Local and national political advertising — on both sides — is beyond revolting

Political advertising has never been particularly noble or uplifting, but the current batch on television and online is beyond revolting in its complete lack of civility, out-and-out name calling and sleazy smear tactics.

It doesn’t matter which side you’re on or what you believe, these so-called “attack ads” are not just disheartening and distressing; they’re toxic to our system, our culture, our future.

Unfortunately, in monkey-see, monkey-do fashion, the trend is increasing at both the national and hometown level. We can only hope enough voters are turned off by the vitriol, and the most flagrant offenders are punished at the polls.

Tom Gabriel, Palm Springs

Aurora Wilson has what it takes

Over the last 30 years, I have known Aurora Wilson in various roles, first as a classmate at Cal State San Bernardino, later in her professional role at CVAG which developed into a friendship and eventually in the many organizations she has served.

She has volunteered her time to serve on the boards of the Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation, the Joslyn Senior Center, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation, and the College of the Desert Foundation, to name a few. I know from first-hand experience as CEO of the RAP that Aurora does her due diligence, asking pertinent questions and speaking her mind with informed opinions. She is an independent, conscientious and strong policymaker who respects the people she works with, while never forgetting the people she is serving.

For COD, she has demonstrated that she takes her role as trustee very seriously, recognizing her decisions will be impacting the lives of students, their families and overall community. With your vote, Aurora will continue to work to ensure COD provides the best educational opportunity for all those who depend on it.

Leticia De Lara, Indio

Why I'm voting blue

It’s time again for Americans to elect representatives locally and nationally.

The economy is one of several issues about which Americans are concerned. The EU is experiencing over a 10% inflation rate and the rest of the world is struggling with their respective inflation. Our September inflation rate of 8.2% has dropped from seven months ago. The Ukraine/Russian war and less Saudi oil production are international issues affecting all the world’s economies, not just ours.

President Biden’s administration has created many jobs, raised social security payments, raised taxes only on corporations making hundreds of millions a year and individuals making more than $400,000 a year. More Americans now have health insurance, clean energy is a priority, President Biden signed the Chips and Development Act to compete against Chinese technology and has made the U.S. a leader on the world stage again.

The Republican Party has made it a point to block or undo everything we voted for with the election of President Biden. We need to keep moving forward with our economy, health care, social policies and energy programs. That’s why I’m voting blue all the way down the ballot to keep our momentum going and prevent more Republican dissent and lies dividing our country.

Mike McGinley, Palm Springs

Contradictory logic in Wallis endorsement

Just when the Desert Sun Editorial Board finally showed signs of sound reasoning by endorsing Will Rollins, you endorse Greg Wallis in a labyrinth of contradictions. You openly support Christy Holstege for a broad spectrum of her public policies, yet still conclude Greg’s voice is needed to bring reason back to Sacramento. I’m confused. My ballot shows that Greg’s affiliated party is Republican, not independent. Isn’t that the party incumbent Chad Mayes left because it became far too extreme under Trump? Wouldn’t affiliation with the GOP, which actively curtails voting rights, limits women’s health options and gladly supports treason and insurrection to hold power, really make it Greg’s Own Party. Aren’t almost all of Greg’s endorsements from the conservative right?

Isn’t his leading endorsement our maverick sheriff, Chad Bianco, the former Oath Keeper whose lack of enforcement of life-saving public health mandates during the pandemic you actually applaud Christy for taking to task? No credit to Christy for the bipartisanship she’s already effectively demonstrated in working with Mr. Mayes to bring homelessness funds to the valley? You even contradict yourselves by admitting that Greg’s main tax reform, the repeal of the gas tax, is misguided. I’m sorry, Desert Sun Editorial Board, but such contradictory logic is just too brash for me!

Ed Dube, Palm Springs

I see no future in the Republican party

I am an independent voter. I immigrated from Mexico in 1960 and served in the army during the Vietnam War. In 1935, Social Security was established by Roosevelt; in 1965 Medicare was voted by Johnson, so I have voted mostly Democratic. I see no future in the Republican Party as long as it is controlled by Trump. The Republicans don't have plans to solve the economy; they don't have plans to solve crime; they don't have plans to fix the immigration problem; they don't have plans to bring a better health system; they are afraid to fight the drug cartel, to bring prescription drug prices down.

Luis Zendejas, Calipatria

La Quinta was a top destination before STVRs

Re: Matt McLernon’s letter to the editor Wednesday:

Mr. McLernon needs to remind himself that tens of thousands of La Quinta residents bought homes and moved here before there were short-term vacation rentals.

How did we find La Quinta? We stayed at local hotels or with friends. Real estate agents showed us homes. We attended Coachella, tennis tournaments or the Arts Festival. We experienced the joy of the desert. For 40 years La Quinta grew exponentially, exceeding expectations.

We became permanent residents or snowbirds. We comprised a community that supported La Quinta through volunteerism, working locally, shopping locally, dining locally. La Quinta thrived without STVRs.

Mr. McLernon purchased his home after the City Council ban on new STVR permits in residential zones was approved. What was he thinking? That the Council would overturn its own ban to restrict STVR to Tourist Commercial zones? If so, he is not alone. Many home buyers (and real estate investors) are waiting in the wings for Measure A to fail, anticipating that the Council will lift the ban. Then they can swoop in and plague our family neighborhoods with more weekend partiers.

Measure A will restore La Quinta‘s neighborhoods to actual residential peace and security and put more families in our neighborhoods here all year long.

Vote yes on A.

Kim Bird, La Quinta

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Political ads have reached a new low