The following is the ballot pamphlet argument against the proposed half-cent sales tax increase in Antioch.

Vote NO to increasing Antioch sales tax beyond the current record levels.

The tax dollars would NOT be dedicated to police services and public safety, the number one priority among citizens, but go to the general fund. The tax would not add police but “hopefully” allow a break even next year. It will NOT solve the crisis.

The proposed oversight is not binding and cannot legally be modified at a later time.

While all Californians have seen many increases in service fees and taxes, Antioch leaders have:

• Raised water rates a total of 60 percent
• Raised sewer rates a total of 30 percent
• Allowed garbage rates to climb 26 percent this year.

Logic and history tells us a local sales tax would negatively impact Antioch businesses and still not produce the income projected. It’s wrong to ask for more tax dollars at a time when so many families and businesses are struggling financially.

Economic development, business retention, reducing the city business permit process, constant budget reviews, pension reforms and contracting out more city services will help solve our fiscal crisis.

Vote NO to this tax increase. It is the wrong solution at the wrong time.

Ruehlig was misrepresented by CCT

I haven’t written heretofore about my wife’s Area 5 County Board of Education campaign precisely because Cynthia Ruehlig is a resolutely independent personality standing on her own merits. I am compelled, though, to answer a denigrating misfact. Cynthia was accused in an October 20^th Times editorial of “misrepresenting” herself as a “Nonprofit Administrator.” Cynthia’s designation is transparent. She completed a two-year study in Nonprofit Management at the California State University East Bay and filed her credential with the County Elections Office.

My wife proudly acknowledged herself as a due diligence clerk (County Child Protective Services) in a June, 2010 letter to the editor; as a working class employee on her website, www.cynthiaruehlig.com, and as a clerk in her Times recorded interview. Why tabloid journalism?

The editorial conveniently ignores the election manual, which states a candidate may elect occupation or vocation. Webster defines vocation as a calling, pursuit, passion. Cynthia pointedly defines her vocation. Former computer teacher, businesswoman, church webmaster, five-time foster parent and co-founder of the Antioch Music Foundation, Cynthia writes grants resulting in thousands of dollars for school instruments, field trips and community concerts.

Unfazed by neither fear nor favor, Cynthia is owed an apology by the Times interviewer, Daniel Borenstein.

Walter Ruehlig

We need Parsons

We have always shown a deep love for our city and for the direction that it has been going in. Times are tough, money is short and many difficult decisions have been made concerning downsizing and change. We have voiced our opinions about our concerns to Martha Parsons via the e-mail. We can honestly say that she is the only council member to write us back with full explanations of the whys and wherefores and to also let us know that if she has any other information she will get back to us. And she has done that also! That to me, speaks highly of her dedication and tenacity. That is what this city needs: a voice! that listens to the people and works for them.

Being born in Antioch with all her children living here as well, she understands how important the vitality of our community is to the residents and business men and women who work here. Martha has served the City Council well for the past 22 months and she will continue to work and serve the best interests of all of Antioch, while working to improve the quality of life for all of our families.

Martha is a determined, hard working woman who is able to be a full time representative for her community. She has proven to us that she has excellent open communication skills and is diligent, honest, professional, and direct when is comes to responding back. She listens, evaluates, discusses, then makes decisions based on what is reasonable. This is what sound government is all about.

We need a Martha Parsons downtown. Her love of our community and her passion for service during her short  tenure has brought a positive influence to our city. This has become  evident with her involvement in such projects as Keep Antioch Beautiful, which she started and had over 900 volunteers help clean up our community by coming together around Earth Day 2010. The volunteer Graffiti Abatement Program was created and implemented with Martha as Co-Chair. She assisted the Delta Blues Festival and Hapgood Theatre in remaining viable by procuring sponsorship monies. She co-chaired the 4th of July Parade, which became an all-volunteer endeavor.

Her heart is definitely in our community. Vote for Martha Parsons this November. She will serve us well and prove to be a positive change in the city of Antioch.

Sandra and Edwin Stokes

Vote for experienced educator

My name is Richard Asadoorian and I am one of two candidates for the Contra Costa Board of Education Trustee Area 4. This area covers a great portion of Antioch (where I live), Pittsburg, San Ramon (where my opponent resides), Danville, parts of Walnut Creek and Clayton.

I am a retired school administrator. My experience in education includes teaching in elementary, middle and high school.  I have been a middle and high school counselor, a high school activities director and an alternative high school principal. Upon retirement, I was a director for two years of a summer youth employment program and served on two school board finance committees. Serving my country, I hold an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard. For three years I was a domestic violence counselor. My wife is a elementary school teacher.

