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Editors note: Dominic Torchia is one of Tuolumne County's most vociferous citizens - agree with him or not - free speech is alive an well in the foothills. Mr. Torchia writes:
Dear Folks-
For the fourth time in the past 12 months, the Union Democrat has censored my
letters to the editor. I feel that the information in those letters was
critical, considering the media in our area rarely gives the people the
"other side" of any story.
Therefore, I would like to know how much it would cost me to
place the "other side" of the news into an ad in the U. D.
I would place one a week, and they will be about 275 words
in the body. There will also be about a hundred words of
explanation why I was forced to do this at my own expense.
Below is one of the censored pieces so that you can judge how
much space I will need. We can put some flags or bunting around
the edges.
In anticipation of your response, I thank you.
Domenic Torchia
July 2, 2009
Dear Editor-
Tuolumne County is facing one of the greatest crises in its history. However, observing Supervisor Murrison’s activities of late, one must wonder does she care?
We first observed her questionable behavior when she was appointed Board President. Shortly thereafter, she attempted a coup by seeking what amounted to absolute authority over the Board. Fortunately, the other members sensed the danger and put a stop to it. (UD 2-11-09)
Later she redirected the Boards attention away from our needs and toward some of her own political and personal alliances. "Also, the board approved joining the “Red Team,” a collaboration….” (UD 6-3-09)
At a glance, this still seems harmless enough. But then what appears to be paybacks begin: “Be it further resolved, that the Board of Supervisors…urges the California State Legislature and the Governor to approve legislation to encourage the establishment of a "California grown purchase preference for wood products...." (Board resolution-June 2009)
Her resolution calls for protectionist legislation that could result in a trade war against California. At the same time this action would only help one of Murrison’s biggest political contributors, while bringing great harm to our State’s economy and further exacerbating our own problems.
Another thing that may alarm you is learning Mrs. Murrison was a keynote speaker at a recent convention consisting of what many refer to as “ultra right wing extremist groups.” She was introduced as a Tuolumne County Supervisor, representing “Coordination District Three.”
(sidebar-the County found that Mrs. Murrison's trip at taxpayers expense was wrong and asked to be reimbursed. TuCare bailed her out from what County Counsel told me. Now we need to recoup the taxpayers money which funded the costs of Deputy County Counsel-possibly thousands of dollars)
Tuolumne County is in a crisis; health care, businesses, parks, unemployment, county services, etc. Might I suggest she spend more time on our problems, less time on her own political agenda, and let us know who she truly represents.
(Chris Bateman confirmed on 8-18-09 at noon)
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