploy to divert blame. If it weren’t intended for use, it
should never have been in a position to be used. And, because Adams
hired Ellis, Adams is ultimately responsible.
I suggest that either we have a run-off election between Adams and
Rich Taylor, or that Adams step down.
J.B. LITVAK
Costa Mesa
Sleazy campaign practices need to be stopped
Good for Rick Taylor. Finally, someone cares enough to challenge
deceptive campaign tactics by taking the time for some investigative
work. Now, let’s hope our government follows up, that the guilty
people will suffer consequences and an example might be set for
future elections.
Campaign consultant Dave Ellis lied at least twice when he denied
any involvement in the telephone calling scheme intended to garner
more votes for Councilman Gary Adams, his client. Then, when
presented with proof, he changed his story and admitted he designed
the false message, but didn’t authorize it to be sent. How naive does
he think we are?
Sleazy campaign practices like this must be stopped. It undermines
our whole system of representative government because voters make
decisions based on false information.
CLAUDIA DOWNS
Newport Beach
No telling who will be affected by the Death Tax
Michel Moore’s statistical information on who is affected by the
Death Tax (“Few really succumb when Death Tax comes to call,” Nov.
27) certainly does not line up with my own experience, and it reminds
me that figures can lie. I have found average income families are
affected by the unfair estate tax law.
My father and mother unexpectedly passed away. They owned land and
farmed in the Midwest, and while financially comfortable, they
certainly would not be considered rich. They made personal financial
sacrifices in order to keep the land, wanting to pass it on to my
sons, who were interested in farming. What a shock to learn that the
Death Tax was so high we could not pay it and still keep the
property.
Even if my parents would have been wealthy, they bought that land,
faithfully paid taxes on it and kept it for their heirs. The
government was morally irresponsible to tax it again. No matter what
the dollar amount, the end result is that the Death Tax entitles
government to steal a person’s inheritance. It is a giant step closer
to socialized government.
I hope Rep. Chris Cox continues to press Congress for a very
needed change.
JILL BROWN
Costa Mesa
Killing the Death Tax benefits average families, too
I absolutely disagree with Wallace Wood’s comments about the
inheritance tax (“End of the estate tax will only benefit the
wealthy,” Nov. 20).
My family is far from wealthy. However, three brothers (one of
which is my husband) pooled their resources to buy a small piece of
land, build and begin a business together. It has become the sole
source of all three families’ income. The business has proved
successful, with an enormous amount of dedication and hard work, and
we have managed to buy a home, car and other necessities of life.
If one brother should unexpectedly die, the only way the family
could pay inheritance taxes would be to sell the property and
business, thus losing the source of everyone’s income.
There was a time the inheritance tax only affected the rich, but
that just isn’t the case today.
DARLENE WOOD
Costa Mesa
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