Mailbag: Measure Z not worth the losses

By now, many people have seen the orange posters around town that say “No on Z.” But what exactly is Measure Z? Measure Z proposes the elimination of a property tax that helps to fund the pensions of public employees.

Unfortunately for the city and its residents, if this passes, the city will still be obligated to pay these pensions and will consequently be forced to cut essential safety and social services in order to do so. So even though homeowners would save around $6.25 a month, they would lose so much more. Voting for Measure Z just to save $6 is simply not worth it. Here’s why.

Several different city services will be cut or eliminated without this income. The Huntington Beach Public Library would be forced to close the Helen Murphy Branch Library, and either the Main Street or Banning Branch Library.

There would be reductions to both the hours and the materials budget at the Central Library. Other proposed cuts include the closure of the Huntington Beach Art Center, elimination of both the Crime Scene Investigation and HazMat Response services, and longer response times from paramedics, firefighters and police.

It would be best to not have a heart attack or a chemical spill in your neighborhood. Who knows how long it would take for help to arrive?

In summation, Measure Z is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. People may initially be happy to “save” on their property tax, but what they will lose is so much more valuable than the $75 in annual savings: Libraries. The Art Center. Police. For more information on Measure Z, please visit https://www.stopmeasurez.com or https://www.saveourhb.com. Come Nov. 6, please vote “no” on Measure Z. You’ll be glad you did.

Susan Korson

Huntington Beach

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A video thanks to veterans

Google Alert brought your article “Veterans just keep giving” (City Lights, Sept. 27) to my attention.

Recently, I watched “The War,” a seven-episode program by Ken Burns on DVD. (It originally aired a decade ago on PBS.) Japanese atrocities made me sick to my stomach. I was born and raised in post-World War II Japan. By association, I will continue to carry the burden of history until the day I die.

During and immediately after the war, for the victor to show mercy to the vanquished was a foreign concept to the Japanese military. Consequently, when Japan surrendered unconditionally, compassion shown by American soldiers was a turning point in the Japanese perception of the so-called “enemy.”

They became witness to an amazing grace beyond the realm of their comprehension. This is the reason people of my parents’ generation hold America to the highest pedestal — as I still do today.

My two-minute video message of gratitude on YouTube at https://www.ThankYouVeterans.net was created for WWII veterans, such as Messrs. Harold Tor and Milton Cook — who fought to keep freedom alive for future generations — and their families. I would appreciate it very much if you would please watch and share the video with these gentlemen and all the veterans and/or their families that you know.

Thank you.

Reiko McKendry

Bloomfield Hills, MI

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Dalai Lama, staff writer?

How about, instead of or in addition to the Mona Shadia column on Islam, a column on Buddhism? This would likely be very informative to many OC residents about a little-known faith.

Jim Throgmorton

Seal Beach