18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com FORUM EXPERIENCE MATTERS I respectfully, but strongly, disagree with the Weekly’s endorsement of David Boland for mayor of Carmelby-the-Sea (“Our editorial board’s guide to Nov. 3 elections: David Boland for Carmel Mayor,” Oct. 8-14). I’m voting for Hans Buder. Unlike Boland, Buder has an extensive track record of hard work and difficult choices thoughtfully made as a councilmember, and before that, as a forest and beach commissioner. His excellent performance as a public leader stems from his even-handed temperament. His experience equips him well to confront challenges that range from overtourism to climate change to our affordable housing shortage. Boland, on the other hand, has no governmental track record at all. We don’t know how he would conduct himself on the dais. We know nothing about his abilities as a leader or as a policymaker. We can’t know because he’s never faced the pressures of elected or appointed public office. Effective leaders prove themselves by their actions over time. Buder has shown us he’s ready to be mayor. Boland has not. Ian Martin | Carmel Your recent endorsement of Nick Smith for Pacific Grove mayor ignores Luke Coletti’s accomplishments as a community activist and former council member (“Nick Smith for Pacific Grove Mayor,” Oct. 8-14). You endorse Smith largely because he is agreeable to proposals that arise. You champion Smith’s approval of the proposed roundabout that is projected to cost $10 million, plus land acquisition, yet less than half those funds exist. Coletti opposes the needless project because there are less expensive alternatives. Coletti also recently initiated effective opposition to the unnecessary $63,000 special election referendum led by Smith to increase both his pay. Coletti also was successful with his initiative to limit Airbnb rentals to improve housing inventory. Coletti helped preserve three of our open spaces. Scrutiny of public records is not harassment; it is an essential element of government at all levels. Janet Gray | Pacific Grove PRICED OUT Salinas is home to many hardworking agricultural families, as it is a major agricultural hub in California (“Despite claims of privacy violations, Salinas’ rental registry is held in confidence,” Oct. 22-28). Despite the agricultural boom, there is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. Housing costs have gone up substantially, and it affects homeowners, renters and landlords. Many citizens are having to choose between paying rent, utilities, transportation and even groceries. Salinas leaders should be focusing on making housing more affordable and consider adding further rental protections, as many families have seen a significant increase in rent. As new homes are being built, we cannot neglect those who need stability now. A long-term Salinas housing plan is necessary for working families to have a chance to remain in Salinas. Citizens should be given information about proposed opportunities and policies, so they can share their opinions and make their voices heard. Jayson Garcia-Ceja | Salinas SEA STARRING The only reason I went to the movie to see that was the location of the filming, and I wasn’t disappointed as a land lover. The ocean is magnificent (“In the thriller Whalefall, a diver gets trapped inside a whale off the coast of Carmel,” Oct. 22-28). Vicki Ryman | Modesto Awesome movie! Ellen Millett Mercurio | Morgan Hill OPINION LETTERS continued from pg. 16 ’26
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