Dear Editor, I read with much difficulty the comment
”
an unfortunate situation
”
by the attorney for Ms. Arlia. It would have been better if Mr.
Leanos had not made any comment than that comment. It was
insensitive and cruel. It is not a Lemony Snicket novel we are
talking about … it was a human life.
Comment by attorney was ‘insensitive and cruel’
Dear Editor,
I read with much difficulty the comment “an unfortunate situation” by the attorney for Ms. Arlia. It would have been better if Mr. Leanos had not made any comment than that comment. It was insensitive and cruel. It is not a Lemony Snicket novel we are talking about … it was a human life.
It was a mother’s son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a best friend … his death touched many lives. An unfortunate situation is when your car gets towed or you bounced a check. This is a tragedy that we in this family are still struggling with and will ultimately never get over. Maybe Mr. Leanos should have thought of that before he uttered those flippant words to the press. Shame on you Mr. Leanos, shame on you!
Roma Martwick, Campbell, Rory Tomasello’s aunt
Shop local: city should walk the walk, not just talk the talk
Dear Editor,
I am a second generation business owner in Morgan Hill; my father Bill Gil started the Grass Farm here in 1969 a year after I was born. My children attend UAMA on Third Street and Depot Avenue and for the first time since it had been finished I drove down the new “Third Street.” To my dismay I saw there was about 1,000 square feet of turf put in the middle of the divided road, that’s funny I thought to myself no one called the Grass Farm.
I’m not sure if anyone has noticed but we are in a recession and all local businesses are struggling to stay alive especially downtown. I eagerly attended a “Shop Local” gathering last year and a representative from the city of Morgan Hill insisted the city always tries to use local businesses; I guess she was uninformed of the truth. Now please understand this 1,000 square feet of turf would not make a big difference in our revenue, but if your own local government does not support your business how do they expect us to support them in return.
I would like to know how many local businesses were helped by this $4-million project? Remember for every $100 you spend locally, $45 continues to circulate in our community as opposed to $13 from a non-local business.
If the city of Morgan Hill is going to walk the talk of “Shop Local” I hope they become genuine. I know the Centennial Recreation Center is going to be under construction soon and I hope the city of Morgan Hill will choose to at least include some local businesses in the bidding process.
Deborah Barncord, Morgan Hill
Prisoner says beware of strings that come with marijuana use
Dear Editor,
My Name is Michael Coates, and I’ve been asked to address the matter of medical marijuana.
I’m currently a prisoner in Michigan, but I grew up in San Jose. I have nephews who live in close proximity to the legal marijuana dispensary there in Gilroy. And I’m greatly concerned about several issues.
First, besides the obvious fact of marijuana being a proven gateway drug – one that leads to other drugs/chemicals – there’s the issue of attracting a sub-culture of people who openly abuse drugs.
Second is the example this sets for the youngsters who see this behavior. Is this just more of a social breakdown?
Third, having personally been a heavy marijuana user in the past, I can’t help but recall how the drug’s effects contributed to my lack of ambition and adolescent laziness, affecting my home, school and social life.
Never did I once smoke a joint and feel the need to study or contribute in a meaningful way to my family’s welfare.
Being high wasn’t acceptable in any of the academics sports programs – nor is it today.
I worry now, at age 50, if the message we’re sending to our youth is one of blind acceptance – confusing them even more – beyond the “present” chaos they’re facing every day.
Finally, and respectfully, I’d just like to add that I’ve experienced first hand the effects of marijuana. It did nothing to quench pain or discomfort, nor did it motivate or stimulate me. It simply got me high. Please use your discretion wisely and think of the kids in your neighborhoods.
Michael Coates, #193922, Lakeland Correctional Facility, Coldwater, MI
A few suggestions for the redevelopment of downtown
Dear Editor,
Regarding the plans to redevelop downtown, please pick a better landscape tree! The ones lining Monterey Road are bare in the winter and dirty all summer long. They drop leaves all summer and leave the sidewalks and roadway covered with leaves.
Also, do not pick a street light that looks like the Third Street lights that look like patio heaters, and please replace the center island with something that is eye pleasing – not a mound of dirt and olive trees.
Bob Bennett, Morgan Hill
