Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for April 20, 2023

Positive outlook in the face of hate is inspiring

I want to thank Anita Frank for her beautiful Marin Voice commentary (“Holocaust survivor speaks out against allowing hate to fester,” April 15).

I so admire people who have lived through such terrible difficulties and are still able to look at the good side of life. We all should take her example and realize that love is contagious. Choose love, not hate.

— Ute Brandon, San Rafael

Know difference between citizens and residents

I read the recently published commentary by IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood (“Being an active citizen in Marin means looking for ways to serve,” April 12) with interest. He opined on a subtle difference between being a citizen and being a resident, stating it could be seen in terms of service to one’s community. However, “citizen” is a legal definition describing a person’s status regarding a specific country. The term “resident” identifies the location where a person lives.

A citizen has, among other things, a legal right to reside in a country, receive official identification (a passport) when traveling abroad and to vote in government elections. A person obtains citizenship either by birth in a country or by naturalization. A person may or may not reside in the country of their citizenship. U.S. citizens may reside here or elsewhere. Similarly, citizens of the United Kingdom may reside in the U.S., as I did when I first came to this country.

Describing people as a citizen of a city, county or state is incorrect. The national government has sole authority over conferring citizenship. Often “citizen” is used incorrectly to describe people living in a community. For example, calling someone a citizen of Novato is incorrect. The reference should be to the inhabitants or residents of Novato.

Spotswood’s point that serving one’s community makes one a “citizen” is fanciful. Residents who aren’t legal citizens but serve the community would, under Spotswood’s definition, be “citizens of the community.” But, according to the column, a legal citizen who doesn’t serve the community would be a resident.

Unfortunately, the subject of residency has become a political lightning rod. Words matter. They are increasingly used as weapons against those with whom one disagrees. Let’s not add fuel to this fire.

— Jennifer Goldfinger, Novato

Road repairs must do most good for least cost

I am surprised. According to a recently published article in the Marin IJ (“Racial equity used to plan road repairs,” April 14), county officials are planning on deviating from selecting roads to be repaired based on the current pavement condition index.

The index selects roads in the greatest state of disrepair first because the longer the repair is delayed, the more expensive it becomes. The new criteria to be applied requires prioritizing repairs in underserved communities. I am concerned that some believe this change confirms that there has been a conscious effort in the past not to repair roads in locations where minorities predominate. I don’t believe that’s true. If you disagree, please provide some evidence.

The new plan would prioritize repairs in underserved minority communities using a race equity budget tool. I want to know what criteria were used in developing the tool. I find it concerning that race is even a factor. Are we not all to be treated equally? I am a White person who thinks the county should spend its limited resources where they will do the most good for the least cost. The race or heritage of the neighborhood should not matter.

Racial discrimination certainly exists today and will 100 years from now, but it has improved. There is every reason to think it will continue to do so if people will turn down the bellicose rhetoric. The popular thrust is to achieve equity. But does that necessitate paying more for road repair and having a Marin County Office of Equity?

— Ray Park, San Rafael

New water rate fees are a true disappointment

Like many others, I voted for change on the Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors with the expectation of fresh ideas from the new board. And, similar to others writing letters here, I am disappointed with the rate hikes (“Marin Municipal Water District seeks rate hikes of up to 20%,” March 19).

During the drought, I did no outdoor watering, while trying to cut back when using my dishwasher, doing the laundry and taking showers. Apparently, my reward is an exorbitant rate hike.

It feels like the new board is making this rate hike its first order of business. That shows me my vote doesn’t count and I feel insulted.

— Beatrice Johnson, San Anselmo