Letters to the editor: Violent crime; institutional ownership; vote for Brownley

Demand responsible legislation

Although Representative Julia Brownley seems detached from the matter, violent crime is on the rise, both in Ventura County and nationwide, and she has failed for decades to address the issue, first in Sacramento and now in Washington.

The matter is in addition to rising homelessness, which plagues our community and has no clear end in sight. Vagrancy and violent crime are not the same, but both contribute to unsafe, poorer communities, and we deserve someone new who will fight for the best interests of their constituents. Instead, we have a progressive stalwart who focuses almost exclusively on global climate change, diversity initiatives, abortion for veterans, and renaming local post offices. At a certain point, residents of Ventura County (and an adjoining portion of Los Angeles County) must stand up and demand responsible legislative representation.

Dr. Robert P. Hager, Moorpark

Institutional takeover of homes

Family residential zoning cannot survive institutional ownership and/or use of properties. Telling owners that they have to use single-family residential homes as single-family residences is not an infringement on property rights, and there is plenty of room for discretion with additional dwelling units that aren’t exploited for financial gain.

Do allow families to share a property and equally split the expenses in the name of desperately needed affordable housing, but don’t allow slumlords to turn single-family homes into profitable but unaffordable gray market hotels or apartments. Yes In My Backyard for affordable housing. No In My Backyard for opportunistic property sharks.

We are approaching a market correction that is likely to see a significant transfer of properties to institutions and profiteers. We desperately need occupancy and ownership restrictions now.

Koert and Linda DuBois, Ventura

Brownley is only choice for 26th

In the upcoming race for California’s 26th District, there can be only one choice, and that’s Julia Brownley. She has championed the needs of all of this district and state and country too. She cares for the people, not just the corporations.

Speaking of the corporations, ask yourself how is it that their profits are through the roof while we, the people, are paying higher and higher prices for necessities. You can’t blame the president. You can only blame the party of corporate welfare, the GOP. Ask yourself what that party has done for the middle class, the answer is nothing. Unless attacking voting rights, adding counterfeit electors, wanting to alter the security of social security, minimize healthcare, eliminate important parts of our history, etc. And of course, take women’s right away and eliminate the separation of church and state.

Julia Brownley is the epitome of a caring and hardworking ally of the people. She will continue to do so after she is re-elected.

Jim Shahan, Oak Park

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Violent crime; institutional ownership; vote for Brownley