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Inherited properties
shouldn’t get tax breaks
Re: “Inheritance levy target of repeal” (Page A1, Nov. 30).
Though the season of giving is upon us, I’m not feeling generous when it comes to the repeal-Proposition 19 crowd. In my view, it is unconscionable that those who inherit assets worth millions of dollars demand preferential tax treatment as well. Where is the fairness in that?
Those who purchased the Sunnyvale house that Shari Duffy inherited free and clear most certainly aren’t receiving a lower property tax assessment, so it is perplexing to me why she thinks she is deserving of one. When tens of millions of Americans can’t raise $1,000 to cover emergencies, it’s difficult for me to have any sympathy for someone who receives a multimillion-dollar windfall and then claims that the property taxes “wiped me out.”
Shari Duffy and others in her situation ought to be thankful for their good fortune and leave it at that. Happy holidays to all.
Anthony Stegman
San Jose
Prop. 19 argues for
neutral synopses of bills
Re: “Inheritance levy target of repeal” (Page A1, Nov. 30).
I am one Realtor who did not vote for Proposition 19.
I support private property rights, not short-term sales gains at property owners’ expense. Passage of Proposition 19 illustrates the number of low-information voters in the state. It’s also a clarion call for a neutral third-party to write the synopses of propositions in the voter pamphlets and on the ballots, rather than the attorney general, a partisan elected official.
Kathryn Tomaino
Los Altos
Improve training for
mandated reporters
I am writing to express my concern regarding mandated reporter training for professionals in San Jose and the county.
From working many mandated reporter positions within San Jose, I can say the mandated reporter training lacks efficiency. A brief mandated reporter training does not do justice to the children who may be being abused or neglected. For professionals who interact daily with children, they should be better equipped to call Child Protective Services, and they should ask the correct questions when children report possible abuse.
There should be more stringent and in-depth mandated reporter training for professionals in the local area, or universal training for the local mandated reporting agencies.
I urge local leaders to address this issue because not being properly trained puts the lives of children at risk, and no child should be hurt because the professionals who are supposed to help them are not properly trained.
Manuel Prado
Hollister
San Jose’s challenge:
Provide families housing
The cost of living in San Jose has increased to a point where many families are being pushed out of the city they once called home. “Drive until you can afford it” has become the new reality, as many families are unable to afford living in the Bay Area. For those who choose to stay, the rise in rent has far exceeded the increase in wages, leaving many families with no choice but to make trade-offs to stay afloat.
The housing-cost challenge is not just an economic issue; it has become a public health concern. When families have to spend most of their income on housing, there is barely anything left for everyday necessities like child care, medical care and food. Tackling San Jose’s housing challenge is not just about numbers on a page; it is about ensuring this city remains a place where families can build their lives with dignity and stability.
Mariana Becerra Nunez
San Jose
Congress must
reassert its standing
It is time for all members of Congress to unite in calling out Donald Trump’s actions that affect all Americans: his rollback of medical research funding; his cancellation of pre-approved wind and solar projects; his major self-dealing and acceptance of bribes from foreign countries; his pardoning of serious criminals and fraudsters; and the list goes on.
By surrendering their own morals in order to cling to power, members of Congress are allowing our bully president to strip away all their power. Soon, it won’t matter anyway since their elected positions will be irrelevant in Trump’s America.
Genevieve Stoner
San Jose
Trump ruining military
a resignation at a time
Re: “Will military stand against illegal orders?” (Page A13, Nov. 30).
It came as no surprise to me that four-star Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), announced his early retirement effective later this month.
The timing and circumstances of his retirement have led to speculation about his reasons for leaving, as his tenure was shorter than typically expected for this command. Holsey has not commented publicly on the reasons for his premature departure, but it’s most likely that he questioned the legality or ethics of President Trump’s orders for attacks in the waters near Venezuela and was upset about being forced into a subservient role in Trump’s war.
It is unfortunate that the only way for officers to stand against illegal orders in the military is to resign and thus weaken the posture of our military force, one resignation at a time.
Frank Swanson
Cupertino
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