If elected, my priorities are student and parent needs, fiscal oversight and protection of the music and arts programs. I also believe that Special Education, Court Schools and Regional Occupation Programs are vital to our support.

Richard Asadoorian
County Board of Education, Area 4 candidate

Antioch is making progress

While Antioch has some great challenges, we live in a wonderful city and there are bright spots! One I am most proud of is the ferry. Because of my regional contacts, I was able to restart the ferry project this past spring. I see the ferry service as a catalyst to the redevelopment of our unique Rivertown District!

I believe the strength of a city is in the spirit of its citizens. Antioch’s spirit shined earlier this year with my “Keep Antioch Beautiful,” a volunteer event which many said would never happen. It not only happened, but over 900 volunteers joined me that day to help our city be cleaner and thus safer!

Another project I believe in is “Shop Antioch,” a way to help stabilize our budget and positively influence our quality of life by spending our dollars at our own Antioch businesses, thus adding to our revenue for police and city services and helping our local businesses prosper.

Antioch can overcome challenges if we work together to keep Antioch a city to be proud of. As a voice for all Antioch and your full-time representative, I am asking for your vote for Antioch City Council!

Martha Parsons

Reform, not band-aids, needed in Sacramento

Enough is enough, California. Career politicians have brought us financial shortfalls with their poor planning, entitlements, and mismanaged funds. It’s time we had business-minded professionals who can lead our state to stability and prosperity.

I’m not a career politician, but instead of pontificating from the sidelines, I chose to run for office and make a difference. I’m not beholden to the unions; I’m free to think and act objectively. I believe we need reform in Sacramento, and that band-aids WILL NOT fix this state. We need principled leaders with common sense and a plan.

I’m running for State Assembly to serve and represent each one of you. I’ll do this by utilizing my business background, coupled with my passion for what is right, and my frustrations with what is wrong. I’ve been laid off. I know what losing a job does to an individual and a family, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help those without jobs, and work to secure the jobs we

already have.

I’m eager to do my part to bring relief and prosperity to District 11. Together, we can make that happen. Thank you, neighbors and communities of Antioch.

Julie Craven
cravenforassembly2010.com

Committed to education, community

Dear voter,

I am a lifelong resident of Antioch, a parent volunteer, community liaison coordinator at Antioch Senior High, the daughter of a former four-term school board member and a parent to an Antioch High School graduate. I have the experience to serve as a trustee for Antioch Unified School District Board.

My commitment to education and my community has spanned 30 years. I have successfully forged strong relationships with parents, business partners and service organizations to bring resources and funding to improve our district. I have had the unique opportunity to see what works and doesn’t work for children and students in Antioch.

Our oldest schools have been in serious need of restoration for many years, so I volunteered to be the chairperson of our successful $61 million School Improvement Bond in 2008. These bonds will restore and provide new infrastructure, technology and opportunity for our kids. Additionally, I was able to fund-raise over $60,000 from local businesses and service organizations for new scoreboards, campus murals, beautification projects and monies to celebrate academic improvement.

Strong parent involvement is absolutely necessary for our children’s success. My vision is for teachers, families and administrators working together to provide new and innovative ideas to tackle the challenges we face in these financially difficult times. I am ready and able to make the tough decisions to provide the very best in education for all of Antioch’s children. They deserve no less. If you would like more information please visit my website, www.joymotts.com.

I would appreciate your vote on November 2, 2010.

Thank you.

Joy Motts
Candidate for Trustee Antioch Unified School District

Fresh ideas needed on school board

Editor,

My name is Jack Yeager and I am running for the Antioch School Board.

Why should you vote for me? As a new comer to Antioch, I bring a fresh perspective on old problems that seem unresolved by former school boards. Being an educator I can bring new ideas to help our students receive the needed information to achieve the knowledge to be financially independent at graduation. Having been involved with the creation of businesses over the last 20 years, my experience can benefit both the board and students.

On the subject of campus security, steps are planned to help tackle this problem with uniforms, but not all families will participate for various reasons. This will lead to a mix population, clothing wise and not resolve the problem.

I know there are other solutions while perhaps not popular would keep our campuses free of unwanted visitors.

The community, including parents, business partners, teachers, classified personnel and administrators need to cooperate in understanding our current situation, to establish a plan to deal with it. I can help with this process succeed.

My name is Jack Yeager and I would appreciate your vote.

Jack Yeager
Antioch School Board Candidate