Editor’s Note: The following are letters to the editor written by Pitman High School students as part of a Mock Election Unit in U.S. Government classes.
Prop 4 would help ensure a better future
Dear Editor,
How important are our children’s education to you? Naturally, many parents and or guardians would want their children to receive the finest education available, to prepare them for a prosperous future and ensure they become more sensible with age. Funding educational facilities such as public schools would benefit our youth substantially and provide them with the latest resources available, textbooks, projectors, uniforms, and other essentials alike. Proposition 4 would give our generation the opportunity to witness this, the majority of public facilities are dependent on minimum funding and are not acquiring the necessities needed; Chromebooks and up-to-date booklets are not an indulgence but a need. Our youth is the future, and our future cannot blossom without proper sunlight and water, which is precisely the reason why this proposition is imperative.
According to the Learning Policy Institution, analyses show that induced funding significantly increases academic excellence for every grade level and subject assessed, as well as increases the probability of students graduating from high-school and being ready to set off for college. By investing in our children's education through ambitions like Proposition 4, we are not only equipping them with the tools they need to thrive, but we are also ensuring that our society as a whole can continue to progress and flourish.
— Julia Armenta
Lack of walkability in Turlock is alarming
Dear Editor,
I am scared to go outside in Turlock. Or should I say I am scared to WALK outside in Turlock.
It is alarming the lack of walkability this city has. Every time I have to walk to my friend’s house or go out and run errands I risk my life walking down thin narrow sidewalks with busy intersections right down my side. Sidewalks are too small for even two people walking towards each other. One person has to move to the side either half walking on the road, or completely putting themselves off the pavement. This also goes for people wanting to pass others when walking. Wide intersections like Golden State and Monte Vista isolate many of the shopping centers in town and force people to drive every time they go out. Even if there are crosswalks down that intersection, rarely do I see anyone walk down those, as it’s intimidating to put yourself in such an uninviting space. Driving costs gas money, is sometimes inaccessible to the youth, and not always a safe option. This is why I advocate for a more walkable Turlock. This problem isn’t just for walking either. Increasing the width of sidewalks and taking away wide roads can help bikers, skaters, and runners feel safe when traveling through the town. The lack of walkability in this city is downright dangerous and so I am calling for an investment towards the safety of the people who want to get around the city without having to drive.
— Diego Cepeda
Prop 32 is akin to shooting yourself in the foot
Dear Editor,
How many times will we keep raising the minimum wage until we realize the true detriment we are causing to our community? With each dollar that minimum wage raises, the cost of living rises as well. A vote yes for this proposition would be a vote to pay workers $18 dollars an hour as well as a vote yes to make basic necessities essentially unaffordable and inaccessible to members of the community. Some may think the extra dollar workers are being paid will help them to afford the cost of living and give them the means to live more comfortably than they would on a $17 rate. Wrong. If passed, this proposition will raise our community’s taxes and make both our state and local government’s budget deficit even worse than it already was. Additionally, employers who must afford this extra cost will resort to laying off employees who are undeserving of termination. If you think this problem doesn’t impact you, you are certainly mistaken. This is a pressing issue that will create consequences to everyone through a domino effect. The cost of living is already expensive enough; why would we agree to make it even worse? A vote yes on this proposition would be akin to shooting yourself in the foot. With this election around the corner, make the choice to vote no on proposition 32 and avoid adding to the problem.
— Maren Areias
Prop 2 will help keep kids safe
Dear Editor,
School is supposed to be the second “home” they say but isn't home where you should feel safe and secure and not threatened by outsiders? Nearly 350 school shooting incidents occurred across the U.S. in 2023. School security needs to improve right away in order to prevent more incidents. Not only school but even in public the crime rates have increased in the past few years This is where Prop 2 helps fund $10 billion for construction and modernization of public education facilities. Prop 2 helps build strong and secure infrastructure and will not only provide us with better education and help fix facilities. Changes in these things will have a positive effect. This proposition also provides great funds for future development and will help our future kids with better education with more safety. As a student I would say that this proposition should be a high priority.
— Param Gill
Prop 3 confirms Californians’ freedom to choose love
Dear Editor,
Do you believe in true LOVE? How would YOU feel if you weren’t allowed to be with the one you love?! It is something rare and beautiful but truly not something someone would want to lose, so why should we deny someone and their partner to be wedded in the path of marriage just because they happen to be of the same gender? It is unfair and unprofessional for our standards nowadays. While yes the idea of same gender marriage isn’t outlawed in California, the outdated language remains. With Prop 3, the Constitution of California would confirm and welcome marriage between genders while also not affecting any revenues or costs to state and local governments. Many always like to say how we are the most free country in the world and whilst we do have many freedoms in our constitution and lives, there are still many groups affected by injustice on a day to day basis due to biased hate towards them. I should be able to choose who I wish to marry if I want to be able to marry and everyone else does too. I believe we need to prove how we are willingly to show support to people who want to love who they love and if we deny them that opportunity and basic right, are we truly a state of freedom?
— Dylan Cabrera
