Letters to the Editor 11-13-14

Thanks to supporters of No on P
Editor: This is a letter of thanks to all the supporters of No on Measure P. There are more than 1100 of you who raised your voices by voting No in last week’s election. We didn’t succeed in ending fluoridation of our water and, since then, you’ve been calling, writing and stopping us on the sidewalks to tell us how disappointed you are.
We hope you’ll take encouragement from knowing that you did the right thing, not only for yourselves but with the welfare of future Healdsburg residents in mind. Also be proud that you are an advocate and a voice for clean water, for a healthy city and that you use common sense when it comes to protecting your health, the health of your children and your four-legged friends. Keep up the important work of educating our fellow citizens. Fluoridation of our water is unethical and in countries too numerous to mention has been discontinued or banned. The U.S., and Healdsburg, just have some catching up to do. We will get there, because it’s the right thing. One day, more of us will do the right thing and end fluoridation. In the meantime, for more information and a list of helpful resources, please visit the website www.fluoridefreeHBG.org.
Barbara Wentzel, Merrilyn Joyce, Julie Kennedy
Healdsburg
Another pool
Editor: I just heard of yet another swimming pool being installed in Healdsburg. What is the permitting process for this kind of excess?  It’s unconscionable to be profligate with this diminishing indispensable resource: water.
Some of us are letting our gardens die back, “letting it mellow” (sometimes too long around here, I confess), and taking mingy little showers accompanied by a bucket to collect some of the run-off.  
How many years would it take for me or any other careful household to use 15,000 or 20,000 gallons of water? When water is gone, it’s gone. No matter how affluent or creative we are, we cannot produce more.
What gives?
Barbara Médaille
Healdsburg
A moral crusade
Editor: They really have our best interest in mind with this tobacco ordinance. I only wish they wouldn’t stop there. I’d like to see an ordinance preventing anyone under the age of 30 from purchasing alcohol within the city limits.It is a much larger health issue than smoking. This age group in this city are a danger to themselves and to the local population. They drive under the influence, stumble off the curbs, and jaywalk, all holding wine glasses in their hands. Lets send a message to them.
While we’re at it, we need an ordinance preventing anyone from enlisting in the military until they are 21. Most 18 year- olds can’t distinguish an IED from an IUD.
How about this: an ordinance that will hold the council members financially responsible personally for any legal action that arises due to their passing of these “moral crusade issues” in which they involve the citizens of Healdsburg. Make it apply even after they leave office, sort of a “Legacy Insurance” we could could hold them to.
An issue that should be addressed is the cell phone/texting use while driving. The council could lead the state by imposing a $1,000 fine for phone/$2,500 fine for texting while driving in the city limits. The current fine is $50. Littering is $1,000. You can’t kill anyone by littering, you can’t fix stupid.  
Gary Miksis
Healdsburg