Measure O

Re “No on Measure O,” Ventura County editorial, Oct. 15.

I was quite surprised to read your suggestion that “voters should respond to it the same way they would answer any stranger who walked up and said, ‘Give me the cash from your personal bank account because I will spend it more wisely that you would.’ ”

Those who take one’s hard-earned money and redistribute as they see fit are called Democrats. The Times has often endorsed Democratic candidates, implying that the government is much better at determining the most effective use of their funds.

Now, when private industry seeks to turn the tables by taking money from the government and using it in a more efficient manner, The Times balks.

CHRIS FREELAND

Oak Park

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Re “County May Soon Draft Tobacco Funds Law,” Oct. 14.

Do we really trust these charlatans of government to put an ordinance in place that is meaningful to health care, or will it be a holding place for money they can use as they please in the future? Measure O, as sponsored by the private Community Memorial Hospital, would take the $260 million and give it to at least three private hospitals. The supervisors could not touch the money. It makes sense for the private hospitals to be reimbursed properly for any free health care they give to people that can not afford to pay for it.

Now the ball is in the supervisors’ court. Let’s see if they have the right stuff to do the right thing. Otherwise, let’s vote for Measure O.

BERNARD W. MERKLE

Thousand Oaks

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We are senior citizens. We are voters. We are in serious disagreement with Measure O.

We want the money to be used to help all people in Ventura County. We want the Ventura County Medical Center and Health Department facilities to get some funding. We want the private hospitals to get some funding (but not all of it).

We want children and adults to get good programs on tobacco education and the importance of quitting if they are using tobacco products. We want a strong health net for everyone.

We want the tobacco funds to remain in the public treasury for dispersal. We want rigid and regular financial audit. We invite you to join us in voting No on Measure O.

FRANK M. WITMAN

ELSIE E. WITMAN

Simi Valley