To the Editor:
Most of us awakened last Friday morning to the news that President Trump and several politicos, news people and staff members, had contracted Covid-19. The president had attended a Rose Garden meeting on Saturday and the debate/debacle on Tuesday evening in Cleveland and, though he was diagnosed as Covid-positive on Wednesday, Trump attended several events on Wednesday, all without masks or social distancing. On Thursday, Trump sent a recorded message that the "end of the pandemic is in sight," The virus incubates for up to two weeks before diagnosis, so everyone with whom he came in contact was exposed, and he to them. As he is the president, I wish him well.
At the debate Trump, in a ludicrously excessive performance, ridiculed Joe Biden for avoiding big-crowd rallies as CDC recommended, for taking social precautions, for always wearing “huge masks.” The Trump family refused the host's request to wear masks and socially distance in Cleveland, in arrogant solidarity with the president. When someone assumes the well-known risk (as far back as January) and encourages others do so, surprise is not the first reaction I have.
On Saturday, a weary-looking Trump defended his catching the virus on being the leader of the country who couldn't "just sit upstairs in the White House," suggesting it was an act of courage to expose himself. "A leader," intoned one of his mouthpieces on Sunday, "must take risks." Yes, but not stupid risks, repeatedly, which could harm and even kill you and others. The real problem is that Trump cannot live without in-person adulation, without a stage and audience and acting the "tough guy." Common sense, humility, and discipline are not in his character.
What is it that causes so many people to ignore the evidence of medical experts, and of their eyes and ears, to believe what a scientifically-illiterate president tells them about the pandemic? To paraphrase Isaac Azimov, there is a cult of ignorance in this country that believes democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge and expertise. This country did not achieve the amazing things it has in the last 75 years, including the space program, the polio vaccine and other medical, technological, and scientific achievements, by encouraging ignorance to run amok.
On Sunday, the White House gift shop advertised, for the low, low price of only $100, a "Trump Beats Covid" coin. Howza, howza, ladies and gentlemen, step right up! Because that's who this president and his administration really are. If they can't get you to buy their act now, they will move on to the next show and see how that works. It's the way of carnival barkers.
Kelly Scoles
Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Local government has never been more important today with all of the challenges facing our country. The City of Fillmore is fortunate to have the leadership to not only endure these challenges, but to move forward in keeping our community safe, prosperous, and balanced. It takes leadership, experience, skills and a commitment to face these realities on a local level. Cities are faced with various issues on a daily basis. Public safety, housing, community diversity/social justice, general plan, public works, economic development, and open communication are just a few examples of running a city. Mark Austin has demonstrated many of these assets as a city councilman. He has been committed to this community for over 16 years serving as a planning commissioner and a city councilman. Many of our successes has been a result of his involvement and vision. In a time where there are organized agendas and political posturing, local government such as cities should be run by non-partisan candidates whose sole purpose is to ensure what's best for our communities. Mark Austin is that person.
Please consider re-electing Mark.
Ernie Villegas
Former Mayor, City of Fillmore

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To the Editor:
Check your property tax bill, there is an item for a Community College Bond Measure. In 2002 the Santa Clara Valley helped this bond pass by a big margin based at least in part by a promise that the bond would fund an Expanded College Center for us. Surprise, surprise, the money was redirected to other projects and the services offered to our youth were actually reduced! Only recently has enough attention been paid to finally make it again possible to earn an AA degree in two years if you choose one of the two majors offered.
Finally, we have a chance to elect someone from Fillmore to the Community College Board representing District 3. Joe Ramirez will represent us well. He is the only candidate with professional college experience and he knows what needs to happen to increase student success. Joe grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School before attending Moorpark College, then UCSB and earned his Master’s Degree at Harvard University. After working in numerous roles in several colleges he has retired in Fillmore where he continues to volunteer with our At Promise students. Please join me in voting for Joe Ramirez for Trustee for Ventura Community College District. Fillmore and Piru students cannot continue to be overlooked.
Janey Muñoz
Fillmore